Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large cauliflower head (about 800g), cut into florets</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml plant-based milk (or regular milk)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml buffalo sauce (or hot sauce mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Blue cheese or ranch dressing, for serving</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Celery sticks, for serving</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Large baking tray</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowls</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Silicone brush</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. This high temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior on your cauliflower wings.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Cut your cauliflower into wing-sized florets, keeping them large enough to hold their shape (about 5cm pieces). Try to make them relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Rinse them under cold water and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels - excess moisture will prevent proper crisping.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The spices in the batter will provide a foundation of flavor before the buffalo sauce is added.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour in the plant-based milk and whisk until you have a smooth, thick batter with no lumps. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still able to drip off slowly - this consistency ensures a substantial coating that will crisp well in the oven.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and gently toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. Using your hands or tongs, allow excess batter to drip off before placing the florets on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between each piece to promote even browning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the batter starts to set and becomes lightly golden. The initial bake creates a crust that will later hold the buffalo sauce without becoming soggy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>While the cauliflower is baking, prepare your buffalo sauce by combining the buffalo sauce (or hot sauce with melted butter), olive oil, and honey/maple syrup if using. The oil helps the sauce adhere to the cauliflower while adding a touch of richness, and the sweetener balances the heat.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>After the initial 15 minutes of baking, remove the tray from the oven. Using a silicone brush or spoon, generously coat each cauliflower piece with the buffalo sauce mixture, ensuring all sides are covered.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Return the coated cauliflower to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the edges are crispy and caramelized. You'll know they're done when the sauce has baked into the batter and the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Allow the wings to cool for 5 minutes before serving - this brief resting period allows the exterior to crisp up further. Serve warm with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks on the side. Enjoy these straight away, as they're at their crispiest fresh from the oven!</li></ol>