Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings Recipe
These Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings are a flavorful, plant-based snack featuring crispy battered cauliflower florets glazed with a vibrant, spicy-sweet Korean sauce. Baked to perfection for a guilt-free alternative to traditional wings, they are perfect as an appetizer, game day treat, or easy weeknight snack with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Plant-Based, Gluten Free Optional, Vegan
Cauliflower Wings
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth or water
Korean Sauce
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free tamari if needed)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (add minced fresh garlic optionally)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnish (Optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions (scallions)
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut a medium head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are fairly uniform in size for even cooking and crispness.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and vegetable broth to form a smooth batter thick enough to coat the cauliflower without excessive dripping.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure every piece is fully coated. Place the coated florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out for even baking.
- Bake Until Crispy: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the battered cauliflower for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through to crisp both sides evenly.
- Prepare the Korean Sauce: While baking, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Once cauliflower wings are golden and crispy, toss them gently in the warm Korean sauce to coat each floret thoroughly.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the wings and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh, flavorful finish. Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
- Cut cauliflower florets into similar sizes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake at high heat and flip halfway for a crunchy exterior.
- Toss wings gently in the sauce to preserve crispness while coating fully.
- Adjust gochujang quantity to control spice level; start mild and add more if desired.
- Serve immediately after saucing for optimal texture and flavor.
- For a milder version, reduce gochujang and increase sweetness with honey or brown sugar.
- Can be made in an air fryer for extra crunch.
- Use gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option.
- Sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator up to one week.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days; crispiness may reduce.
- Freeze un-sauced battered cauliflower on baking tray then transfer to freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat wings in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness before saucing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings, vegan wings, plant-based appetizer, Korean spicy sauce, baked cauliflower wings, Gochujang sauce, gluten-free snack