Cauliflower has taken center stage in the world of plant-based eats, and for good reason. These Crispy Honey Garlic Cauliflower Bites with Sriracha Mayo combine the perfect crunch with a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will have you reaching for seconds. Think of it as your new go-to snack or appetizer that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. Whether you’re a seasoned cauliflower lover or just looking to switch up your veggie game, these bites deliver big on flavor and texture without any fuss.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe nails the ideal balance between crispy and saucy, which can sometimes be tricky to achieve with cauliflower. The batter crisps up beautifully, creating a shell that holds the luscious honey garlic glaze without getting soggy too quickly. The drizzle of sriracha mayo adds a creamy, spicy kick that elevates these bites from everyday to extraordinary. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for game day, casual dinners, or even as a fun party appetizer. Plus, it’s entirely plant-based, easy to customize, and makes cauliflower exciting in a way you might not expect.
Ingredient Notes
- Cauliflower: Use a fresh head, cut into bite-sized florets. Smaller pieces crisp better and soak up more sauce.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of the batter, helping create that crisp coating. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Water: Used to thin the batter to the perfect consistency for coating each floret evenly.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These add subtle layers of flavor to the batter, enhancing the overall taste.
- Honey: For sweetness that balances the soy sauce and sriracha. Use pure honey for best flavor.
- Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth to the glaze. Opt for low-sodium if you prefer less salt.
- Vegetable oil: Used for frying the cauliflower to golden perfection.
- Sriracha: Adds heat to the mayo, but you can adjust to your spice tolerance.
- Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess to the spicy sriracha sauce. You can use vegan mayo if preferred.
- Green onions: Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion bite.
Cook’s Kit
- Mixing bowls: For batter and sauce prep.
- Deep frying pan or skillet: Wide enough for frying cauliflower in batches.
- Tongs or slotted spoon: To handle the cauliflower when frying.
- Paper towels: For draining excess oil from the fried bites.
- Whisk: To mix batter smoothly.
- Small bowl: For mixing sriracha mayo.
Build Crispy Honey Garlic Cauliflower Bites with Sriracha Mayo Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Rinse the cauliflower head thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Try to keep the florets roughly the same size for even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower without dripping excessively.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the excess drip off before frying.
Step 4: Fry the Cauliflower
Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the battered cauliflower in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy on all sides—about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Prepare the Honey Garlic Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1/2 cup honey and 1/4 cup soy sauce. Stir occasionally until warm and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Toss the Cauliflower in Glaze
Place the fried cauliflower bites in a large bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic glaze over them and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
Step 7: Make the Sriracha Mayo
In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon sriracha. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred spice level.
Step 8: Serve
Arrange the glazed cauliflower bites on a serving plate, drizzle with sriracha mayo, and garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color.
Quick Replacement Ideas
- Replace all-purpose flour with chickpea flour or gluten-free flour blend for a different texture or dietary needs.
- Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly option.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce sodium or for soy allergies.
- Substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter sriracha sauce.
Testing Timeline
- Tested batter thickness to ensure it clings properly without being too runny or too thick.
- Fried cauliflower in moderate oil heat to achieve golden crispness without burning.
- Adjusted honey-soy glaze timing for the perfect sticky consistency that coats but doesn’t pool.
- Balanced sriracha mayo spice carefully to complement but not overpower the honey garlic flavor.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the cauliflower bites and sauce components in advance. Fry the cauliflower just before serving to maintain crispiness. The honey garlic glaze and sriracha mayo can be made up to two days ahead and stored in airtight containers in the fridge. Leftover bites are best reheated in an oven or air fryer to preserve their crunch rather than microwaving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal taste and texture.
Common Qs About Crispy Honey Garlic Cauliflower Bites with Sriracha Mayo
Can I bake the cauliflower bites instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a healthier version, bake the battered cauliflower at 425°F (220°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but still delicious with the honey garlic glaze.
How spicy is the sriracha mayo?
The sriracha mayo has a mild to medium heat level depending on how much sriracha you add. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust from there based on your tolerance for spice.
Can I use a different vegetable instead of cauliflower?
Sure! Broccoli florets or even bite-sized pieces of firm tofu can be great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to prevent overcooking.
What can I serve with these bites for a full meal?
These bites pair wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles and a fresh salad. For more inspiration, consider trying recipes like Sticky Honey Soy Salmon Rice Bowls or Crispy Honey Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls to build a flavorful, balanced meal.
Next Up in Your Queue
- Crispy Oven Fried Chicken With Country Gravy No Alcohol – For those craving a hearty, comforting classic.
- Sticky Honey Soy Salmon Rice Bowls – A sweet and savory salmon dish perfect for busy nights.
- Crispy Honey Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls – Another crispy favorite with a seafood twist.
The Takeaway
These Crispy Honey Garlic Cauliflower Bites with Sriracha Mayo are a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will satisfy your snack cravings or serve as a vibrant appetizer at your next gathering. The crispy batter, sticky honey garlic glaze, and the creamy, spicy sriracha mayo create a perfect trifecta that elevates everyday cauliflower into something truly special. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their vegetable repertoire.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible dish that’s bursting with flavor and crunch. Whether you’re serving it solo or alongside a Sticky Honey Soy Salmon Rice Bowl or Crispy Honey Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowl, these cauliflower bites are sure to be the star of the show. Enjoy every bite!
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Crispy Honey Garlic Cauliflower Bites with Sriracha Mayo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the cauliflower head thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Try to keep the florets roughly the same size for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower without dripping excessively.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the excess drip off before frying.
- Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the battered cauliflower in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy on all sides—about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1/2 cup honey and 1/4 cup soy sauce. Stir occasionally until warm and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Place the fried cauliflower bites in a large bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic glaze over them and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon sriracha. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred spice level.
- Arrange the glazed cauliflower bites on a serving plate, drizzle with sriracha mayo, and garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a vegan-friendly glaze.
- Bake the cauliflower bites at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes as a healthier alternative to frying.
- Leftovers are best reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Adjust sriracha in the mayo sauce to control the spiciness according to your preference.
