Description
Crispy, golden-brown cauliflower bites coated in a spicy, flavorful batter and fried (or baked) to perfection. This dish is the perfect plant-based alternative to fried chicken, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cauliflower Bites:
- 1 large cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into bite-sized florets
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ cup water
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
For the Spicy Marinade:
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochujang paste (adjust for spice preference)
- ½ tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
Optional for Garnish & Extra Flavor:
- Chopped green onions
- Extra cayenne or chili flakes for heat
- Sesame seeds for crunch
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Rinse and pat dry the cauliflower.
- Cut into even bite-sized florets for uniform cooking.
2. Make the Spicy Marinade:
- In a bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, gochujang paste, rice wine vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Toss the cauliflower florets in the marinade and let them sit for 15-30 minutes for maximum flavor.
3. Prepare the Coating:
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
- Add water and whisk until a smooth batter forms.
4. Coat the Cauliflower:
- Remove florets from the marinade and coat them in the batter.
- Shake off excess batter for a light, crispy finish.
5. Cook the Cauliflower:
🔴 Deep-Fry for Extra Crispiness:
- Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep pan.
- Fry cauliflower in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
🟢 Bake for a Healthier Option:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place coated cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
🟠 Air Fry for a Lighter Alternative:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway for even crispiness.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or lime wedges.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces!
Notes
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs as a coating.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing gochujang and cayenne pepper.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheat in an oven or air fryer for crispiness.
- For gluten-free, swap flour for a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 15-30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Frying, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan, Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 331 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spicy cauliflower, crispy cauliflower bites, vegan fried chicken, cauliflower wings, plant-based appetizer