How One BBQ Party Changed Everything
A few years ago, I was invited to a backyard BBQ hosted by friends who swore by slow-smoked ribs and spicy wings. As the lone vegetarian in the group, I’d gotten used to eating sides. But that day, someone had brought a tray of BBQ cauliflower wings—crispy, saucy, and unbelievably addictive.
The moment I took a bite, I knew these weren’t just a backup. They were the main event. Since then, I’ve refined and recreated that recipe to perfection. Now, these BBQ cauliflower wings are my go-to for game nights, potlucks, and lazy Sunday snacks.
Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just looking to eat more plants, this recipe brings the smoky comfort of BBQ right to your kitchen—without the meat.
What Makes BBQ Cauliflower Wings So Irresistible?
These aren’t just pieces of roasted cauliflower. They’re dunked in a seasoned batter, roasted until golden, then tossed in rich, smoky BBQ sauce that clings to every edge. The result? A crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside bite that’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
This recipe is:
- Fully vegetarian
- Oven-baked (no deep-frying)
- High in fiber
- Customizable to your favorite BBQ sauce
Ingredients List and Proper Nutrition Information (in grams)
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the batter:
- Cauliflower florets – 600 g
- All-purpose flour – 100 g
- Cornstarch – 30 g
- Garlic powder – 4 g
- Smoked paprika – 4 g
- Salt – 2 g
- Black pepper – 1 g
- Water – 180 ml (adjust to get pancake batter consistency)
For the sauce:
- BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade) – 120 g
- Olive oil – 10 g
- Maple syrup (optional for sweetness) – 10 g
Nutrition per serving (makes 4 servings):
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Protein: 6.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 33.5 g
- Fat: 6.5 g
- Fiber: 5.6 g
- Sugar: 7.2 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
Add Direction How to Cook – Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into the cooking process!
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the water until you achieve a thick but pourable batter (similar to pancake batter).
3. Coat the Cauliflower
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter. Toss until each piece is well-coated.
4. Bake Round One
Arrange the coated florets on your baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping.
5. Toss in BBQ Sauce
While the cauliflower bakes, mix your BBQ sauce with a touch of olive oil and maple syrup. After 20 minutes, remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss it in the sauce.
6. Bake Round Two
Return the sauced cauliflower to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes until the edges are caramelized and the pieces are sticky and crisp.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Let cool slightly before serving. They go great with vegan ranch, celery sticks, or wrapped in a tortilla with slaw!
Serving Suggestions for International Palates
- USA: Serve with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or in a wrap with pickles.
- India: Add a sprinkle of chaat masala and serve with mint chutney.
- UK: Serve in soft baps (buns) with lettuce and vegan mayo.
- Australia: Pair with a light salad of rocket and tomatoes.
Wherever you’re from, you can adapt these wings to fit your regional flavor preferences.
Food Safety Note
When preparing fresh produce like cauliflower, always wash thoroughly under cool running water before use. If storing leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container and consume within 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Why These Cauliflower Wings Win Hearts
It’s all about texture and flavor. The batter creates a crispy shell that mimics traditional fried foods, while the smoky BBQ sauce delivers that sticky-sweet, slow-cooked flavor. People are often shocked to learn these are made from cauliflower—not chicken.
Plus, they’re better for your health and the planet. High in fiber, lower in fat, and completely meat-free, they prove you don’t need animal products to create bold, indulgent flavors.
A Quick Recap of Key Points
- Use fresh cauliflower for best texture
- Don’t skip the cornstarch—it adds crispiness!
- You can swap BBQ sauce for buffalo, teriyaki, or even peri-peri
- Adjust spices to fit your region’s palate
- Perfect for parties, game nights, or weeknight dinners
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Cauliflower Wings
1. Can I make BBQ cauliflower wings gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your BBQ sauce is labeled gluten-free. Everything else stays the same.
2. How do I keep cauliflower wings crispy after baking?
To maintain crispiness, bake them on a wire rack so hot air circulates around each piece. Also, avoid overcrowding the tray and serve them immediately after coating with BBQ sauce.
3. Can I air-fry cauliflower wings instead of baking?
Definitely! Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and cook the battered cauliflower in a single layer for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Then toss in BBQ sauce.
4. Which BBQ sauce works best for cauliflower wings?
A smoky, thick BBQ sauce with low sugar content works well. You can use store-bought or make your own using tomato paste, vinegar, liquid smoke, garlic, and spices.
5. Are BBQ cauliflower wings suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but it’s best to keep the wings and sauce separate. Reheat the wings in an oven or air fryer to crisp them up before tossing in warm BBQ sauce just before serving.
6. Can I freeze BBQ cauliflower wings?
You can freeze the battered and roasted (but unsauced) cauliflower pieces for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 200°C (392°F) until heated through, then add sauce.
7. What are good side dishes to serve with cauliflower wings?
Try serving them with coleslaw, baked sweet potato fries, garlic rice, or a fresh cucumber salad. These pair well with the smoky flavors.
Learn the Steps: How to Make Farro Salad with Arugula, Artichokes and Pistachios – A Healthy Vegetarian Grain Bowl Recipe with Step-by-Step Directions and Nutrition Info
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and read my recipe for BBQ Cauliflower Wings! Your support means the world to me. I hope this dish brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. If you try it out, feel free to share your experience—I’d love to hear from you. Happy cooking, and see you in the next recipe!
Warmest thanks,
[ HIMANSHI ]