Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos -

Creating a vegan-friendly buffalo sauce is simpler than you might think. The classic buffalo sauce combines hot sauce, butter, and vinegar, but for a plant-based version, we can easily substitute with vegan-friendly ingredients. Here’s how to make your own buffalo sauce that packs a punch without compromising on flavor.

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos

Discover the delicious world of Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos, a perfect meal for both vegans and meat-lovers! These tacos transform the beloved flavors of Buffalo wings into a plant-based delight, featuring crispy, golden cauliflower coated in spicy Buffalo sauce. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they're also nutritious, offering health benefits without sacrificing taste. Easy to prepare, these tacos reflect the growing trend of incorporating vibrant plant-based meals into daily diets. Enjoy a hearty, satisfying dish that’s truly feel-good food!

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Ingredients

For the Crispy Cauliflower:

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your heat preference)

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk (you can use dairy-free milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar for a vegan option)

1 cup cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crispy finish)

Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Buffalo Sauce:

½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option, melted)

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a vegan-friendly alternative)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for an extra kick)

For the Tacos:

8 small corn or flour tortillas

1 cup shredded red cabbage

1 ripe avocado, sliced

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Crumbled feta cheese or vegan cheese (optional for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower:

- Begin by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, pour in the buttermilk (or dairy-free milk with vinegar).

Coat the Cauliflower Florets:

- Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Then, dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring a thorough and even coating. For an extra crunch, roll the floret in cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs.

Fry the Cauliflower:

- In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat (about ½ inch deep). Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the coated cauliflower florets in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for approximately 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Make the Buffalo Sauce:

- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, honey (or maple syrup), garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir gently until the mixture is well blended and heated through.

Toss Cauliflower in Sauce:

- In a large mixing bowl, toss the crispy cauliflower florets with the buffalo sauce until they are fully coated and deliciously fiery.

Prepare the Tacos:

- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are pliable and easy to handle. To assemble each taco, place a generous scoop of the buffalo cauliflower in the center, followed by a handful of shredded red cabbage, a few slices of creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Serve:

- For an added touch of flavor, top with crumbled feta cheese or a dairy-free alternative, if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish that guests can squeeze over their tacos before digging in!

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4