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    Home » Snacks & Sides

    Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli

    Updated: May 30, 2023 by Katie Hale · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    As a vegan, finding the perfect savory and crispy snack can be a challenge. But look no further! Vegan bang bang broccoli is the ultimate dish to satisfy all your cravings.

    chopsticks holing bang bang broccoli above blue bowl

    This tasty appetizer is a wonderful meat-free choice for those who loved having bang bang sauce at their local Thai restaurant. It's easy to make, delicious and will impress even your non-vegan friends.

    If you want something a bit less spicy, check out our roasted vegetable medley instead!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top Tip
    • FAQ
    • Related
    • Pairing
    • Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli
    • Food Safety

    Ingredients

    For this recipe, you will need ingredients for the bang bang sauce, the batter, and of course the broccoli and seasonings. These are broken into three sections below for your convenience. The quantities are found in the recipe card below.

    Bang Bang Sauce

    • Chili paste
    • Vegan mayonnaise
    • Agave nectar
    three bowls of ingredients on marble table

    Batter

    • Apple cider vinegar
    • Almond milk
    • Cornstarch
    • All-purpose flour
    • Hot Sauce
    • Salt
    ramekins and glass bowls of ingredients on marble table

    To fry

    • Broccoli
    • Breadcrumbs
    • Oil for frying
    broccoli on table next to bowls of ingredients

    Instructions

    Start this recipe by mixing together the mayonnaise, chili paste, and agave nectar to create the bang bang sauce. Set this aside, or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

    sauce being poured nto glass bowl of mayoannise

    Now, you will whisk the batter. In a large bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk to combine, then mix in the hot sauce. Set this aside.

    glass bowl of water held above white bowl on marble table
    hot sauce being poured into white bowl

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Then slowly pour it into the flour mixture until a batter forms.

    liquid in glass bowl being poured into white bowl of flour
    whisk in white bowl of batter

    When ready to prepare the bang bang broccoli, you will chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Pat it dry, then set it aside. In a deep skillet, heat the oil for frying. Once hot, you will create a dipping station. The broccoli, the batter, and then a bowl of breadcrumbs.

    Dip the broccoli into the batter, then into the breadcrumbs, then into the hot oil.

    hand dipping broccoli floret into white bowl of batter
    hand dredging broccoli in breadcrumbs

    Be careful to not overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until it is golden and crispy.

    broccoli balls in skillet of oiil
    pink tongs turning broccoli in skillet of oil

    Remove and drain on paper towels before serving with bang bang sauce for dipping and garnish with chopped chives.

    spoon of bang bang sauce being poured over fried bang bang broccoli in large blue bowl

    Substitutions

    This recipe is pretty basic, but there are a few to consider. Below are a few things that may be useful should you need to make changes to this recipe.

    • For those who want a gluten-free version, simply substitute it with your favorite gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
    • Use cauliflower instead of broccoli.
    • If allergic to nuts, use soy milk or oat milk instead of almond milk.

    Variations

    Want to switch up the recipe? You can definitely make this a bit more unique with some easy changes. Below are a few ways to make it even more unique.

    • Use this batter with cauliflower, zucchini, squash, or mushrooms for a different flavor.
    • Skip the bang bang sauce and serve with ranch dressing instead.
    • Season the breadcrumbs and flour with your favorite herbs and spices before whisking into the batter and dredging the broccoli.
    • Add more heat by mincing a red chili and stirring it into the batter.
    blue bowl of bang bang broccoli topped with sauce and chives on table by tomatoes

    Equipment

    Below are the supplies used to prepare this recipe. If you are new to cooking, take a look at the suggested items and add them to your kitchen tools.

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Mixing bowl
    • Whisk
    • Cutting board
    • Chef's knife
    • Tongs
    • Deep skillet

    Storage

    To store leftover bang bang broccoli, make sure it is completely cooled down before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or an air fryer for the best results.

    This can be frozen for up to 4 months. After cooking, let cool completely before putting it into a dated and labeled freezer storage bag. When ready to serve, pop into the oven, a deep fryer, or the air fryer to crisp and heat through.

    white plate of fried broccoli balls with sauce

    Top Tip

    For the best results when making bang bang broccoli, make sure that you dry the broccoli before coating it in the batter. This helps the batter stick better and will give you a crispier texture.

    If using frozen broccoli, let it thaw completely then pat dry before battering and frying. Do not cook the broccoli before frying.

    FAQ

    Can I make vegan bang bang broccoli ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make vegan bang-bang broccoli ahead of time. Simply prepare the broccoli mixture and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, simply bake the broccoli according to the instructions above.

    Can I make this in the air fryer?

    Absolutely! When cooking battered food in the air fryer, the main consideration is to coat the outside with flour or breadcrumbs. For this recipe, it is dipped and then dredged in breadcrumbs. This helps the batter stick to the broccoli and not run out into the air fryer basket.

    This recipe would be beast cooked at 380°F for 4 minutes, then turn the broccoli, and continue cooking for another 3 minutes. To make sure it is browned nicely, spritz it with olive oil before cooking.

    Bowl of broccoli fried and topped with sauce and chives

    Related

    If you like this recipe, then you'll love these other appetizer and snack ideas. Load your plate with tasty vegetables for a healthy diet!

    Buffalo Cauliflower
    zucchini fries on a platter with ranch dip
    Zucchini Fries

    Pairing

    Not sure what to serve this with? Check out these sauces for dipping if you prefer something not so spicy.

    cucumber slice being dipped in vegan ranch dressing
    Vegan Ranch Dip
    vegan raita in a white bowl on a wooden cutting board
    Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

    Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli

    Katie Hale
    Treat yourself to a tasty and nourishing dish with this vegan bang bang broccoli recipe, crafted with fresh ingredients that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 535 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Bang Bang Sauce

    • 2 tablespoon chili paste
    • ¼ cup vegan mayo
    • 1 tablespoon agave nectar

    Batter

    • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 cup almond milk
    • ½ cup cornstarch
    • ¾ cup all purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoon hot sauce
    • Pinch of salt

    To fry

    • 1 head Broccoli
    • 2 cups bread crumbs
    • Chives for garnish
    • Oil for frying

    Instructions
     

    • To start this recipe, make the bang bang sauce by combining mayonnaise, chili paste, and agave nectar. Set it aside or store it in the refrigerator until later use.
      hand stirring orange sauce in glass bowl on marble counter
    • Next, prepare the batter by whisking together flour, cornstarch, and salt in a large bowl. Mix in hot sauce and set it aside.
      glass bowl of water held above white bowl on marble table
    • In another bowl, combine almond milk and apple cider vinegar, and gradually pour it into the flour mixture until it forms a batter.
      whisk in white bowl of batter
    • To prepare the bang bang broccoli, chop it into bite-sized florets, pat it dry, and keep it aside.
    • Heat the oil in a deep skillet and create a dipping station with the broccoli, batter, and breadcrumbs.
      hand dredging broccoli in breadcrumbs
    • Dip the broccoli into the batter, coat it with breadcrumbs, and fry it in hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan and fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns crispy and golden.
      pink tongs turning broccoli in skillet of oil
    • Once done, remove the fried broccoli and drain it on paper towels. Serve it with bang bang sauce and chopped chives for garnish.
      fried broccoli covered in sauce on black plate

    Video

    Notes

    1. When dredging the broccoli, keep a wet hand and dry hand to help prevent mess.  Alternatively, you can pour the batter into a bag, toss all broccoli in, and shake it around until coated then pull one piece out a time to dredge in the breadcrumbs before frying. 
    2. Add salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika to the breadcrumbs for additional flavor. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 535kcalCarbohydrates: 89gProtein: 14gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 663mgPotassium: 645mgFiber: 7gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 966IUVitamin C: 139mgCalcium: 251mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword bang bang broccoli, vegan bang bang broccoli, vegan bang bang sauce
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Food Safety

    No matter what you are preparing, practicing food safety is a must. Below are some of our top suggestions regarding cooking and working within your kitchen. Keep these in mind as you prepare this tasty meal.

    • Always sanitize countertops, cutting boards, utensils, and cookware thoroughly between each use.
    • Wash your hands in warm soapy water, rubbing for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. Remember, "FROG" means friction rubs off germs.
    • After serving food, allow it to cool, then place it into the refrigerator or proper storage immediately. Food should be at room temperature for no more than 2 hours for safety.

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