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Gordon Ramsay Bang Bang Cauliflower

Easy Gordon Ramsay Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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.