Bang Bang Cauliflower (Weight Watchers Friendly)
Makes 4 servings | ~3โ4 WW Points per serving (depending on substitutions)
๐ Ingredients:
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets โ 0 points
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour (or whole wheat flour) โ 6 points total (1.5 points per serving)
- (using chickpea flour also adds protein!)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch โ 3 points total (0.75 points per serving)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder โ 0 points
- 1 teaspoon onion powder โ 0 points
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) โ 0 points
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk) โ 0 points (almond) or 1 point (skim milk)
- Salt and pepper โ 0 points
- Cooking spray โ 0 points
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons light mayonnaise โ 3 points total (0.75 points per serving)
- 1โ2 tablespoons sriracha (to taste) โ 0 points
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave syrup โ 1 point total (0.25 points per serving)
- (alternatively, use a sugar-free syrup for 0 points)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar โ 0 points
- 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) โ 0 points
Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions โ 0 points
- Sesame seeds (optional; use sparingly) โ 0โ1 point depending on amount
- Fresh cilantro (optional) โ 0 points
๐ฅ Instructions:
- Preheat Oven (or Air Fryer):
- Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC) or air fryer to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the almond milk and whisk until a smooth batter forms (should be thick but pourable; add a splash of water if needed).
- Coat the Cauliflower:
- Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Bake or Air Fry:
- Arrange the coated cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet or air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20โ25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Air Fry for 15โ20 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and golden.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, sriracha, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.
- Toss & Serve:
- When the cauliflower is done, toss it in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired.
๐งฎ WW Points Recap (per serving):
Ingredient | Total Points | Per Serving |
---|---|---|
Chickpea flour (1/2 cup) | 6 | 1.5 |
Cornstarch (1/4 cup) | 3 | 0.75 |
Almond milk (1/2 cup) | 0 | 0 |
Light mayo (3 tbsp) | 3 | 0.75 |
Maple syrup (1 tsp) | 1 | 0.25 |
Remaining ingredients | 0 | 0 |
Estimated per serving: ~3โ4 WW Points
(using almond milk and sugar-free maple syrup keeps it on the lower end).
โ Tips & Variations:
- Use fat-free Greek yogurt instead of mayo for the sauce (0 points) for an even lighter option.
- Add more spice by increasing sriracha (0 points).
- Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning instead of sesame seeds for a fun twist (0โ1 point depending on amount).