Buffalo Cauliflower With Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
Make Buffalo Cauliflower With Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Buffalo Cauliflower
Blue Cheese Dressing & Garnish
Method
Buffalo Cauliflower
- 1
Preheat & prepare
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) if baking. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil it. If you prefer frying, heat a 1/2-inch layer of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (approx. 350°F / 175°C).
- 2
Make batter
In a large mixing bowl whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk in 1 cold cup water and 1 large egg until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms. The batter should coat the back of a spoon; add up to 2 tbs more water if too thick.
- 3
Coat cauliflower
Add 1.5 lbs cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently to coat each floret evenly. Use a fork or tongs to lift florets, letting excess batter drip back into the bowl.
- 4
Cook the florets
If baking: Arrange battered florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet (do not overcrowd). Lightly brush or spray each floret with the 2 tbs vegetable oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until edges are golden and crisp. If frying: Carefully place battered florets into the hot oil in batches, frying 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper-towel lined rack to drain.
- 5
Make buffalo sauce
While cauliflower cooks, combine 3 tbs unsalted butter, 3/4 cup hot sauce, and 1 tsp honey (optional) in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until butter is melted and sauce is smooth; keep warm. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as desired.
- 6
Toss in sauce
Place the cooked cauliflower in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the florets and gently toss until they are evenly coated. For extra saucy pieces, reserve a few tbs of sauce to drizzle when serving.
- 7
Serve
Transfer buffalo cauliflower to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using and serve immediately with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Blue Cheese Dressing & Garnish
- 8
Make dressing
In a medium bowl whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, and 1/4 cup buttermilk until smooth. Add 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Fold in 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, leaving some larger crumbles for texture. If you prefer a thinner dressing, whisk in up to 2 tbs more buttermilk until desired consistency is reached.
- 9
Adjust and chill
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Chill the dressing for at least 10 minutes if time allows to let flavors meld; stirring before serving.
- 10
Plate & garnish
Place dressing in a small bowl for dipping alongside the buffalo cauliflower. Arrange 3 celery sticks on the platter and sprinkle the dressing and cauliflower with remaining blue cheese crumbles and chopped parsley for garnish.