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Arial View of a plate of two crispy, vegan, bang bang cauliflower tacos topped with chopped peanuts, cilantro, sesame seeds and extra sauce. Served on a bed of zesty red cabbage, carrot and cilantro slaw.

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Tacos

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

For the cauliflower:

  • 1 head of cauliflower cut into florets
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup non-dairy milk
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Garlic salt black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste

For the slaw:

  • Red cabbage shredded
  • Carrots shredded
  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Sesame oil start with a small drizzle
  • Rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • Agave or maple syrup
  • Juice of 1/2 a lime
  • Salt to taste

For the bang bang sauce:

  • 4 Tbsp vegan mayo
  • 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tsp sriracha or more if you like heat
  • Lime juice to taste

Toppings:

  • Green onions sliced
  • Chopped peanuts
  • Sesame seeds
  • Extra sriracha

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, non-dairy milk, and spices (salt, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne). In a second bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with your spices.
  • Dip each cauliflower floret in the wet batter, let the excess drip off, then coat it in the panko mixture. Place on a greased baking sheet. Repeat until all your cauliflower is breaded.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the cauliflower halfway through. While it bakes, make your slaw by combining the cabbage, carrots, cilantro, sesame oil, vinegar, agave, lime juice, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together the bang bang sauce ingredients.
  • When the cauliflower is done, toss it in the bang bang sauce (or teriyaki sauce if you want to mix it up) and return to the oven for 5 more minutes. For crispier results, skip this step and just drizzle the sauce over the tacos when you serve.
  • Load up your tortillas with slaw, sauced cauliflower, and all the toppings. Serve immediately.
  • Tips
  • A little sesame oil goes a long way in the slaw. Start with half a teaspoon and taste.
  • Double the bang bang sauce. Trust me.
  • These are best eaten fresh. The cauliflower loses its crunch if it sits, but you can store leftover components separately and assemble right before eating.
  • Try this cauliflower on rice bowls, in lettuce wraps, or just eat it straight off the pan. It's that good.

Notes

FAQ
Can I air fry the cauliflower instead of baking? Yes! Air fry at 400 degrees for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Is this recipe gluten free? Swap the flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Everything else is naturally gluten free.
Can I make the slaw ahead of time? Yes, the slaw actually gets better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Just hold off on adding the cilantro until you're ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers? Store the cauliflower, slaw, and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the cauliflower in the oven or air fryer to re-crisp it.