| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 2g | 1g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 6g | 5g | 0.8g |
Today I’m sharing one of my favorite recipes that is loved not just by me, but also by my students at the elementary school I teach in Texas. Not only is it delicious, tangy, and has a hint of spice, but it’s also packed with health benefits. I’m excited to share with you the recipe for Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, and trust me, it’s a lot more than just a riff on traditional Buffalo wings.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
As a Texas-made woman, I have a deep appreciation for spices and strong, bold flavors. Wanders through Tex-Mex food stalls and years of creating my own Southern culinary masterpieces have only deepened this love for flavor. When I first tried Buffalo wings, I was blown away by the taste but wanted a healthier, guilt-free version. And that’s when the idea of Buffalo Cauliflower Bites sparked.
This dish is inspired by the flavors found in chicken wings but uses cauliflower, one of my favorite vegetables, making it a vegetarian-friendly alternative. The result? A dish that packs the same punch as a regular Buffalo wing but with the added benefits of being low carb and packed with healthy nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins B and C.
A Dish with Health Benefits
Not only are these Buffalo Cauliflower Bites delicious, but they’re actually packed full of fantastic health benefits. Cauliflower is a superfood that offers a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – all of which are great for your heart, digestion, and overall health. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites is one of those dishes that satiate your taste buds while also doing good for your body.
Whenever I make this dish, it not only reminds me of growing up in Texas and the delicious Tex-Mex flavors of my childhood, but it also gives me the satisfaction of knowing that I’m eating something that’s really good for me. And if you’re conscious about your health then you’ll share this feeling too.
A Splendid Addition to Any Meal
When it comes to pairing, Buffalo Cauliflower Bites fits the bill perfectly, complementing many meals beautifully. Being a derivative of the classic Buffalo Chicken Wing recipe, these bites can effortlessly replace chicken wings in a dish or accompany other Tex-Mex favorites like Tacos or Quesadillas. Apart from that, they make for a great standalone snack too!
So, there you have it, my take on Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – a veggie-based twist on a classic Tex-Mex dish that’s not just delicious, but also health-friendly. The next time you’re looking for a side dish that’s full of flavor and health benefits, don’t forget to give this recipe a try!
What You’ll Need
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 cups buffalo hot sauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Fruit sauce for dipping (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 450F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth.
Step Three
Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated in the flour mixture. After the cauliflower is well-coated, spread it out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step Four
Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, giving the baking sheet a good shake about halfway through to help the cauliflower cook evenly.
Step Five
While the cauliflower is baking, combine the buffalo hot sauce and butter in a small saucepan. Stir over low heat until the butter has melted and the sauce is well-mixed.
Step Six
Once the cauliflower has finished its initial bake, remove it from the oven and carefully dip each piece in the hot sauce mixture, making sure each floret is fully coated. Arrange the coated pieces back on the baking sheet and sprinkle with the panko bread crumbs.
Step Seven
Return the cauliflower to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until it’s tender and the bread crumbs have browned and crisped up.
Step Eight
In the meantime, heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan. Fry the cauliflower until golden brown, and then place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
Step Nine
Serve your Buffalo Cauliflower Bites hot, with your favorite dipping sauce if desired. Enjoy!
