Crispy Bang Bang Cauliflower (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Sauce for Bang Bang Cauliflower

01 - 1/4 cup chili paste like sambal oelek (sriracha works too!)
02 - 1/2 cup plant-based mayo
03 - 2 tablespoons agave syrup or maple syrup

→ Batter for Coating

04 - 1/2 cup cornstarch
05 - 1 head of cauliflower, broken into small florets
06 - 3/4 cup everyday flour (gluten-free works fine too)
07 - 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk) mixed with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
08 - 1 tablespoon of chili paste (pick your favorite, like sambal oelek)
09 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

→ Crunchy Crumb Coating

13 - 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs mixed with a dash of salt, garlic powder, onion powder & pepper

→ Optional Garnish

14 - A sprinkle of sesame seeds to finish

# Instructions:

01 - In a medium bowl, stir together the mayo, chili paste, and syrup until smooth. Make sure it's well mixed, then set it aside for later.
02 - Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Cover a baking sheet with either greased foil or a silicone mat so nothing sticks.
03 - Combine the flour, cornstarch, chili paste, plant milk with lemon, and the spices in a big bowl. Stir until it forms a sticky, almost tempura-like texture. Need adjustments? Add more milk if it's thick or toss in more flour if it's too runny.
04 - Dunk the cauliflower pieces into the batter, covering them completely. Then roll each piece in the seasoned Panko crumbs one at a time. Put them on the baking sheet with a little space in between.
05 - Bake the breadcrumb-coated cauliflower at 450°F for about 22 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure the oven's well heated.
06 - Take out the baking sheet and carefully coat the hot cauliflower with the prepared sauce. Use tongs or a spatula to get every piece evenly covered, then place them back on the sheet.
07 - Pop everything back into the oven for a minute or two to let the sauce settle and soak into the crust.
08 - Sprinkle with sesame seeds, and dig in while they're fresh and hot! They're best enjoyed right out of the oven.

# Notes:

01 - These cauliflower bites are spicy, sweet, and ultra crunchy. The creamy sauce clings to every piece so perfectly!
02 - Change up the heat levels by adding more or less chili paste in both the batter and sauce.
03 - Perfect as an appetizer for parties, game days, or even as a main dish with veggies and rice.

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