Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings

Introduction

Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings are a total game-changer when it comes to plant-based snacks. If you’re craving something crispy, savory, and satisfying, these cauliflower wings are the way to go. They’re coated in a crunchy batter, baked until golden and crispy, then tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s just the right mix of sweet and savory. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional wings or just want something delicious to snack on, these wings tick all the boxes.

I first made these when I was hosting a get-together and needed a fun appetizer that would please everyone—vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. I was blown away by how delicious they were! The cauliflower takes on a wonderful texture that mimics the crispiness of fried wings, and the teriyaki glaze just adds that perfect amount of flavor. Since then, they’ve become a go-to in my kitchen for parties, casual meals, or whenever I’m in the mood for a light yet hearty snack.

What I love most about these Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings is how versatile they are. You can easily make them your own by adjusting the spice level of the teriyaki sauce, adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even serving them with a dipping sauce on the side. They’re also perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, and they always seem to disappear fast. Whether served as an appetizer or the main event, they’re sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds!

Perfect for:

• Game days
• Snack time
• Casual get-togethers
• Plant-based meals
• Appetizers for parties

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings will become your go-to recipe:

• Healthy and Plant-Based: Made with cauliflower, this recipe provides a healthier, plant-based alternative to traditional chicken wings without compromising on flavor.
• Crispy and Crunchy: The cauliflower wings are baked to perfection, delivering the satisfying crunch you crave, while staying light and crispy without being greasy.
• Flavor-Packed Teriyaki Sauce: The sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce elevates the cauliflower wings, giving them a bold and delicious glaze.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these cauliflower wings are quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy nights or spontaneous cravings.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the level of sweetness, saltiness, or spice in the teriyaki sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings:

• 1 medium cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free version)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
• 2-3 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cauliflower: The star of the dish! Cauliflower provides a nutritious base that absorbs the teriyaki glaze beautifully while offering a satisfying bite.
• Almond Milk: A dairy-free milk that helps the batter stick to the cauliflower florets while keeping the recipe light and vegan.
• Soy Sauce: The essential umami flavor for the teriyaki sauce, providing depth and saltiness to the dish.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners bring the perfect level of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and the acidity of the vinegar.
• Cornstarch: This thickening agent helps create a glossy, smooth teriyaki sauce that sticks beautifully to the wings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings:

Prepare the Cauliflower Wings:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Coat the Cauliflower Florets: In a large bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the almond milk until you have a smooth batter.
3. Dip and Coat: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for all florets.
4. Drizzle with Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the cauliflower to help it crisp up in the oven.
5. Bake: Bake the cauliflower florets for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

6. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
7. Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly add this mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed, adding more honey or soy sauce to suit your preference.

Assemble the Wings:

9. Toss in the Teriyaki Sauce: Once the cauliflower wings are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the wings and toss them gently to coat.
10. Serve: Transfer the coated wings to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.

How to Serve

Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Snack or Appetizer: Perfect for serving as a finger food at parties or as a snack while watching a movie or sports event.
• With a Side of Rice: Serve these wings over steamed rice for a filling, balanced meal.
• With Veggies or Salad: Pair with a side of fresh veggies or a light salad to add some crunch and freshness to the meal.
• On a Tasting Platter: Include these wings on a platter with other plant-based appetizers, such as hummus, stuffed mushrooms, or avocado toast.
• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with extra teriyaki sauce or spicy sriracha for dipping, enhancing the flavor experience.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make sure your Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings turn out perfect every time:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Make sure the cauliflower florets are spaced out on the baking sheet so they bake evenly and get crispy on all sides.
• For Extra Crispiness: If you want even crispier wings, try lightly pressing the florets with a spatula after they’ve been baked for a minute or two.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the teriyaki sauce before you toss the wings and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup if needed.
• Use Tamari for Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Add Spice: If you like your wings spicy, add a bit of chili sauce or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a kick.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings:

• Spicy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings: Add sriracha or chili paste to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy twist.
• Maple Mustard Cauliflower Wings: Swap the honey for maple syrup and add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy variation.
• Lemon Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the teriyaki sauce for a zesty burst of flavor.
• Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Wings: After tossing the cauliflower in the teriyaki sauce, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
• Sesame Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings: Add a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds into the sauce for extra flavor.
• Crispy Baked Cauliflower Wings: Double-coat the cauliflower florets with breadcrumbs after dipping in the batter to make them even crunchier.
• Buffalo Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings: Combine the teriyaki sauce with buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Smoked Paprika Cauliflower Wings: Add extra smoked paprika to the batter for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings: Use sweet chili sauce in place of honey or maple syrup in the teriyaki sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Coconut Crusted Cauliflower Wings: Coat the cauliflower in shredded coconut after dipping in the batter for a tropical flair.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the cauliflower wings after they are coated in batter but before they are baked. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to help you make Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings:

• Baking Sheet: A standard baking sheet is essential for baking the cauliflower wings.
• Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: Helps to prevent the cauliflower from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Large Bowl: For mixing the batter and tossing the cauliflower wings.
• Whisk: To create a smooth batter when mixing the flour and almond milk.
• Small Saucepan: For making the teriyaki sauce.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: To accurately measure the ingredients for the batter and sauce.
• Spatula: For tossing the cauliflower wings gently in the teriyaki sauce.
• Small Bowl (for cornstarch slurry): To mix the cornstarch and water for thickening the sauce.
• Oven Mitts: To handle the hot baking sheet when flipping the cauliflower or removing from the oven.
• Tongs: To transfer the cauliflower wings to the serving dish.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
   Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw it and pat it dry before using it to ensure it crisps up well in the oven.
2. Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
   Yes, you can cook these cauliflower wings in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
   Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour in place of gluten-free flour if you don’t need a gluten-free version.
4. Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
5. How can I make the cauliflower wings spicier?
   To make the wings spicier, simply add more sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce.

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Conclusion

Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings are the perfect combination of crispy, savory, and sweet, offering a plant-based twist on the classic chicken wing. The crunchy cauliflower, coated in a rich and tangy teriyaki glaze, delivers all the satisfying flavors without the extra calories. Whether you’re craving a healthier snack, looking for a fun appetizer for a party, or just want to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress.

What makes this dish even better is its versatility—it’s easily customizable! You can adjust the level of heat by adding a dash of chili flakes, or make it even sweeter by adding a touch more honey. It’s a quick, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to game nights.

Treat yourself to this delicious and healthier alternative to traditional wings, and enjoy a satisfying, plant-based option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. I can’t wait to see how your Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creation. Enjoy, and happy cooking!