What To Know
- Buffalo cauliflower is a relatively low-calorie snack or appetizer, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried foods.
- Store the buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the buffalo cauliflower in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Craving the tantalizing buffalo cauliflower from California Pizza Kitchen but can’t make it to the restaurant? Don’t fret! With this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn the secrets to making this delectable dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cauliflower
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the cauliflower florets with the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
2. Create the Batter
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
3. Coat the Cauliflower
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Cauliflower
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Make the Buffalo Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the hot sauce, honey, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
6. Toss the Cauliflower in the Sauce
- Transfer the baked cauliflower to a large bowl.
- Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or ranch dressing.
Tips for Success
- For extra crispy cauliflower, double-coat the florets in the batter.
- If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce to your desired level of spiciness.
- Serve the buffalo cauliflower with blue cheese crumbles or celery sticks for a classic touch.
Variations
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of buttermilk in the batter.
- Add shredded cheese to the buffalo sauce for a cheesy twist.
- Experiment with different hot sauces, such as Sriracha or habanero, for a unique flavor profile.
Health Benefits of Buffalo Cauliflower
- Rich in fiber: Cauliflower is a good source of dietary fiber, which can help promote digestive health.
- Low in calories: Buffalo cauliflower is a relatively low-calorie snack or appetizer, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried foods.
- Contains antioxidants: Cauliflower is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Thaw it completely before using it in the recipe.
2. How long can I store the buffalo cauliflower?
Store the buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. What is the best way to reheat the buffalo cauliflower?
Reheat the buffalo cauliflower in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
