Name: Sticky Sesame Vegan Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 head of cauliflower (regular size; double for larger heads); 1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour mix (or regular flour if not gluten-free); 1 cup unsweetened or original flavor non-dairy milk; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (use 1 teaspoon for very spicy, omit if no spice); 2 cups crispy/panko gluten-free breadcrumbs, seasoned with salt & pepper; ⅔ cup maple syrup (10 tablespoons); 6 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or liquid aminos; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 2 teaspoons water (combined with cornstarch to form slurry); ½ cup water; Chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 9 reviews

If you are searching for a crowd-pleaser that delivers bold flavor, irresistible texture, and a plant-based punch, you have to try this Sticky Sesame Vegan Cauliflower Wings Recipe. These wings are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a luscious maple-sesame glaze with just the right kick of heat. Whether you’re vegan or just love tasty snacks, these cauliflower wings will quickly become your favorite, especially when game day rolls around or whenever you want a comforting finger food with a twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board with natural light and dark brown stripes is shown on a white marbled surface. On the board, there are many small pieces of white cauliflower with a rough, bumpy texture. To the right side of the board, there is a knife with a light brown handle and a black blade resting flat. The background is clean and bright, bringing focus to the vegetables and the wooden board photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Sticky Sesame Vegan Cauliflower Wings Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create complex layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the all-purpose flour that binds, to the crunchy panko breadcrumbs that provide that iconic crunch, and the sticky maple-sesame sauce that ties everything together.

Cauliflower (1 head): The star of the show, providing a tender, mildly nutty base that holds onto flavor beautifully.
Gluten-free flour mix or regular flour (1 cup): Essential for creating a smooth batter that crisps up the cauliflower.
Non-dairy milk, unsweetened (1 cup): Keeps the batter light and vegan-friendly while ensuring the coating sticks perfectly.
Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Brings out the natural flavors and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Ground black pepper (¾ teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and depth to the batter and the sauce.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the batter with savory aroma and taste.
Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon): Adjustable heat—add more for a spicy kick or skip for milder wings.
Gluten-free seasoned panko breadcrumbs (2 cups): The secret to that crispy, crave-worthy exterior with a bit of seasoning for extra flavor.
Maple syrup (⅔ cup / 10 tablespoons): Sweetens the sauce naturally and pairs perfectly with sesame for sticky goodness.
Low sodium soy sauce or liquid aminos (6 tablespoons): Balances sweetness with umami depth and saltiness.
Sesame seeds (1 teaspoon plus extra for garnish): Adds subtle nuttiness and a delightful visual pop.
Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Introduces a warm, zesty note to the sauce.
Cornstarch slurry (2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water): Thickens the sauce to that perfect sticky consistency.
Water (½ cup): Used to loosen the sauce and help the cornstarch activate.
Chopped scallions (for garnish): Brings fresh color and a mild onion flavor as a finishing touch.

How to Make Sticky Sesame Vegan Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to a hot 450°F (230°C) to ensure the wings get nice and crispy. While waiting, remove the florets from your cauliflower head, trimming off leaves and stems as you go. Chop the florets into bite-sized pieces that resemble the perfect wing size—this helps each piece cook evenly and soak in all the delicious flavors.

Step 2: Whisk the Batter

In a bowl, combine the gluten-free flour mix, non-dairy milk, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to create your batter. Stir until smooth and slightly thick, but if it feels too dense, add a splash more milk. This batter will coat the cauliflower florets, creating the base for their crispy crust.

Step 3: Bread the Cauliflower

Place the seasoned panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl to keep them ready. Dip each floret first into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumbs to cover completely. This two-step coating ensures the cauliflower wings turn out crunchy and holds the sauce beautifully. Place each coated wing onto your baking sheet, giving them plenty of room to crisp up without steaming.

Step 4: Bake the Wings

Pop the wings into your fully preheated oven and bake for about 22 minutes. This initial bake crisps the cauliflower and sets the coating, giving you that satisfying bite. Meanwhile, start mixing your sauce ingredients.

Step 5: Prepare the Sticky Sesame Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce (or liquid aminos), sesame seeds, black pepper, ground ginger, water, and your cornstarch slurry. This magical glaze combines sweet and savory notes and will thicken as it cooks, becoming beautifully sticky and irresistible.

Step 6: Toss Wings in Sauce and Finish Baking

Once the wings come out of the oven, gently toss them in the sauce using a spatula or tongs to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. Return the sauced wings to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to soak in and caramelize a little. This step locks in the amazing sticky texture and layers of flavor.

Step 7: Serve Immediately and Enjoy!

Once they come out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped scallions and extra sesame seeds for a fresh, crunchy finish. These wings are best eaten hot, straight from the oven, for maximum crispiness and saucy satisfaction.

How to Serve Sticky Sesame Vegan Cauliflower Wings Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with small, golden brown, crispy fried cauliflower pieces each showing a textured, crunchy surface coated in a sticky sauce, with some sauce droplets splattered on the inside of the bowl. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth partially visible on the left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Chopped scallions add a bright pop of color and a mild, oniony crunch that cuts through the sweet sauce perfectly. Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top provide additional nuttiness and a lovely textural contrast. A little fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime adds a fresh herbal note if you want to elevate the presentation even further.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, pair your cauliflower wings with crunchy veggies like celery sticks or carrot sticks, perfect for dipping. A cooling vegan ranch or cashew-based dip balances the sticky heat beautifully. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or some fragrant jasmine rice to round out the meal and bring a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these wings as a fun appetizer on a large platter with small bamboo skewers for easy picking. Alternatively, build a colorful vegan wrap or taco using the wings as the main protein, topped with crunchy slaws and your favorite sauce. These creative serving ideas take the Sticky Sesame Vegan Cauliflower Wings Recipe beyond game day and into everyday meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cauliflower wings keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coating softens a bit but reheating properly can restore much of the original texture and taste.

Freezing

You can freeze these wings after the initial bake but before saucing for best texture. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before tossing in sauce and finishing in the oven.

Reheating

To bring leftover wings back to life, reheat them in a hot oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes. This crisps up the outer coating again. For frozen wings, bake straight from frozen but add a few more minutes. Recoat with fresh sauce if desired to revive that sticky, flavorful glaze.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower?

Definitely! Broccoli florets or even thick strips of zucchini can work well with this batter and sauce. Just adjust the baking time slightly depending on the vegetable’s moisture content and size to achieve perfect crispiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! By using gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, this recipe remains gluten-free while still achieving the ideal crispy texture. If gluten is not a concern, regular flour and breadcrumbs work perfectly.

How spicy are these wings?

The heat level can be easily adjusted. The recipe calls for ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick. You can increase to 1 teaspoon for a spicier version or omit entirely for no heat at all.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sticky sesame sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to use, gently warm it up before tossing with the baked wings to ensure a glossy, sticky coating.

What can I serve these wings with for a full meal?

Besides classic veggie sticks and dips, these wings pair beautifully with steamed rice bowls, stir-fried veggies, or tossed into a fresh salad for a satisfying plant-based meal packed with flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Sticky Sesame Vegan Cauliflower Wings Recipe, it will quickly become one of your top go-to dishes for snacking or entertaining. The combination of crisp batter, tender cauliflower, and that addictive sticky sauce hits every craving perfectly. So grab your cauliflower and get ready to make a delicious, healthy, and insanely tasty wing alternative that everyone will love!