Description
These Sticky Sesame Cauliflower Wings are a deliciously crispy, flavorful vegan appetizer perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Coated in a crispy panko crust and baked to golden perfection, the cauliflower florets are then tossed in a sticky, tangy sesame sauce made with soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil for an irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Wings
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Sticky Sesame Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cauliflower wings.
- Make Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth batter.
- Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it is fully coated, then roll it in panko breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy texture.
- Bake Cauliflower: Arrange the breaded cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken Sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add this to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens to a sticky glaze.
- Coat Cauliflower in Sauce: Remove the baked cauliflower from the oven and toss each floret thoroughly in the thickened sesame sauce.
- Final Bake: Place the coated cauliflower back onto the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions just before serving for added flavor and crunch.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can use a convection oven or broil briefly at the end.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by tweaking the amount of maple syrup according to your taste.
- This recipe is vegan and can be served as a healthy appetizer or snack.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
