I've been trying really hard recently to reduce my dependency on meat. It's not only expensive, but it's not really good for me, either. The only problem is that I love chicken wings. Their crispy, crunchy exterior is so satisfying, and that spicy sauce is addictively good. I was feeling pretty badly for myself until I found the recipe below. As it turns out, vegetarian Buffalo cauliflower bites are almost better than chicken wings.
These cauliflower bites have all my favorite wing flavors. They're tangy and spicy, and breading them with Panko breadcrumbs creates the perfect amount of crunch. The key to getting the breadcrumbs to stick to the cauliflower is whipped egg whites. Continue to whisk them until they reach the soft peak stage. That will guarantee they're thick enough to coat the cauliflower.
Vegetarian Buffalo cauliflower bites
4
15 minutes
20 minutes
35 minutes
1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 egg white, whipped until soft peaks form
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Canola oil
1 cup Buffalo wing sauce (such as Franks)
1 tablespoon butter
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
Place the bite-sized pieces of cauliflower in a large bowl. Pour in the egg whites, tossing until all the cauliflower is coated.
Dredge the cauliflower bites in the breadcrumbs and set aside for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 2 inches of canola oil over medium-high heat.
When the oil is shimmering, drop in the cauliflower in batches and cook (flipping once) until golden brown on all sides (about 5 minutes total).
Remove the cauliflower to a paper towel-lined plate and continue frying the remaining pieces.
Meanwhile, heat the buffalo wing sauce with the butter until it is warmed through.
Place the fried cauliflower in a large bowl and coat with the wing sauce.
Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing (if using).