Buffalo wings are a classic favorite, but if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, these Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Bites are the way to go! I’ve seen different versions of these bites all over Pinterest, and I’ve always been curious to see how they compare to the real thing. I’m a huge fan of buffalo wings, but I’m also always searching for healthy options that cater to both meat-lovers and plant-based eaters. These cauliflower bites offer the perfect balance of veggies and spicy buffalo flavor with far fewer calories.
The Key to Crispy Cauliflower Bites
To achieve the ideal cauliflower bite, it’s all about that crispy, golden crust. Without it, you’ll end up with soggy cauliflower drenched in hot sauce, and that’s just not what we want. I tested two methods: one with unsweetened almond milk and brown rice flour, and another with water and brown rice flour. While the almond milk version wasn’t bad, it didn’t get as crispy as the water version, which gave the cauliflower that perfect crunch. So, water and brown rice flour it is!
Surprisingly, these bites taste best when allowed to set at room temperature for a bit after baking. I’m not sure what makes this step essential, but trust me—it makes a big difference. Letting them cool for a while enhances the flavor, giving them a satisfying combination of hot wings and tater tots.
Do they taste just like buffalo wings? Well, considering we’re using cauliflower instead of chicken, I’d say these come pretty close. It’s definitely one of the tastiest ways I’ve eaten cauliflower, and I’m sure if you’re a buffalo wing lover, you’ll love these, too.
Cauliflower Buffalo Bites Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 2-3
Ingredients
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1 head cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized pieces
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½ cup brown rice flour
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½ cup water
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Pinch of kosher salt
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Pinch of granulated garlic powder
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Non-stick spray
Sauce
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1 tsp Earth Balance butter substitute, melted
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½ cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 450°F.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the brown rice flour, water, garlic powder, and salt.
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Dip each cauliflower piece into the batter, coating it evenly, then place the pieces on a lightly greased, non-stick baking sheet.
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Bake for about 10 minutes or until the batter firms up. Flip the cauliflower with a spatula and bake for another 5 minutes.
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While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the melted Earth Balance butter substitute and Frank’s Red Hot sauce in a small bowl.
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Once the cauliflower is done baking, use a pastry brush to evenly coat each piece with the hot sauce mixture.
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Return the coated cauliflower to the oven for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is crispy and the sauce has been absorbed.
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Remove from the oven and allow the bites to set out at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Bites, a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional buffalo wings!
