Spicy Cauliflower With Peanut Dip (Vegan)

This spicy cauliflower, served with a garlicky peanut dip, is guaranteed to impress as a vegan snack or appetizer. It’s easy to make, crispy and flavorful, as well as made with simple ingredients.

I’m never ashamed to admit that cauliflower is one of my favourite vegetables. By far. Just like tofu, it may seem bland and boring at first, but everything depends on preparation. Of course, not everyone can enjoy crunching raw cauliflower. But, I’m convinced there’s a way for everyone to enjoy this vegetable.

You can throw it into salads, grill it, turn it into a dip or sauce, even make a cauliflower Alfredo pasta sauce, but today, I’m sharing my favourite preparation with you: making spicy cauliflower ‘wings’. This is one of my go-to dishes to make for any type of food-related gathering, whether that’s a picnic with friends or a dinner party. It actually makes me (kinda) enjoy sharing my food because I always get a positive response, even from self-confessed vegetable haters.

If you have some friends coming round and don’t know what to cook, put this roasted cauliflower on the menu as an appetizer or side dish. But, I wouldn’t blame you if you want to keep them all to yourself. Enjoy them with the easy yoghurt dip after a long day, or throw them in your lunch box for a quick and easy snack for work or school.

How to make spicy cauliflower ‘wings’

Start by preparing the cauliflower. Remove the leaves, then the bottom of the stem. Now simply divide it into bite-sized chunks. Also preheat the oven to 180 degrees C (350 F) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.

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Make the batter by whisking together flour, plant based milk, sriracha, salt and paprika. Dip the cauliflower in the batter, then arrange them on the baking tray.

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Now, proceed to bake for around 25 minutes, until crispy and golden brown. Serve with the peanut dip, chilli flakes and cilantro.

Vegan peanut yoghurt sauce

To balance out the flavour of the spicy cauliflower, we’re making a mild, nutty dip to go with it. You don’t have to make a dip: they’re without doubt good enough to eat by themselves. But whenever I make roasted cauliflower, I always serve it with something extra. Whether in front of the TV on a Friday evening or shared with friends and family, I think a dip just completes the dish and the overall experience of eating it.

I love this sauce because it’s far from exclusive to these roasted cauliflower bites. The flavour is mild and not very overpowering, making it suitable for a huge range of dishes. And making it is as easy as stirring together the peanut butter, garlic powder, plant based milk and soy sauce. Simple, and very yummy.

A few tips and tricks for crispy spicy cauliflower

• Mix them together really well with the sauce, making sure each floret is evenly coated.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking. For example, you can make them more or less spicy through the amount of sriracha you use. I love spicy food, so I usually add more..
• Don’t leave them in the oven for too long. Trust me, I’ve overstepped the line between crispy and burnt a fair share of times and it’s never fun.
• Make sure the florets aren’t too big: that way, they won’t absorb as much flavour and may not become tender throughout.
• If you meal prep spicy cauliflower, be aware that they may lose some of their crispiness (but will still be very tasty).

What makes this vegan roasted cauliflower amazing?

I’m sure this recipe will make you want to marry cauliflower (sometimes I wonder if that’s the future that awaits me). The vegan roasted cauliflower bites are:

• Ready in 30 minutes. Great if you need to make some last-minute snacks or appetizers!
• Oil-free. 
• Made with wholesome and simple ingredients.
• Perfect for a side dish, appetizer or snack. 
• Crispy on the outside, as well as soft and tender on the inside.
• Ideal for sharing! Or keeping all to yourself. 
• Spicy, with a hint of sweetness.
• Tasty with any dip or sauce of your choice.

Other amazing vegan cauliflower recipes

• Vegan cauliflower steaks are the way to go!
• Cauliflower cheese is perfect for a side dish.
• Sticky sesame cauliflower makes an awesome dinner.
• Cauliflower wings with almond dip are amazing.
• Make a whole roasted cauliflower for an impressive meal.

Let me know in the comments: what do you think of cauliflower? If you give this spicy cauliflower recipe a go, be sure to tag me on Instagram (@earthofmariaa) so I can see your creations!