Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wraps

This spicy buffalo cauliflower wrap recipe transforms humble cauliflower into a crave-worthy plant-based meal that satisfies even the most dedicated carnivores. The crispy cauliflower gets coated in tangy buffalo sauce, creating a perfect balance of heat and flavor that's wrapped up with fresh veggies for a complete meal.

I first made these wraps during football season as an alternative to traditional wings, and they were such a hit that they've become a regular in our dinner rotation. Even my meat loving friends request these when they come over!

Ingredients

• Medium head of cauliflower: Provides the perfect meaty texture and absorbs flavors beautifully
• All purpose flour: Creates the crispy coating look for unbleached variety for best results
• Unsweetened almond milk: Adds moisture without dairy perfect for a lighter batter
• Garlic and onion powder: Essential flavor builders that infuse the cauliflower with savory notes
• Smoked paprika: Adds depth and subtle smokiness choose Spanish variety for authentic flavor
• Hot sauce: The star ingredient Frank's RedHot provides authentic buffalo flavor
• Butter: Mellows the heat and adds richness use high quality unsalted for best results
• Whole wheat tortillas: Sturdy base for holding fillings choose large 10 inch ones for easier wrapping
• Fresh vegetables: Add crunch texture and freshness to balance the spicy cauliflower

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior on the cauliflower. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before adding the cauliflower to ensure even cooking.

Prepare the Batter:

Combine flour almond milk garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not so thick that it clumps. If too thick add a splash more milk.

Coat the Cauliflower:

Dip each floret individually into the batter ensuring complete coverage. Allow excess batter to drip off before placing on the baking sheet. Leave space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation and crispiness. Work in batches if needed for even coating.

First Bake:

Bake the coated cauliflower for 20 minutes until the exterior becomes golden brown and crispy. The inside should be tender when pierced with a fork. Rotate the pan halfway through if your oven has hot spots.

Make Buffalo Sauce:

While the cauliflower bakes whisk together hot sauce and melted butter in a medium bowl. The butter creates a silky texture and helps the sauce adhere to the cauliflower while tempering the heat. For extra flavor add a pinch of garlic powder.

Sauce Coating:

Remove cauliflower from oven and carefully transfer to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over and gently toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. Use silicone tongs to prevent damaging the crispy coating.

Second Bake:

Return the sauced cauliflower to the oven for 10 more minutes. This step caramelizes the sauce slightly and creates an irresistible sticky exterior with maximum flavor adhesion.

Assemble Wraps:

Lay out tortillas and layer with lettuce tomatoes and red onion across the bottom third. Place a generous portion of buffalo cauliflower on top and drizzle with ranch dressing. The cool creamy dressing provides perfect contrast to the spicy cauliflower.

Roll and Serve:

Fold in the sides of each tortilla then roll from the bottom up securing the filling inside. For easier eating slice each wrap diagonally and serve immediately while the cauliflower is still warm and crispy.

Save This

The smoked paprika is my secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power during a cooking class in Barcelona and now use it in nearly everything. The subtle smokiness elevates the buffalo sauce to something truly special that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Storage and Reheating

The buffalo cauliflower is best enjoyed immediately after cooking but can be stored separately from the wrap ingredients. Keep leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat place on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 7 10 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it will make the cauliflower soggy. Assemble wraps with fresh ingredients just before serving.

Customizing Your Heat Level

This recipe is incredibly adaptable to different spice preferences. For a milder version use equal parts hot sauce and barbecue sauce. For extreme heat lovers add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the batter and use a habanero based hot sauce. You can also create a flavor gradient by making half the cauliflower spicy and half mild perfect for feeding families with varying heat tolerances.

Serving Suggestions

Transform these wraps into a complete meal by serving with sweet potato fries or a light side salad with vinaigrette. For entertaining create a buffalo cauliflower bar with various toppings like blue cheese crumbles pickled jalapeños shredded carrots and different sauces allowing guests to customize their wraps. These also pair beautifully with a cold craft beer or a tangy lemonade to balance the heat.

Common Queries

→ How do I make the cauliflower extra crispy?

Bake the batter-coated florets until golden, then toss with buffalo sauce and return to the oven for extra crispness.

→ Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?

Yes, all-purpose flour works well, but gluten-free flour may be substituted for dietary needs.

→ What type of tortillas work best?

Whole wheat, spinach, or any large wrap tortillas are great options for holding all the fillings.

→ Is vegan ranch dressing necessary?

No, you can use regular ranch or your favorite creamy dressing for added flavor and moisture.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Choose a milder or hotter sauce to suit your preference, and add more ranch to mellow the heat if desired.

→ What are good side dishes?

Pair the wraps with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or simple green salad for a complete meal.