Spicy Red Curry Cauliflower "Wings"
Amazing, spicy red curry cauliflower wings that are baked not fried, gluten-free, and plant-based. They require just 9 ingredients! Pair with my simple green chutney dipping sauce for an extra delicious snack or side.
Servings 6
Ingredients
BATTER
- 3/4 cup brown rice flour or chickpea flour*
- 1 healthy pinch sea salt
- 1/2 tsp curry powder
- 2 tsp tandoori masala spice (see notes for DIY blend + where to buy // reduce for less heat!)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plain almond or rice milk
- 6-8 Tbsp water
CAULIFLOWER
- 1 head cauliflower (large stalks removed, cut/torn into bite-size pieces)
SAUCE
- 1/4 cup red curry paste (ensure vegan friendly - Thai True + Thai Kitchen are best)
- 2 tsp melted coconut oil
- 2-3 tsp maple syrup (to taste)
- 2-3 Tbsp water (to thin)
FOR SERVING
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 F (232 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (important or the wings will stick).
- Next, prepare batter. Mix dry ingredients together, and then add almond milk and lesser amount of water to start (6 Tbsp as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size). Stir with a whisk or fork until well combined. You want the batter thick but pourable so it can adhere to the cauliflower - too runny and it won't stick. Add only enough water until you reach the right consistency. Add more brown rice flour if it becomes too thin.
- Once the oven is preheated, add the cauliflower to the batter to coat. Shake off excess and place on baking sheet. Give each piece 1 inch of room to prevent sogginess. Depending on the size of your cauliflower this may require cooking on two baking sheets or in two batches (or more if increasing batch size).
- Bake for 25 minutes. In the meantime prepare the sauce by whisking together curry paste, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Add just a bit of water to thin so it resembles a glaze consistency.
- Once the cauliflower has finished baking, remove from oven and dip/toss in the glaze 1-2 pieces at a time. Shake off excess, then place back on baking sheet and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until browned on the edges and the glaze has caramelized.
- While baking, prepare chutney (optional), by adding all ingredients to a blender and blending until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more garlic for zing, salt for saltiness, maple syrup for sweetness, or water to thin.
- Let cauliflower cool slightly and then serve immediately. Best when fresh. The wings can be frozen (either at the glazed stage or the glazed and baked stage) and then reheated in a 350-degree F (176 C) oven until warmed through.
Notes
*This recipe is inspired by Indian flavors from the tandoori masala blend and curry powder and Thai cuisine from the red curry paste.
*I buy my Tandoori Masala blend at Whole Foods. However, you can also make your own DIY Tandoori Masala Blend: 3 Tbsp ground cumin, 2 Tbsp garlic powder, 2 Tbsp smoked paprika, 3 tsp ground ginger, 2 tsp ground coriander, 2 tsp ground cardamom. Multiply as needed.
*I tested this recipe with both chickpea and brown rice flour and both worked! But I will say the overall texture was better with brown rice flour. If not gluten free you can use unbleached all-purpose flour.
*Method adapted from the talented pair at Hot For Food.
*I buy my Tandoori Masala blend at Whole Foods. However, you can also make your own DIY Tandoori Masala Blend: 3 Tbsp ground cumin, 2 Tbsp garlic powder, 2 Tbsp smoked paprika, 3 tsp ground ginger, 2 tsp ground coriander, 2 tsp ground cardamom. Multiply as needed.
*I tested this recipe with both chickpea and brown rice flour and both worked! But I will say the overall texture was better with brown rice flour. If not gluten free you can use unbleached all-purpose flour.
*Method adapted from the talented pair at Hot For Food.
Nutrition (1 of 6 servings)
Serving: 1 serving Calories: 168 Carbohydrates: 26.4 g Protein: 4.3 g Fat: 5.4 g Saturated Fat: 2.4 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 592 mg Fiber: 4.6 g Sugar: 4.8 g