An intricate play off much loved restaurant plant-based wings. These wings deliver a balance of sweet and spicy flavours thats combined with fresh cool cucumbers, crunchy peanuts, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro and scallions finished with a generous squeeze of lemon. The cauliflower seasoning gives it some acidity, has a bit of a kick and some sweetness for a complete fulsome flavour profile that wont disappoint. Enjoy these cauliflower bites as an appetizer or as part of a meal such as our lettuce wraps or turn them into fun dinner bowls, or tacos!

These beautiful little nuggets are oven fried until golden and additionally baked in sauce for a second time until crispy on the outside. They can easily be mistaken for chicken at a first glance and even when you bite into them its hard to believe its cauliflower and that this dish is entirely 100% plant-based.

To make the wings

This is not a 20 minute meal. The process is similar to making real chicken wings from scratch where you have to pat dry the wings and coat them in the sauce. Almost as if you were planning on making breaded chicken wings there are a few steps involved in the preparation. It never hurts to make extra while you have everything out and ready to-go you might as well take advantage. They are perfect for meal options the next day.

To make things move along quicker buying pre-cut cauliflower already in the form of florets can save you some time. Costco sells a pack that is the perfect amount. Have the cauliflower cut (not too small) because that means more dredging and prepping. Both shallow bowls with the coating ready and potentially a wet cloth for your fingers if you happen to get them all sticky.

We would rate the spice level of this dish medium and potentially a little closer to the hot side. If we could rate it with some spicy peppers i think it would be about 3. When you’re prepping the sauce we highly recommend you give it a taste before tossing it with the cauliflower bites. Tasting and adjusting the level of heat to your licking is key. You want to be able to enjoy them and not feel a burning sensation in your mouth. If you really can’t handle heat omit the chili garlic sauce all together. If you’re not sure what this is here is what is looks like.

If you make these cauliflower wings be sure to give this recipe a rating and of course tag us on instagram and be sure to share on Pinterest!

Print Recipe

szechuan cauliflower wings

Oven fried szechuan cauliflower wings coated in a sweet and spicy sauce served with fresh cool cucumbers, and a squeeze of lemon.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Appetizers

Servings: 1 head of cauliflower

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup almond flour or regular flour
• 1 TBS cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 TBS lemon zest
• salt and pepper to taste
• garnish: fresh cucumber slices sesame seeds, scallions, cilantro, lemon wedge
• For the sauce
• 1/2 cup sriracha
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1 teaspoon ginger freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray. Set aside.
• Wash, dry and cut cauliflower into bite sized florets.
• In 2 shallow bowls prepare the dredging mixture: combine almond milk, flour and cornstarch in a bowl mix until the consistency resembles a thick batter. In the second bowl combine the breadcrumbs, spices, lemon zest and season with salt and pepper.
• Individually dip florets into the wet mixture ensuring all sides have been lightly coated. Shake excess liquid and transfer into the panko mixture to coat evenly. Place each piece onto your baking sheet leaving a bit of space in-between in a single layer. Repeat this step until all of your cauliflower is coated. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the wings begin to turn golden.
• In the meantime prepare the sauce: Combine all the ingredients in a large measuring cup or bowl. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust if needed. Once the wings are golden, remove from the oven and transfer to a large bowl. Pour the sauce overtop and gently toss to evenly coat. Return the wings to the baking sheet and cook an additional 10 minutes.
• Serve wings with fresh cucumber slices, cilantro, green onions and lemon wedge.

Notes

Wings can be kept in the fridge once cooked and re-heated in the oven at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes. Will keep up to 3-4 days.