Gluten-Free Vegan Wings 2 Ways: Buffalo Sauce & Salt and Vinegar (2024)

Discover the ultimate vegan wings recipe made gluten-free! With two mouthwatering flavors to choose from: salt and vinegar and vegan buffalo sauce. This easy appetizer is perfect for pleasing a crowd while catering to dietary preferences.

As a mother of three and a seasoned gluten-free cook, I know how challenging it can be to whip up a delicious vegan appetizer that appeals to the whole family.

One of the first things I realized as a mom was the real challenge of creating recipes that cater to both kids and adults, especially with a spice-loving husband! Busy parents don't have time to prepare separate meals. And there is something so important in eating together and creating a family experience around meal times.

Over the years, I discovered that I could tackle the lack of variety and difficulty in meeting everyone's dietary preferences with a simple trick. Create a base recipe and simply alter the sauce! I believe it's essential to address my kids' preferences but in this way, we can also provide them with opportunities to try new flavors and textures.

If you want to read more about how you can support your picky eaters check out this post where I share some of the tips I have learned over the years.

That's why I've crafted the best vegan wings recipe with two irresistible flavors – salt and vinegar and buffalo cauliflower wings! These crispy, oil-free bites are perfect for any occasion, whether it's Super Bowl Sunday, after-school snacks, or a casual gathering with friends.

👪Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Allergy-friendly: This vegan wings recipe is both gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for family members with different dietary preferences and allergies.
• Fun With Options: With two different sauces - salt and vinegar and buffalo cauliflower wings - everyone can choose their favorite or enjoy both for an exciting mix.
• Quick and easy: This recipe is simple to make and easy to prepare!
• Healthy and tasty: Made with cauliflower and baked instead of fried, these vegan wings offer a healthier and delicious treat for the whole family.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it's a casual family gathering, game day, or an after-school snack, these versatile vegan wings are a crowd-pleaser.

🥒Tips for Kids: Will Picky Eaters Like This?

If you're like me, you're probably wondering if your picky eaters will even touch these cauliflower wings. As a mom to three kiddos, I know how frustrating it can be when our little ones refuse to try something new. Especially when you have to cater to various taste preferences. I've been there! Here is why all 3 of my boys like this recipe:

• 2 Flavours: Or leave out the vinegar for an even milder more subtle variety.
• Fun to dip: you can use some of their favorite dipping sauces. My boys like to dip the salt and vinegar flavor in ketchup or BBQ sauce, and the spicy flavor in range or this caesar dressing.
• Family activity: One of the best ways to help encourage your kiddos to try a new recipe is to have them help. This is a great recipe to get the kids involved.

The best way to help your picky eaters try new foods is to offer them a variety of options and let them decide what they like. You can read more about how we navigate this with our boys here (I share my tips, tricks, and some meal ideas).

🥦Ingredients

Ready to tantalize your taste buds with these delicious vegan wings recipes? Here are the main ingredients you'll need to create both salt and vinegar and Buffalo cauliflower bites:

• Cauliflower: We'll be using cauliflower florets as the star of the show.
• Gluten-free flour: For this recipe look I use Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 or chickpea flour to achieve that perfect texture while keeping it gluten-free. Alternatively, you can use regular wheat flour. I
• Water: Helps create the right batter consistency to coat our cauliflower florets evenly.
• Garlic powder: Adds a delicious hint of savory flavor to enhance the overall taste of the wings.

Vegan Buffalo Sauce Ingredients:

• Vegan butter: Gives the homemade buffalo sauce its rich and creamy base.
• Sriracha: Provides the spicy kick that makes the classic hot sauce so irresistible. For an extra kick, you can add in cayenne pepper as well.
• Soy sauce: Enhances the depth of flavor while keeping it gluten-free. I used the Kikkoman brand which is certified GF.

Salt and Vinegar Sauce Main Ingredients:

• White vinegar: The key component in achieving that tangy and lip-smacking salt and vinegar flavor we all love.
• Salt: Balances out the tanginess of the vinegar and gives the wings a mouthwatering savory touch.

With these simple ingredients, you'll be able to whip up two fantastic cauliflower bites recipes in no time!

🍴Substitutions

Sometimes, we might not have all the ingredients on hand, but fear not! To help you customize your vegan wings recipe to your preferences or pantry availability, here are some easy substitutions:

• Cauliflower: Try using broccoli florets for a different take on this plant-based snack.
• Gluten-free flour: If gluten isn't a concern, you can use regular all-purpose flour, panko, or whole wheat flour. To keep it gluten-free try using oat flour, or keep it flour-less.
• Garlic powder: Swap garlic powder with onion powder for a milder flavor profile.
• Vegan butter: Coconut oil or olive oil can be used as an alternative for vegan butter in the buffalo sauce.
• Sriracha: Feel free to use your favorite hot sauce or try a vegan buffalo sauce for a different twist.
• Soy sauce: For a soy-free alternative, use coconut aminos or tamari sauce.
• White vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used in place of white vinegar for a slightly sweeter and fruity tang in the salt and vinegar sauce.
• Salt: Experiment with different types of salt like Himalayan pink salt, sea salt, or kosher salt to change the flavor subtly.
• Water: Use vegan milk, like oat or soy milk in place of water for a creamier batter.

Feel free to mix and match these substitutions to create a vegan wings recipe that perfectly suits your taste buds and dietary needs.

👩🏽‍🍳Step-By-Step: Making Vegan Wings

Step 1: Preheat and floret:

Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees. While it warms up, separate the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect florets:

• Remove the leaves and stem: Start by turning the cauliflower upside down and using a sharp knife to trim off the leaves. Then, cut around the stem at the base of the cauliflower to remove the head (curd). This will make it easier to access and separate the florets.
• Cut through the base of the florets: Hold the cauliflower upright and identify where the individual florets are attached to the core. Carefully cut through the base of each floret with a knife, following the natural shape of the floret. Gently pull the floret away from the core as you cut to help it break off cleanly.
• Divide into bite-sized pieces: Once you have separated the larger florets, you might need to cut them down into smaller, bite-sized pieces. To do this, simply slice through the stem of each floret to create smaller florets. Try to keep the pieces as uniform as possible for even cooking.

Step 2: Create the batter

In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, garlic powder, and water, to create a smooth batter. Take time to mix the batter thoroughly until there are no lumps (See the recipe tips for more).

Gently toss the cauliflower florets into the batter, making sure they're evenly coated. You can use a large spoon or even your hands for this step.

Step 3: Arrange and bake

Line a baking pan with parchment paper, or use a non-stick baking mat. Lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Using your fingers, rub each floret to remove any excess batter and place them cut side down onto the pan. This will help create a nice crispy texture on the cut side of the floret. Bake for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the sauces

While the cauliflower bakes, mix up your vegan buffalo sauce and salt and vingar sauces separately.

Grab 2 medium-sized bowls and mix the ingredients for each sauce: buffalo and salt and vinegar.

Step 5: Coat the cauliflower

Once the initial baking is done, carefully remove the cauliflower from the oven using oven mitts. Using tongs, dip each floret into either the buffalo or salt and vinegar sauce. I like to do half and half as we have 3 spicy lovers and 2 tangy lovers at home.

Shake off any excess sauce and place them back onto the baking pan.

Pro tip: For the salt and vinegar sauce, if the salt sinks to the bottom, simply sprinkle some salt over the dipped wings before placing them back in the oven.

Step 6: Final bake

Bake the coated cauliflower wings for another 5-8 minutes until they turn golden brown. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil them for the last minute, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Dip your hot wings into a vegan ranch or cilantro-lime sauce and voila!

With these simple steps, you'll have a tasty and satisfying vegan wings recipe that's perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. Enjoy!

🍲Dipping sauces:

Our cauliflower wings pair with many sauces. The buffalo sauce wings go best with a creamy dipping sauce, and it also helps tamper down the spice. The salt and vinegar taste great with BBQ sauce, that's our favorite dipping sauce for this flavor.

Here are some dipping sauce suggestions:

• Cilantro-cream sauce (recipe founding recipe card)
• Spicy peanut sauce
• Hummus
• Vegan buffalo sauce: make another batch of vegan buffalo sauce to use as a dip for the salt and vinegar wings.
• Vegan Ranch Dressing
  • Mix together:
  • 1 cup vegan mayonnaise,
  • ¼ cup unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegan Honey Mustard
  • Mix together:
  • ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 3 tablespoon agave syrup (or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

🥡Storaging Your Vegan Wings

If you have leftovers, you can store your cauliflower wings in the fridge, reheat them, or even freeze them for later. Here's how to do it:

Fridge: Store your leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container or a sealed ziplock bag in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: If you want to freeze your cauliflower wings for later, let them cool down completely first. Then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil. Make sure they are not touching to avoid sticking together. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer the wings to a food storage bag and return them to the freezer until you are ready to eat them, they are good for 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat your cauliflower wings, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake them for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute, but be aware that this may make them a bit soggy.

❔FAQ

🥣More Yummy Appetizers

I hope you enjoyed these vegan buffalo wings, if you are looking for more easy appetizers or vegan recipes be sure to check out these:

Until next time, tchau

📖 Recipe

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