Cauliflower 'Wings' with Spicy Cashew Dipping Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy, bite-sized cauliflower 'wings' coated in a tangy spice blend, served with a creamy, spicy cashew sauce that’s perfect for game day. This quick recipe (vegan), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs cauliflower, all-purpose flour, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 International cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Whisk flour, garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, mix cold water with 1 tbsp coconut oil.
  2. Step 2: Dip cauliflower florets in water mixture, then coat thoroughly in flour mixture. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 20 minutes, flip florets, then bake for 15-18 minutes more until deeply golden and crispy at edges. Drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp coconut oil while hot.
  4. Step 4: Blend cashews, water, lime juice, sriracha, and 1/4 tsp salt in a food processor for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and creamy. Serve warm with cauliflower wings.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cauliflower 'Wings' with Spicy Cashew Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cauliflower 'Wings' with Spicy Cashew Dipping Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cauliflower from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cauliflower 'Wings' with Spicy Cashew Dipping Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cauliflower 'Wings' with Spicy Cashew Dipping Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cauliflower 'Wings' with Spicy Cashew Dipping Sauce vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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