Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings

If you have been searching for a delicious plant-based snack that packs a punch, these Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings are your new best friend. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a flavorful, spicy-sweet Korean sauce, they are perfect for a quick appetizer or a fun party dish. Whether you want a healthier alternative to traditional wings or simply crave bold flavors, this recipe is easy to whip up and guaranteed to please your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
• Plant-Based Goodness: Uses cauliflower, a low-calorie vegetable packed with nutrients.
• Bold Korean Flavors: Combines spicy, sweet, and umami tones inspired by authentic Korean cuisine.
• Versatile Snack: Great as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun side dish for dinners.
• Family Friendly: Appeals to vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters alike with its satisfying crunch and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping the ingredient list simple allows the natural flavors to shine. From fresh cauliflower to the vibrant Korean chili sauce, each component plays a crucial role in balancing heat, sweetness, and texture.

• Cauliflower florets: The star ingredient, offering a crisp, tender bite when cooked just right.
• Flour or chickpea flour: Helps create a crispy batter coating.
• Plant-based milk: Binds the batter to the cauliflower while keeping it vegan-friendly.
• Korean gochujang paste: Delivers the signature spicy, fermented chili flavor.
• Soy sauce or tamari: Adds savory depth and umami richness.
• Maple syrup or honey: Balances the spice with subtle sweetness.
• Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that boost the flavor complexity.
• Sesame oil: Gives a toasty, nutty accent perfect for Korean-inspired dishes.
• Rice vinegar: Adds tanginess to brighten the sauce.
• Optional sesame seeds or green onions: For garnish and extra flavor layers.

Variations for Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings

You can easily customize your Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings to better suit your tastes or dietary requirements without losing any of the irresistible flavors. Here are some fun ideas to try.

• Bake or Air Fry: Choose baking for ease or air frying for extra crispness without the oil.
• Protein Swap: Try replacing cauliflower with tofu or tempeh for added protein.
• Adjust Heat Level: Reduce gochujang or add a splash of sweet chili sauce for milder spice.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use rice flour or gluten-free flour blends to keep it safe without sacrificing crunch.
• Extra Crunch: Add panko breadcrumbs to the batter for an even crispier texture.

How to Make Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, salt, and pepper to form a smooth batter that will coat each cauliflower floret evenly. This step ensures the wings get that perfect crispy crust once baked or fried.

Step 2: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower piece into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Lay the coated florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are spaced out to avoid sogginess and promote crisping.

Step 3: Bake or Air Fry

Bake the battered cauliflower at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown all sides. For air frying, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally for a consistent crisp.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Korean Sauce

While the cauliflower cooks, combine gochujang, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Warm gently and stir until the sauce thickens slightly, enhancing those bold spicy-sweet notes.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Once the cauliflower wings are cooked to golden perfection, toss them in the spicy Korean sauce until well coated. Plate them up and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that authentic final touch.

Pro Tips for Making Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings

• Don’t Overcrowd: Space florets evenly when baking or air frying to keep them crispy.
• Use Fresh Gochujang: For the best flavor, get a high-quality gochujang paste from an Asian market.
• Pat Dry Cauliflower: Removing excess moisture helps the batter stick better and prevents soggy wings.
• Flip for Even Cooking: Turn your wings halfway through cooking to ensure uniform crispness.
• Let Sauce Cool Slightly: Toss the wings with sauce when it’s warm but not hot to avoid losing crunch.

How to Serve Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings

Garnishes

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over your spicy Korean cauliflower wings to add color, texture, and a burst of fresh flavor that lifts the whole dish.

Side Dishes

Pair these wings with cooling cucumber salad, steamed rice, or crunchy kimchi to create a balanced, complete Korean-inspired meal everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the wings in a rustic wooden bowl with dipping sauces such as vegan ranch, extra gochujang, or creamy peanut sauce on the side for variety and fun interactive eating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy as a quick snack or add to lunch bowls.

Freezing

Freeze baked cauliflower wings on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly without thawing for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat wings in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I make Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour such as rice or chickpea flour and tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free while maintaining excellent flavor and texture.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes, this recipe uses plant-based milk and vegan ingredients for the batter and sauce, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike.

How spicy are Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the gochujang paste’s unique balance of spicy and sweet, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less gochujang or sweetener.

Can I bake instead of air frying?

Definitely! Baking at a high temperature produces crispy wings without needing an air fryer, just be sure to flip them halfway to brown evenly.

What dipping sauces go well with these wings?

Try vegan ranch, garlic aioli, or extra Korean chili sauce for dipping. Even a simple soy-sesame dip works beautifully to complement the spicy flavors.

Final Thoughts

These Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings are a true game-changer in plant-based snacking. With simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a crispy texture, they are just waiting to become your new favorite appetizer. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the exciting taste of Korean spice blended with wholesome cauliflower that everybody will want to keep coming back for.

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