🌿 Tempura Buffalo Cauliflower with Cashew Ranch & Tangy Celery Slaw

🧫 Cauliflower Tempura Wings

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into large florets

• 1 cup rice flour (for that crisp, airy batter)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for structure)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup sparkling water (cold)

• Neutral oil for frying (grapeseed or avocado)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the cauliflower florets for about three minutes until just barely tender. Drain and pat dry.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk flours, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. Add sparkling water slowly and whisk until smooth—thick but pourable.

3. Heat oil in a deep pan (350°F).

4. Dip cauliflower in batter, fry until golden and crispy (2–3 min per side). Drain on paper towels.

🔥 Buffalo Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot (or similar)

• 2 tbsp regular butter

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• Pinch garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan, stir in hot sauce and maple syrup.

2. Toss the hot cauliflower in buffalo sauce just before serving to keep it crispy.

🥣 Cashew Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water 30 min)

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 clove garlic

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill

• 1 tbsp chopped chives or parsley

Instructions:

1. Blend everything (except herbs) until creamy. Then stir in fresh herbs.

2. Chill until ready to serve.

🥬 Tangy Celery Slaw

Ingredients:

• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced on a bias

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar

• Pinch of salt and black pepper

• Optional: tiny bit of dill or parsley

Instructions:

1. Toss together and let sit for 15+ minutes to marinate slightly.

✨ To Plate:

• Arrange 3–4 tempura “wings” per plate.

• Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce.

• Add a spoonful of celery slaw.

• Serve with a generous ramekin of cashew ranch.

• Sprinkle with microgreens if desired.

🐝 Honey Tip:

Serve immediately after tossing in buffalo sauce so they stay crispy on the outside and tender inside. These are best fresh—but I won’t lie, I’ve snuck a cold one out of the fridge and dipped it in leftover ranch and it still hit the spot.