12/13/2025
The sauce simmered vigorously in the pan, exhibiting a sweet and smoky aroma with an undertone of peril.
You added the crispy morsels, and everything became lustrous.
Suddenly, the aroma of game-night wings without the chicken filled the air.
Vegan Sticky Barbecue "Wings" (Cauliflower or Tofu) | Dairy-Free
Serves: 2–3 | Preparation Time: 35 minutes
INGREDIENTS - 1 small cauliflower, florets, or 1 block of extra-firm tofu, pressed and torn into pieces
-1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
-1/2 cup of water (or unsweetened plant-based milk)
-1 teaspoon of garlic powder
-1 teaspoon of roasted paprika
-1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
-1/2 teaspoon of salt and black pepper
-1 tablespoon of oil (for greasing the baking tray)
SAUCE
-1/2 cup barbecue marinade (verify vegan compliance)
-2 tablespoons of soy sauce -1 tablespoon of maple syrup or caramelized sugar
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon of spicy sauce (optional)
-1 teaspoon cornstarch combined with 2 tablespoons water (slurry, for added sheen)
TOPPING - Chives or scallions, sliced - Sesame seeds (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
1) Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly oil a sheet pan or, alternatively, line it with parchment paper and apply a thin layer of oil.
2) Prepare the batter: combine flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until a homogeneous, pancake-like consistency is achieved.
3) Coat: Submerge cauliflower or tofu in batter, allowing excess to run off, then position on a pan with adequate spacing.
4) Bake for 18 minutes, invert, and then bake an additional 10–12 minutes until thoroughly crisp.
5) Gently simmer the sauce 2–3 minutes: Barbecue sauce, soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, and spicy sauce. For a highly lustrous finish, incorporate the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 30 to 60 seconds until a shiny appearance is achieved.
6) Toss: place hot, crispy portions into a bowl, add the sauce, and quickly toss to evenly coat.
7) Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
8) Conclude with chopped chives or scallions, garnished with sesame seeds.
NOTES - For a crisper result, use a thinner batter, ensure the oven is properly preheated, and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Air fryer: 400°F / 205°C, 10-minute spin, then an additional 6–8 minutes; apply glaze and air-fry for 2–3 minutes.
• Would you prefer these to be sweeter, spicier, or more smoky (and should I adjust the sauce accordingly)?