Vegan wings offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite, using cauliflower as a base to mimic the texture and taste of traditional wings. This ingenious recipe transforms the humble cauliflower into something crispy, spicy, and utterly delicious. It's coated in a flavorful batter, baked to perfection, and then tossed in a tangy hot sauce.
These vegan wings are perfect for those looking for a plant-based alternative to chicken wings, providing a guilt-free way to satisfy those spicy cravings. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply trying to eat less meat, these wings are a great addition to any meal or gathering.
Why This Recipe Works
This vegan wings recipe works wonders because it cleverly uses cauliflower, an incredibly versatile vegetable, to replicate the texture and experience of eating chicken wings. The batter and baking process give the cauliflower a crispy exterior that's similar to the crunch you'd expect from deep-fried wings, while the inside remains tender. The hot sauce mixture not only adds the classic wing flavor but also infuses the cauliflower with a deep, spicy taste that can be adjusted according to your heat preference. It's a simple yet effective way to enjoy the essence of wings without any meat.
Moreover, this recipe stands out for its adaptability and ease. You can switch up the spices in the batter or the type of sauce to suit your tastes, making it incredibly customizable. Whether you prefer them mild, fiery, or somewhere in between, you can tailor these vegan wings to your liking. They're also surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time. This accessibility makes the recipe a fantastic option for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a fun dinner that everyone can enjoy. By choosing this vegan alternative, you're not just opting for a healthier option but also indulging in a delicious treat that's sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cauliflower - Acts as the "wings," offering a meaty texture. Substitute: oyster mushrooms for a different texture but similar ability to soak up flavors.
All-Purpose Flour - Used for the batter, gives the wings a crispy coating. Substitute: chickpea flour for a gluten-free option.
Almond Milk - Mixes with flour to create a vegan batter. Substitute: any plant-based milk.
Garlic Powder - Adds flavor to the batter. Substitute: onion powder for a different but complementary taste.
Hot Sauce - For tossing the baked wings, adds the spicy flavor. Substitute: BBQ sauce for a sweeter, smoky flavor.
Tips
- Make sure the cauliflower florets are dry before dipping in the batter for a crispier finish.
- Let excess batter drip off to avoid soggy wings.
- Bake on a wire rack over a baking sheet for even air circulation and crispiness.
- Toss with sauce immediately after baking for maximum flavor absorption.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
How to Serve
Vegan wings made from cauliflower are a delicious, guilt-free way to enjoy a game day favorite or a spicy appetizer. Their crunchy exterior and tender interior make them a satisfying snack for vegans and non-vegans alike.
- These wings are perfect served alongside a creamy vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Add some carrot sticks and celery on the side for a classic wing platter feel.
- They also make a great topping for a vegan salad, adding protein and spice, or can be wrapped in lettuce leaves with avocado and vegan cheese for a low-carb, spicy taco alternative.
Similar Recipes
Vegan Wings
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter melted
- Optional: paprika to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, almond milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional paprika until smooth.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then place on the wire rack.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until the coating is crispy.
- In the meantime, mix the hot sauce and melted vegan butter in a large bowl.
- Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss with the hot sauce mixture until well coated.
- Return the cauliflower to the wire rack and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the sauce.
- Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce and sides.
Nutrition
Notes
• Let excess batter drip off to avoid soggy wings.
• Bake on a wire rack over a baking sheet for even air circulation and crispiness.
• Toss with sauce immediately after baking for maximum flavor absorption.
• Serve immediately for the best texture.