Gordon Ramsay Bang Bang Cauliflower

This Gordon Ramsay Bang Bang Cauliflower is a flavorful, crispy, and spicy twist on a classic appetizer that everyone will love. Tender cauliflower florets are coated in a light, golden batter, air-fried or oven-baked to perfection, and tossed in a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet bang bang sauce.

The result?

A dish that’s crunchy, addictive, and full of flavor with every bite.

What Is Bang Bang Cauliflower?

Bang Bang Cauliflower is a crispy cauliflower dish inspired by the famous “Bang Bang Shrimp.” It gets its name from the bold sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of sriracha. Gordon Ramsay’s version keeps things simple yet refined — focusing on texture, balance, and flavor. The cauliflower is crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sauce that’s the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and creamy.

Other Popular Casserole Recipes

• Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
• Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
• Chicken Zucchini Casserole
• Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay’s Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Crispy and light – The perfect texture without deep frying.
• Flavor-packed – The sauce combines sweet, spicy, and creamy notes beautifully.
• Vegetarian-friendly – A plant-based option that everyone can enjoy.
• Versatile serving – Great as a snack, side dish, or main course.
• Simple to make – Uses pantry staples and takes less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Bang Bang Cauliflower

• 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¾ cup cold water (adjust as needed for batter consistency)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil spray (for air fryer or baking)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

For Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Bang Bang Cauliflower

Step 1: Preheat and prep the cauliflower

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease your air fryer basket.

Step 2: Prepare the batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually add cold water until you achieve a smooth, thick batter that coats the cauliflower evenly.

Step 3: Coat the cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shaking off the excess. Arrange them in a single layer on the tray or air fryer basket without overcrowding.

Step 4: Bake or air fry until crispy

• For oven: Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
• For air fryer: Cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until crispy and browned.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Toss and serve

Once the cauliflower is done, let it cool for a minute, then toss it gently in the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle the sauce over the top before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Jasmine rice – Makes it a complete meal.
• Asian-style slaw – Adds freshness and crunch.
• Garlic noodles – A flavorful pairing for dinner.
• Cucumber salad – Balances the spice perfectly.
• Mango salsa – Brings a tropical sweetness to the plate.

Key Tips for Making Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Use ice-cold water for batter – Keeps the coating light and crisp.
• Do not overcrowd the tray – Helps the cauliflower crisp evenly.
• Adjust spice levels – Add or reduce sriracha based on your taste.
• Toss in sauce just before serving – Prevents the coating from getting soggy.
• Bake on high heat – Ensures a golden, crispy crust.
• Serve immediately – Best enjoyed hot and fresh.

Creative Variations of Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Vegan version – Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo or coconut yogurt.
• Gluten-free version – Use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Low-carb version – Swap cornstarch for almond flour and bake longer.
• Spicy twist – Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra hot sauce.
• Asian-style coating – Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil before baking.

Storage Guidelines for Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Avoid saucing before storing – Keep sauce and cauliflower separate.
• Reheat before serving – Restores the crisp texture.

Reheating Tips for Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until crispy.
• Air fryer: Warm at 360°F (180°C) for 5–7 minutes.
• Microwave: Use only if necessary; it may reduce crispiness.

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: ~230
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg

FAQs

How do you make Bang Bang Cauliflower crispy in the oven?

To make Bang Bang Cauliflower extra crispy in the oven, preheat to 425°F (220°C) and line your tray with parchment paper. Space the florets out evenly so they roast instead of steam. Flip them halfway through baking and spray lightly with olive oil. Using a mix of flour and cornstarch in the batter also helps create a golden, crunchy coating.

Can I make Bang Bang Cauliflower in an air fryer?

Yes, the air fryer is perfect for this recipe. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The air fryer gives you a crisp texture without needing excess oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.

How spicy is Bang Bang Cauliflower?

The spiciness depends on the amount of sriracha in the sauce. For mild heat, start with 1 teaspoon of sriracha; for a spicier version, add up to 2 tablespoons. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sweet chili sauce to balance the flavor.

Can I make Bang Bang Cauliflower ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and chop the cauliflower in advance. Keep them separate in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake or air fry the cauliflower just before serving, and toss it with the sauce right before eating to maintain crispiness.

Final Words

This Gordon Ramsay Bang Bang Cauliflower is proof that healthy and indulgent can go hand in hand. It’s bold, zesty, and crispy — the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Serve it as an appetizer or pair it with rice for a light dinner. No matter how you enjoy it, this dish will bring restaurant-level flavor straight to your table, with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

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