Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Recipe
These Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings are a delicious plant-based appetizer featuring crispy cauliflower florets coated in a gluten-free batter, baked to perfection, and tossed in a flavorful teriyaki sauce. Perfect for game day or any snack craving, they offer a crunchy texture with a sweet and savory glaze complemented by scallions and optional sesame seeds.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Cauliflower Wings
- 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
Sauce and Garnish
- 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)
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat, parchment paper, or greased foil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare cauliflower: Chop the large head of cauliflower into small, even florets to ensure uniform cooking.
- Crush tortilla chips: Use a blender to crush the tortilla chips, leaving some pieces textured for extra crunch. Transfer the crushed chips to a shallow bowl.
- Make the batter: In a medium to large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, tapioca flour, non-dairy milk, black pepper, sea salt, and garlic powder until smooth and free of lumps. Adjust the batter’s thickness by adding more milk if needed.
- Coat cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Bread the florets: Transfer the battered cauliflower to the crushed tortilla chips and coat completely, pressing crumbs onto each piece for maximum crunch.
- Arrange for baking: Place the coated cauliflower wings evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet so they bake evenly.
- Bake first round: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes until the coating is crisp and starting to brown.
- Prepare teriyaki sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce into a large shallow bowl. If it’s too thick, thin with a few tablespoons of water.
- Coat with teriyaki sauce: Remove baked cauliflower from the oven. Dip each floret into the teriyaki sauce or brush it generously on, ensuring thorough coverage.
- Bake second round: Return the coated florets to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes so the sauce glazes and warms the cauliflower.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with finely chopped scallions and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately with ranch dressing if desired for dipping.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour and dairy-free milk to keep this recipe gluten-free and vegan.
- To achieve the best texture, make sure the cauliflower florets are similarly sized for even baking.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the batter.
- Tortilla chips add great crunch but can be substituted with panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture; leftovers can be reheated in the oven for best results.
Keywords: Crunchy cauliflower wings, teriyaki cauliflower, gluten-free appetizer, vegan wings, baked cauliflower, plant-based snacks, healthy appetizers