Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich

Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich

While I was still living in England, one of my housemates whipped up Hot for Food’s vegan buffalo cauliflower sandwich.  For the first time in my life, I finished off my leftovers and was genuinely sad that I had none left.  I’ve never felt so much like Patrick Star in my life!

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But, Spongebob references aside, this was by far one of the most delicious sandwiches I’ve had the opportunity to consume. Even years later, I find myself craving this particular meal on a regular basis! It’s not a particularly low-spoon recipe but, when I’m feeling up to cooking, it’s well worth it.

What is the spoon theory, anyway?

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Why a buffalo cauliflower sandwich?

A buffalo cauliflower sandwich is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a satisfying vegan meal. Each sandwich is made of a cauliflower “steak” that has been dredged in a seasoned flour and then baked until crisp and even more delicious. The cauliflower is then coated with a sweet-and-spicy hot sauce, then served on a bun with your choice of topping.

Of course, this is just one take on this recipe. There are so many different ways to make a vegan buffalo cauliflower sandwich! Some people choose to fry the cauliflower in traditional breadcrumbs, while others opt for a healthier version that uses a dusting of cornmeal or flour, rather than a thicker breading. The hot sauce can also be varied, with some people preferring a classic buffalo sauce while others prefer a different type of sauce entirely.

No matter how you customize it, this buffalo cauliflower sandwich is a quick and easy meal that is sure to please. It is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and it can also be made ahead of time and eaten cold or reheated.

Our Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich

As usual, I found myself making some adjustments when I decided to recreate that delicious meal. With that, my own version of this vegan buffalo cauliflower sandwich was born!

My biggest difficulty so far is the dressing.  Since vegan mayo is pretty impossible to find in my middle of nowhere town (save ordering from Amazon, Thrive Market, or a similar service), it’s usually up to me to make my own.  Before discovering my chickpea sensitivity, I’d turn to aquafaba mayo. Now, I’m on a search for an alternative. Suggestions? Let me know!

Our buffalo sauce is quite different than the inspiration, too, but I think it adds a nice touch. You can play around with the flavours, too! Prefer your sandwich less spicy? Adjust accordingly.  Want to up the spice? Go for it!  Or, make your life a little easier and use an [accidentally] vegan storebought option. Either way, I can just about guarantee that you’ll love this sandwich—hopefully as much as I do!

The Versatility of Cauliflower

Cauliflower is one of my favorite vegetables. I love that it’s so versatile–you can eat it raw or cooked, and it goes well with so many different flavors. I also love that it’s healthy, too–it’s low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins.

Buffalo cauliflower is one of my top choices. Reminiscent of buffalo chicken, this vegan substitute is low in calories and high in nutrients. One cup of cooked cauliflower contains only 27 calories, but it is packed with vitamins C, K, and B6, as well as folate, potassium, and fiber. Cauliflower also contains antioxidants and phytochemicals that may protect against cancer and other diseases.

Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich photo

Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich

A delicious, relatively healthy buffalo cauliflower sandwich!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 sandwiches

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet
  • Whisk
  • Immersion blender (if making aquafaba mayo)

Ingredients
  

Cauliflower “Steak”

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt or salt substitute
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Buffalo Sauce

  • 1/4 cup hot sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 stick vegan butter about a quarter-cup
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Ranch Sauce

  • 1/2 cup vegan mayo store-bought or made with your favourite recipe
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

Other

  • 2 buns or more, depending on size of cauliflower

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 450 F.
  • Clean cauliflower and slice in half. From each half, cut one steak, about 1/2 inch thick. Save the remaining cauliflower to make buffalo cauliflower wings or your favourite cauliflower recipe!
  • Whisk flour, non-dairy milk, water, and spices in a bowl. Pour into a baking dish and use to coat the steaks completely. Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
  • While they are baking, prepare your sauces.
  • Prepare vegan mayo if necessary, then whisk all ingredients together. Chill until the remaining components are ready.
  • Melt butter, then combine with remaining ingredients to form buffalo sauce. Add to baking dish and coat baked cauliflower. Place back in oven and bake for another 25 minutes.
  • Add steaks to bun with dressing and condiments of choice. I've used Hot for Food's suggestion of lettuce, tomato, and onion, and substituted avocado from time to time. They're all wonderful!  
Keyword Buffalo, Cauliflower, Sandwich

Need a recipe to use up those excess cauliflower florets? Our buffalo cauliflower wings or dijon-roasted cauliflower both focus on cauliflower florets. And they’re quite tasty, if I do say so myself!

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