Bang Bang Cauliflower (Weight Watchers Friendly)

Makes 4 servings | ~3โ€“4 WW Points per serving (depending on substitutions)


๐ŸŒŸ 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)
  • 1โ€“2 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€” 0โ€“1 point depending on amount
  • Fresh cilantro (optional) โ€” 0 points

๐Ÿ”ฅ Instructions:

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. Coat the Cauliflower:
    • Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter, making sure each piece is well coated.
  4. 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 20โ€“25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
    • Air Fry for 15โ€“20 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and golden.
  5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, sriracha, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.
  6. 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.

๐Ÿงฎ WW Points Recap (per serving):

IngredientTotal PointsPer Serving
Chickpea flour (1/2 cup)61.5
Cornstarch (1/4 cup)30.75
Almond milk (1/2 cup)00
Light mayo (3 tbsp)30.75
Maple syrup (1 tsp)10.25
Remaining ingredients00

Estimated per serving: ~3โ€“4 WW Points
(using almond milk and sugar-free maple syrup keeps it on the lower end).


โœ… 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 (0โ€“1 point depending on amount).