Who knew you could make vegan drumsticks with just one humble ingredient? Yep — cauliflower! This simple plant-based recipe turns an everyday vegetable into something delightfully crispy, tender, and satisfying. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, these Gochujang Cauliflower Wings will hit the spot.
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🥢The Heroine behind these Vegan Wings
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable and is the exact same species of the broccoli, however the two went on different paths of selective breeding, which give one mostly white color and the other green. They both have tightly bunched florets connected by a thick core, they both pack with nutrients and are great additions to your health and your plate.
This recipe features cauliflower, which to me is the magic ingredient of the vegan kitchen. You may find it in shades of yellow, purple, or green depending on your local market, yet no matter the color, the cauliflower gives the same tender texture, mild flavor, and a little sweet and nutty taste.
💓 Why You’ll Love This Gochujang Cauliflower Wings
When I say cauliflower is a magician in my vegan kitchen, I really mean it. Here’s why:
- Tender yet meaty once roasted or air-fried.
- Mild in flavour, so it soaks up marinades and sauces beautifully.
- Naturally wholesome, packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Here are more from my series 'Vegan Food for Meat Lovers':
Check out more Korean recipes here: Vegan Korean Recipes!
📝How to make Gochujang Cauliflower Drumsticks
Ingredients
Drumsticks ingredients:
- 1 large head cauliflower
- flour
- panko breadcrumbs
- unsweetened plant milk
- corn starch
- black pepper
- chilli flakes
- garlic powder
- salt
Sauce ingredients:
- gochujang paste
- soy sauce
- white or brown sugar
- ketchup
- rice vinegar
- sesame oil
- roasted sesame seeds
See recipe card for the full quantity.
Instructions
- Break the cauliflower into smaller florets that resemble drumstick shapes then wash thoroughly.
- In a big bowl, add flour, corn starch, black pepper, chilli flakes, garlic powder, salt and plant milk and mix well to form a coating batter.
- Prepare a plate of breadcrumbs, then dip the cauliflower drumsticks in the batter and coat evenly before rolling them in breadcrumbs.
- Let your cauliflower sit and soak up all that spices.
- Airfryer method: Preheat the air-fryer at 200°C for 5 mins, next place the cauliflower florets and either use a spray bottle or a brush to coat them with a thin layer of cooking oil, then cook at 180°C for 10-15 mins until golden and crispy. Flip them halfway.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, in a small bowl, add all the sauce ingredients and mix well, feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Serve directly out of the airfryer if you want a crunchier and more chewy texture. Add all the sauce and give it a good shake for a more intense flavor and juicier bite.
🎯 Tips for success
- Try to keep a bit of the stem attached when breaking the florets to make it easier to hold when coating and eating.
- Baking method: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway.
- If you find it difficult to time it right when using the air-fryer, you can pre-cook the cauliflower with a quick blanch.
- Serve perfectly as a snack, side dish, or main comfort meal with a bowl of steamed rice
🌸Final Thoughts
These Gochujang Cauliflower Drumsticks are ridiculously simple with just one main ingredient - yet when shaped and seasoned right, the cauliflower florets mimic the juicy bite of traditional drumsticks. It’s such a crowd-pleasing, even for your non-vegan friends.
So next time you’re in the mood for vegan comfort food, grab a cauliflower and let it surprise you. This is proof that plant-based eating doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes, all you need is one good ingredient and a little creativity.
What's surprised you most about this recipe? Share with me in the review below or tag me on Instagram @veggieanh. I would love to hear how you feel!
Print📖 Recipe
Gochujang Cauliflower (Airfryer method)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Gochujang Cauliflower Drumsticks are ridiculously simple with just one main ingredient - yet when shaped and seasoned right, the cauliflower florets mimic the juicy bite of traditional drumsticks. It’s such a crowd-pleasing, even for your non-vegan friends.
Ingredients
Drumsticks ingredients:
- 1 large head cauliflower
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup unsweetened plant milk
- 2 tbsp corn starch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- dash of black pepper
- ½ tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- salt
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Sauce ingredients:
- 2 tbsp gochujang paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Break the cauliflower into smaller florets that resemble drumstick shapes then wash thoroughly.
- In a big bowl, add flour, corn starch, black pepper, chilli flakes, garlic powder, salt and plant milk and mix well to form a coating batter.
- Prepare a plate of breadcrumbs, then dip the cauliflower drumsticks in the batter and coat evenly before rolling them in breadcrumbs.
- Let your cauliflower sit and soak up all that spices.
- Airfryer method: Preheat the air-fryer at 200oC for 5 mins, next place the cauliflower florets and either use a spray bottle or a brush to coat them with a thin layer of cooking oil, then cook at 180oC for 10-15 mins until golden and crispy. Flip them halfway.
- Baking method: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, in a small bowl, add all the sauce ingredients and mix well, feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Serve directly out of the air-fryer if you want a crunchier and more chewy texture. Add all the sauce and give it a good shake for a more intense flavor and juicier bite.
Notes
Try to keep a bit of the stem attached when breaking the florets to make it easier to hold when coating and eating.
If you find it difficult to time it right when using the air-fryer, you can pre-cook the cauliflower with a quick blanch.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air-Frying
- Cuisine: Korean, Fusion
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