Description
Crispy, golden buffalo cauliflower bites offer the ultimate combination of a tender, savory center and a crunchy exterior perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup hot sauce, such as Frank’s Buffalo Sauce
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/3 cup milk
2 teaspoons hot sauce, such as Frank’s Buffalo Sauce
1 head cauliflower (about 2 lbs/908 g), cut into bite size (1 to 1½-inch/2.5 to 4-cm) florets
Vegetable oil, for cooking
Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Dressing, optional for serving
Instructions
Prepare the buffalo sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then whisking in the hot sauce until smooth. Alternatively, melt butter in the microwave and stir in hot sauce. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk in the milk and hot sauce until the mixture is smooth, resembling pancake batter.
Add cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the batter.
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Line a plate with paper towels.
Once the oil is hot, add cauliflower in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning the florets occasionally to ensure they are golden and crisp on all sides.
Add more oil and adjust heat as needed between batches.
Transfer cooked cauliflower to the paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Place the cooked cauliflower on a platter and drizzle with the warm buffalo sauce, or serve the sauce on the side to maintain crispiness. Serve immediately with your favorite dressing if desired.
Notes
Dry your cauliflower: After washing the florets, make sure they are completely dry before adding them to the batter. This helps the batter stick properly.
Check the oil: You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of bread or a tiny bit of batter into it. If it sizzles immediately, it is ready for the cauliflower.
Manage the heat: Keep a close watch on the skillet. If the oil begins to smoke, turn the heat down slightly to ensure the outside doesn’t burn before the inside is tender.
Serve immediately: These bites are at their absolute best fresh from the skillet. The longer they sit, the more the moisture from the steam will soften the crisp coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Protein: N/A