Bang Bang Cauliflower- Sides with a kick!

Ok So I am super Excited about this post. Life has just been so busy lately. My parents were here visiting recently, so I have a few recipes from when they were here coming up soon!
 Now that it has cooled off a little here in the beach, I have had more of an urge to hang out in the kitchen, cooking up some yummy stuff.
Lately my focus has been sides. Sure, everyone knows when cooking for your husband, they get excited about the chicken, the steak, the pork roast....but I really cannot tell you how much I enjoy a really great side. Lately I have been just, obsessed with spaghetti squash and garlic mashed potatoes. I can seriously eat myself into a coma with those things, so try em..
Recently I have just been needing spicy foods. I just have had a little tastebud screaming at me to feed it spice, spice, spice! Now, I don't know if any of you have ever been to Bonefish, but they have this bang bang shrimp that like, makes me weak in the knees. The shrimp is crunchy, the sauce is creamy and spicy, it is just perfection.
Well, I don't have shrimp on hand all the time, and I really wanted bang bang shrimp. What is a girl to do?
I had a head of cauliflower, and I had panko breadcrumbs, chili sauce, mayo- ding ding ding. I will make it with cauliflower. I have never breaded it before, so I was nervous about how it would turn out, but lemme tell you- it was easy, and divine.

(This would actually be a perfect companion to my Take out fake out mongolian beef!)

Ok, so to make this kickin side you will need:

2 egg whites
1 head cauliflower
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Salt & pepper
Green onion (optional! I just thought it would taste good)

and for the sauce, you will need:

1/4 cup lite mayo
1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce or Siracha ( I used chili sauce and it was delish)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar

1. Slice your cauliflower florets into bite sized pieces. Mix salt, pepper into your panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish or bowl. 

2. Set separate bowls aside with egg whites and panko. Dip florets into egg whites, and then coat with panko mixture.Your hands will get messy, but that's ok! All part of the fun!

3. After coating all of your florets, put them on a foil lined baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until brown and gorgeous

4. In a small bowl mix all of your sauce ingredients, but try not to taste test the sauce too many times- it's delicious!

5. Coat your breaded and pan fried florets with sauce, top with sprinkles of green onion and serve right away!

And there ya have it! Easy peasy! :) You will be craving these little guys once you get a taste. The cauliflower gets so crunchy on the outside, and soft on the inside- the texture is just to die for. I could sit and eat a huge bowl as a meal, and honestly, I might just do that this week. Sides can be really special, and really outshine the main course- but that's ok! Time to give the unappreciated food a little time in the spotlight! 

Happy cooking!

Pin It