This roasted Bang Bang Cauliflower is a perfect combination of quick, healthy, and flavourful. Unlike the traditional deep-fried version, this recipe features roasted cauliflower florets with significantly less oil, making it a lighter yet just as delicious alternative. Roasting the cauliflower brings out a slightly caramelised, nutty flavour, while still maintaining a satisfying crunch. Tossed in a punchy Bang Bang sauce that’s both spicy and nutty. Cashews add a nice crunch and complement the sauce’s heat. Served over fluffy rice and garnished with sesame seeds and spring onions, it’s a plant-based meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. This Bang Bang Cauliflower is a whole-food, plant-based recipe you can feel good about enjoying regularly.
Healthy Bang Bang Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cauliflower
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 inch knob of ginger crushed
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 long red chilli
- 1/4 cup raw cashews
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
To serve
- Boiled rice
- Spring onion slices
- Toasted sesame seed
Instructions
- Preheat oven or air fryer to 200C, cut cauliflower into small bite-size florets.
- Drizzle oil, season with salt, pepper and paprika, place on a baking dish, roast in the oven or air fryer for 18-20 mins until golden.
- Finely chop garlic, ginger and fresh red chilli. Heat oil in a pan on a medium heat, sauté garlic and chilli for 2 minutes, add soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, maple syrup, water and combine, leave sauce on a low heat for a minute until it slightly thickens
- Mix the roasted cauliflower the sauce, along with cashew nuts and cover.
- Serve the cauliflower over a boiled rice, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with spring onion.
Notes
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If you’d like to use the whole cauliflower, place the leafy stems into the oven at the last 8 minutes.
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De-seed red chillies to preference.
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Use tamari instead of soy sauce in the chili sauce.
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Pat the cauliflower dry before roasting for extra crispiness.
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Reheat any leftovers in the oven to keep them crispy.
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Sprinkle chopped peanuts for extra texture.
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Pair with a creamy vegan mayo or tahini sauce to balance the heat.