What To Serve With Bang Bang Cauliflower (32+ BEST Sides!)

If you’re looking for a plant based dish that packs a punch when it comes to flavour, you need to try bang bang cauliflower! 

A vegetarian take on the classic bang bang chicken, a Sichuan dish originally known as bon bon chicken, this alternative has gained huge popularity thanks to its similar bold flavours and satisfying crunch. 

Whether you’re a vegetarian or you’re just looking for creative and tasty ways to add more veggies to your diet, it makes for a delicious dinner. 

But what should you serve it with? 

Here’s the short answer: 

When it comes to what to serve with bang bang cauliflower, consider basmati rice, coconut rice, soba noodles, cucumber salad, kale slaw, roasted chickpeas, marinaded tofu, naan bread, pita bread, and tempura veggies. 

Let’s delve right into some more ideas… 

Understanding Bang Bang Cauliflower

Key Ingredients

The dish hinges on a few key ingredients for its signature taste:

• Cauliflower: The star of the dish, acting as a canvas for flavours.
• Flour & Cornflour: To create the crispy batter.
• Spices: Such as garlic powder and paprika for added depth.
• Mayonnaise and Sweet Chilli Sauce: For the creamy, spicy sauce that gives bang bang cauliflower its name.

Preparation Essentials

Ensuring a delicious Bang Bang Cauliflower involves several critical steps:

• Cutting the Cauliflower: Chop into bite-sized florets for even cooking.
• Making the Batter: A mixture of flour, cornflour, and spices, blended with water or milk to a smooth consistency.
• Frying: Deep-frying the battered florets until golden and crispy.
• Saucing: Tossing the fried florets in the sauce blend, coating them evenly.

Side Dish Selections

When selecting side dishes to complement your bang bang cauliflower, balance is key.

Aim for dishes that enhance the main’s flavors without overwhelming them.

Rice Varieties

Rice makes a fantastic base for the bold taste of bang bang cauliflower.

Here are two top choices:

• Basmati Rice: Its long, fragrant grains pair nicely with the spicy notes of the cauliflower.
• Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness offsets the heat and adds a refreshing contrast.

Noodle Dishes

Noodles are another perfect choice for what to serve with bang bang cauliflower, offering a satisfying texture.

• Soba Noodles: Toss them in a light soy dressing; their earthy flavor complements the dish.
• Rice Noodles: Mix with a hint of sesame oil for a delicate addition that won’t detract from the main event.

Salads and Greens

Fresh, crisp salads and greens can offset the fiery sauce, making them great choices for what to serve with bang bang cauliflower. 

• Cucumber Salad: Season with rice vinegar for a quick, zesty side.
• Kale Slaw: With a lemony vinaigrette, kale slaw adds brightness to your meal.

Proteins to Complement Bang Bang Cauliflower

Complementing bang bang cauliflower with the right protein can transform it into a hearty and balanced meal.

Each protein option lends a different texture and flavor profile that can match your personal taste preferences.

Poultry Pairings

When it comes to poultry, chicken is a versatile choice. You might enjoy:

• Grilled chicken breasts, seasoned with herbs for a light and healthy option.
• Chicken tenders, battered and fried for a more indulgent dish.

Seafood Selections

Seafood can add a sophisticated touch to your meal. Consider these choices:

• Prawns, either grilled or sautéed, bring a delicate, sweet flavor.
• Pan-seared salmon fillets, which offer a rich and oily contrast to the dish.

(If you love cauliflower, you’ll also enjoy what to serve with cauliflower soup!) 

Vegetarian Protein Options

There are plenty of plant-based proteins that can stand up next to bang bang cauliflower:

• Chickpeas roasted with spices offer a crunchy texture and protein boost.
• Tofu cubes, marinated and baked until crispy, make for a substantial addition.

(If you love cooking veggie dishes, you’ll also enjoy what to serve with broccoli casserole). 

Bread Options

Choosing the right bread to accompany your bang bang cauliflower can enhance the overall experience.

Bread can provide a delightful textural contrast and a means to savour every last bit of the sauce.

Flatbreads

Flatbreads are a versatile choice that pairs wonderfully with bang bang cauliflower.

They can be used to scoop up the cauliflower or as a base for a flavourful wrap.

• Naan: This soft and slightly chewy bread complements the creamy, spicy sauce beautifully.
• Pita: A convenient option for creating pockets filled with cauliflower and additional toppings.

Buns and Rolls

Buns and rolls add a satisfying softness to your meal, making them perfect for creating sliders or sandwiches. 

• Brioche Buns: Their buttery texture contrasts nicely with the crispy bite of the cauliflower.
• Ciabatta Rolls: With a crusty exterior and airy interior, they’re ideal for soaking up the tangy sauce.

Sauces and Condiments

The right sauce can elevate your bang bang cauliflower by adding a layer of flavor that complements its crispy texture.

Whether you fancy a creamy, spicy, or herby addition, there’s a condiment to suit your palate.

Creamy Dressings

A rich and luscious dressing can balance the heat of bang bang cauliflower. You might enjoy:

• Garlic Aioli: A blend of garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
• Blue Cheese Dip: Crumbled blue cheese mixed with sour cream, mayonnaise, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

Spicy Dips

If you’re a fan of heat, these zesty dips will add a fiery kick:

• Sriracha Mayo: Combine Sriracha sauce with mayonnaise to create a spicy yet creamy dip.
• Chipotle Sauce: Pureed chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with a splash of lime and a bit of honey for sweetness.

Herb-Infused Sauces

For a fresh twist, try these herb-infused sauces:

• Green Goddess: A creamy sauce made with fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, and chives, blended with anchovy paste, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
• Chimichurri: A vibrant, uncooked sauce with finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.

Crispy Companions

Pairing your bang bang cauliflower with other crunchy sides can enhance your meal’s texture and taste.

Tempura Vegetables

You can complement your dish with an assortment of tempura vegetables.

Lightly battered and deep-fried, these vegetables offer a delightful crunch.

Common choices include:

• Asparagus: A vibrant green option that becomes gloriously tender inside a crisp coating.
• Sweet potato: Offers a natural sweetness that contrasts nicely with the spicy cauliflower.

Crackers and Crisps

Enhance your platter with a selection of crackers and crisps.

They add extra crunch and can be dipped into the same sauce used for your cauliflower.

Here are some good options:

• Rice crackers: Thin and light, they’re an ideal gluten-free option.
• Potato crisps: Choose plain sea salted to not overpower the main dish.

Beverage Pairings

Below, you’ll find tailored suggestions for wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages that work wonderfully for what to serve with bang bang cauliflower. 

Wine Suggestions

• Riesling: A crisp, off-dry Riesling balances the heat with its natural fruit sweetness and refreshing acidity.
• Gewürztraminer: This aromatic wine, with its lychee and rose notes, softens the spice and complements the dish’s bold flavors.

Beer Recommendations

• Wheat Beer: The light citrus notes in a wheat beer can help temper the spiciness, while its effervescence cleanses the palate.
• Pale Ale: A pale ale with moderate hops provides a floral aroma that pairs nicely with the intensity of the cauliflower.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

• Iced Green Tea: The subtle bitterness and cooling effect make iced green tea an excellent choice to counter the dish’s heat.
• Sparkling Water with Lime: The zesty addition of lime to sparkling water offers a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Dessert Ideas

After enjoying the spicy and crispy flavors of bang bang cauliflower, you might fancy something sweet to balance your palate.

Light Sweet Treats

You could savor a scoop of sorbet—lemon or raspberry perhaps—to cleanse your taste buds with its refreshing zing.

Another delightful option is mousse au chocolat, a light and airy dessert that won’t weigh you down after your meal.

Fruit-Based Desserts

A simple yet satisfying choice is a fresh fruit salad, which can include seasonal berries, kiwi, and pineapple.

For something a bit more indulgent, a peach melba with ripe peaches, raspberry sauce, and a dollop of vanilla ice cream never fails to please.

Serving Tips and Presentation

Plating Techniques

Your presentation should complement the bold flavours. 

Arrange the cauliflower pieces on a neutral-coloured plate for contrast.

Drizzle bang bang sauce generously, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions for a pop of colour.

• Use white space: Allow for areas of the plate to be empty to make the dish stand out.
• Create height: Stack the cauliflower pieces gently to give the dish dimension.

Serving Temperature

Bang Bang Cauliflower is best served hot.

The heat intensifies the sauce’s flavour and keeps the cauliflower crispy.

• Oven-fresh: Serve immediately after baking to maintain crispiness.
• Sauce temperature: The sauce should be at room temperature or slightly warmed to avoid sogginess.

Portion Sizes

Offer Bang Bang Cauliflower in appropriate portions that encourage sharing or as a personal appetiser.

A standard serving for one person is about 100-150 grams.

Setting	Suggested Portion Size
Appetiser	100g per person
Side dish	150g per person
Sharing	300-400g for two

• Appetisers: Smaller, bite-sized florets for easy eating.
• Side dish: Larger florets to accompany main courses.

What’s your favourite idea? 

Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.