Crafting smoky BBQ cauliflower wings: A step-by-step recipe
Cauliflower wings have become a popular vegetarian alternative to chicken wings, appealing to those seeking plant-based options. Originating from the creative kitchens of vegetarian and vegan cooks, this dish is known for its versatility and flavor-absorbing qualities. With no deep historical roots, it has quickly become a favorite at gatherings for its delightful taste and appealing texture. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
To prepare smoky BBQ cauliflower wings, you will need one large head of cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets, one cup of all-purpose flour, one cup of water, two teaspoons of garlic powder, two teaspoons of smoked paprika, one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of pepper, and one cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Additionally, you'll need some oil for greasing the baking sheet.
Preparing the cauliflower
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius) and grease a baking sheet with oil. Mix the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper in a large bowl until smooth. Coat each cauliflower floret in this batter and arrange them on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Adding BBQ flavor
After the initial 20-minute baking period, carefully take the cauliflower out of the oven. Next, use a brush to apply BBQ sauce generously over each cauliflower piece, ensuring all sides are well-coated. Once coated, place them back in the oven. Continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes. This process will ensure that the pieces become crispy on their exteriors while remaining tender inside.
Serving suggestions
Once done, allow the cauliflower wings to cool slightly before serving them hot as an appetizer or a side dish. These smoky BBQ cauliflower wings are ideally enjoyed fresh from the oven while they're still crispy. For an enhanced taste, they can be served with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or generously drizzled with vegan ranch dressing, according to preference.
