# Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe: A Tasty Vegetarian Delight
The rise in popularity of plant-based dishes has made room for some incredible culinary innovations. One such standout is Buffalo Cauliflower. This dish takes the classic spicy, tangy buffalo flavors traditionally associated with chicken wings and pairs them with the texture and robustness of cauliflower. Perfect for a party, a snack, or a dinner side, this Buffalo Cauliflower will leave both vegetarians and meat-lovers wanting more.
## Ingredients
### For the Cauliflower
– 1 large head of cauliflower 🥦
– 1 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
– 1 cup water 💧
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
– 1 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
– 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
– 1 teaspoon black pepper 🌑
### For the Buffalo Sauce
– 3/4 cup hot sauce 🌶️
– 2 tablespoons melted butter 🧈
– 1 tablespoon honey 🍯
– 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 🍏
### Optional Garnishes
– Chopped fresh parsley 🌿
– Blue cheese crumbles 🧀
– Celery sticks and carrot sticks 🥕
## Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 25 minutes
– Total Time: 40 minutes
– Yield: Serves 4
## Detailed Directions and Instructions
### Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
### Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower
Wash and cut your cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Set aside.
### Step 3: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but thin enough to allow excess to drip off.
### Step 4: Coat the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter and place the florets onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
### Step 5: Bake the Cauliflower
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through to ensure even cooking.
### Step 6: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until well-mixed and heated through.
### Step 7: Toss the Cauliflower in the Sauce
Once the cauliflower is done baking, remove it from the oven. Carefully place the cooked florets into a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each piece.
### Step 8: Final Bake
Return the buffalo-coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cauliflower is crispy.
### Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a couple minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, blue cheese crumbles, and serve alongside celery and carrot sticks if desired.
## Notes
– For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
– To make the dish vegan, replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative and skip the blue cheese garnish.
– The batter should have the consistency of pancake batter. If it’s too thick, add a bit more water.
## Cooking Techniques
### Baking
Baking the cauliflower ensures that it remains healthier compared to frying, without compromising on texture. The initial bake makes the vegetable tender, while the final bake makes it crispy and allows the buffalo sauce to adhere perfectly.
### Tossing
Tossing the cauliflower in the buffalo sauce while it’s hot allows the sauce to penetrate and stick better, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
## FAQs
### Can I make Buffalo Cauliflower in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make Buffalo Cauliflower in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Then, coat the cauliflower in buffalo sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
### Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour mixture in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
### How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
### Can I use a different vegetable?
Yes, broccoli or Brussels sprouts are great alternatives if you want