Name: Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into even-size florets; 2 cups crushed tortilla chips (any kind, Siete Foods preferred); 3/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular all-purpose flour); 3 tablespoons tapioca flour (or arrowroot or cornstarch); 3/4 cup non-dairy milk of choice; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 2/3 cups store-bought teriyaki sauce; 1 bunch scallions, finely chopped (mostly greens); Sesame seeds (optional); 1 bottle ranch dressing (optional, for serving)

Jump to Recipe

If you have been searching for a flavorful, plant-based snack that combines the satisfying crunch of your favorite wings with a mouthwatering Asian-inspired twist, look no further. This Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Recipe delivers crispy, golden cauliflower florets generously coated in a sticky, tangy teriyaki glaze. It is the perfect way to enjoy a healthier alternative to traditional wings without sacrificing any of the fun or bold flavors. Whether you’re serving these as an appetizer for guests or a comforting weeknight snack, you’re in for a delicious treat that everyone will love.

The image shows a black tray lined with brown parchment paper holding about sixteen pieces of dark, crispy, nut-coated bites. These bites are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green herb pieces, with tiny red chili bits scattered throughout. The top right corner has two lime wedges, and a few sprigs of fresh cilantro lie nearby. Two small white ceramic bowls sit on the tray: one filled with a bright orange-red dipping sauce with visible chili pieces, and the other with a creamy white sauce topped with green herbs. One nut-coated bite is dipped partially into the white sauce. The whole setup rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Recipe lies in its simplicity and use of accessible ingredients that pack a punch individually and come together for an irresistible texture and taste. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crispy coating to the savory sauce that ties everything together.

Cauliflower florets: Using a large head chopped into even pieces ensures consistent cooking and perfect bite-sized wings.
Crushed tortilla chips: Provides an extra-crunchy coating with a subtle corn flavor; Siete Foods chips work wonderfully.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Acts as the base for the batter, helping the coating adhere and crisp up.
Tapioca flour: Adds elasticity and crispness to the batter, making the coating light and crunchy.
Non-dairy milk: Used to create a smooth batter; choice of milk works fine as long as it’s unsweetened.
Seasonings (black pepper, sea salt, garlic powder): Essential to flavor the batter and balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
Teriyaki sauce: The star glaze that coats the wings with a sticky and savory sweet finish.
Scallions: Bright green tops add fresh flavor and a pop of color at the end.
Sesame seeds: Optional, but they provide extra nuttiness and texture.
Ranch dressing: Optional for dipping, the cool creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm wings.

How to Make Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cauliflower

Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 450°F. Line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat, parchment paper, or greased foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Chop your cauliflower into evenly sized florets so they bake uniformly and absorb that crispy coating perfectly.

Step 2: Crush the Chips and Make the Batter

Place your tortilla chips into a blender or food processor and pulse them until you get a mix of fine crumbs and little crunchy bits—this uneven texture is key for that satisfying crunch. Next, whisk together the gluten-free flour, tapioca flour, non-dairy milk, and seasonings until smooth and free of lumps. Adjust consistency so it’s thick enough to coat yet not too gloopy.

Step 3: Coat Cauliflower in Batter and Chips

Toss the cauliflower florets into the batter so each piece is fully coated. Then, transfer them one by one into the crushed tortilla chips, pressing gently to cover each floret. Place them spaced out on your baking sheet to let the heat circulate and achieve crispiness on all sides.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Pop your coated florets into the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. This step firms up the coating beautifully, creating a golden, crunchy exterior with a tender interior.

Step 5: Glaze with Teriyaki Sauce

While baking, pour the teriyaki sauce into a shallow dish; add a splash of water if it’s too thick for easy coating. Once the cauliflower is baked, dip each floret into the sauce or brush it generously to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Final Bake to Set the Sauce

Return the sauced cauliflower back to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This baking melds the sauce to the crispy crust and intensifies that irresistible sticky glaze.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

When your Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Recipe comes out of the oven, sprinkle finely chopped scallions and optional sesame seeds over the top for brightness and texture. Serve hot alongside ranch dressing if you love that creamy, cool contrast to the sweet and savory wings.

How to Serve Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The finishing touches elevate your wings from delicious to irresistible. Adding chopped scallions brings a fresh, mild sharpness, while sesame seeds introduce delicate nuttiness and a subtle crunch. These simple additions brighten the plate and enhance every bite of the Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Recipe.

Side Dishes

Think about pairing these wings with sides that complement their bold flavors and crunchy texture. Crisp cucumber salad, jasmine rice, or steamed edamame provide balance and freshness. For a casual snack session, crunchy carrot and celery sticks with ranch or blue cheese dip are a classic pairing that never fails.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful when serving these wings—try arranging them on a platter with plenty of fresh herbs or sprinkle crushed peanuts for an added layer of texture. Serving in small bamboo baskets or on banana leaves can bring a fun, tropical vibe to the presentation, making the eating experience just as exciting as the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for next-day snacking or adding to lunchboxes.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze for a couple of hours. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. They freeze well for up to 2 months and can be reheated straight from frozen.

Reheating

To revive their crunch, reheat the wings in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these wings gluten-free?

Absolutely! Using gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensuring your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free makes this Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive folks without losing any flavor or crispiness.

What can I use instead of tortilla chips for coating?

If you want a different crunch, panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes work well as alternatives. Just make sure to get a variety with good texture to mimic that extra crispy coating.

Is there a way to make this recipe oil-free?

Yes! This recipe bakes the wings without any added oil, relying on the crispy coating and high oven temperature to build crunch. Just be sure to use parchment or silicone liners to prevent sticking.

Can I use homemade teriyaki sauce?

Definitely! A homemade teriyaki sauce allows you to control sweetness and salt, and it works beautifully with this recipe. Just ensure it’s thick enough or adjust with cornstarch for better coating.

How spicy are these wings?

This Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Recipe is mild and sweet, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter or mix chili flakes into the teriyaki sauce if you crave some heat.

Final Thoughts

These Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Recipe are a fantastic way to enjoy the texture and satisfaction of classic wings with a vibrant, plant-based twist. The irresistible crunch combined with that deeply flavorful teriyaki glaze will quickly make this dish a favorite in your kitchen. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch how it steals the spotlight at your next gathering or cozy night in!