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Cauliflower Wings with Cotton Candy Gochujang Glaze

crispy cauliflower wings recipe
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These oven-baked cauliflower wings are coated in a crunchy panko crust and tossed in a wild, sticky-sweet cotton candy gochujang glaze. The unexpected blend of spicy Korean chili paste and melted cotton candy creates a bold, addictive flavor combo. This vegan-friendly appetizer is perfect for parties, game night, or whenever you’re craving something crispy, savory, and a little whimsical. Whether you’re a fan of plant-based recipes or just love fun food experiments, this dish brings serious flavor and crunch.

  • Author: Tara Hamrick
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower – 1 large head, chopped into bite-sized florets
  • All-purpose flour – ¾ cup
  • Plant milk (or water) – ½ cup
  • Cornstarch – 2 tbsp
  • Garlic powder – 1 tsp
  • Salt – ½ tsp
  • Black pepper – ¼ tsp
  • Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup

For the Glaze:

  • Gochujang (Korean chili paste) – 2 tbsp
  • Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
  • Rice vinegar – 1 tbsp
  • Brown sugar – 2 tbsp
  • Cotton candy (pink or blue) – 1 cup, loosely packed
  • Water – 3 tbsp
  •  
  • Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves

Instructions

Step 1: Prep That Cauli
Chop cauliflower into bite-sized florets, line a baking sheet, and preheat oven to 425°F. No crowding, no sticking.

Step 2: Batter Up
Whisk flour, milk, cornstarch, and spices. Dunk florets in batter, coat with panko, and prepare for ultimate crunch magic.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Bliss
Spread battered florets on the sheet. Bake 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden, crispy, and begging for glaze.

Step 4: Glaze Like a Boss
Simmer gochujang, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and cotton candy until smooth, sticky, and gloriously glossy.

Step 5: Toss and Serve
Toss baked bites in warm glaze or drizzle for max crunch. Serve hot, and flex your mad kitchen skills.

Notes

  •  Don’t overbake – I learned the hard way: 25 mins is ideal—any longer, and edges get too crisp.

  • Swap flours for gluten‑free? Use rice flour or gluten‑free 1:1 mix instead of all‑purpose—still crunchy!

  • No panko? I once used crushed Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi crumbs—worked like a charm! Check the recipe here: Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi Recipe 🍝

  • Adjust heat – Gochujang varies by brand. Choose a milder one if you’re spice‑sensitive (like me after my third burn test).

  • Cotton candy tip – Add it off‑heat so it doesn’t turn rock‑hard. Melt it in the glaze—trust my sticky fingers!

  • One‑tray hack – Line a second pan with foil and use it for tossing the glazed wings—less messy cleanup.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tarastreats.com/cauliflower-wings-with-cotton-candy-gochujang-glaze/