Introducing the sensational Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli, a dish that brilliantly captures the essence of its non-vegan counterpart with a delightful twist. This recipe offers a perfect symphony of flavors, combining the crispiness of the broccoli with a sweet and spicy sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. What sets this dish apart is its vegan nature, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its exquisite taste without any reservations.
The origin of Bang Bang Broccoli lies in the innovative modification of a popular dish from a beloved Asian restaurant. Traditionally served with a non-vegan sauce, the challenge was to create a version that was not only plant-based but also retained all the explosive flavors of the original. By substituting animal-based ingredients with vegan alternatives, this dish maintains its rich, creamy texture and depth of flavor, making it a favorite among vegans and non-vegans alike.
Bang Bang Broccoli is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of how versatile and exciting vegan cooking can be. The broccoli is battered in a light, airy tempura-like coating, then rolled in panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. Once baked or fried to golden perfection, it’s drizzled or tossed with a homemade bang bang sauce—a blend of vegan mayo, a touch of sweetener like agave or maple syrup, and a spicy chili paste that packs a punch.
This dish is a testament to the creativity inherent in vegan cuisine, proving that you don’t need to compromise on flavor to enjoy a plant-based meal. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just looking for a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, Bang Bang Broccoli promises a delightful and satisfying culinary experience.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli |
| Main Ingredients | Broccoli, Vegan Mayo, Panko Breadcrumbs, Agave/Maple Syrup, Chili Paste |
| Texture and Taste | Crispy broccoli with a sweet and spicy sauce |
| Preparation | Battered in tempura-like coating, rolled in breadcrumbs, baked/fried, tossed/drizzled with sauce |
| Origin | Adaptation of a popular dish from an Asian restaurant, made vegan |
| Philosophy | Celebrates versatility and excitement of vegan cooking without compromising flavor |
Contents
Ingredients
To make Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli, you’ll need a variety of ingredients for the broccoli itself, the batter, and the signature bang bang sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Broccoli
Fresh broccoli: 2 large heads, cut into bite-sized florets
For the Batter
All-purpose flour: 1 cup (substitute with gluten-free flour if necessary)
Cornstarch: 1/2 cup (for crispiness)
Cold water: 1 cup
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup (for added crunch)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
Vegan mayonnaise: 1 cup
Agave nectar or maple syrup: 2 tablespoons (choose based on desired sweetness and consistency)
Chili paste (sambal oelek or sriracha): 2 tablespoons, adjust to taste
Alternative Suggestions
Instead of broccoli, you can use cauliflower or a mix of vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for variation.
Agave nectar provides a smoother consistency and is less sweet than maple syrup, allowing the spicy and savory flavors to shine through.
| Component | Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | Fresh broccoli | 2 large heads, cut into bite-sized florets |
| Batter | All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) | 1 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1/2 cup | |
| Cold water | 1 cup | |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup | For added crunch |
| Bang Bang Sauce | Vegan mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Agave nectar or maple syrup | 2 tablespoons | |
| Chili paste (sambal oelek or sriracha) | 2 tablespoons, adjust to taste | |
| Alternatives | Variety of vegetables (e.g., cauliflower, bell peppers, zucchini) | As desired |
Preparation Steps
Prepping the Broccoli
Begin by thoroughly washing the broccoli florets under cold water. Shake off any excess water and dry the florets with a clean towel to ensure the batter adheres properly. If you’re looking for a healthier cooking method, consider using an air fryer. This method reduces the amount of oil needed, yet still achieves a crispy texture.
Making the Batter
To create the tempura-like batter, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the cold water to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. The batter should be smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Dip each broccoli floret into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated, then dredge it in the panko breadcrumbs. The cornstarch in the batter helps create a crispier finish, while the panko breadcrumbs add an essential crunch that is key to mimicking the texture of deep-fried foods.
Baking/Frying the Broccoli
Baking: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the battered broccoli in a single layer, ensuring the florets do not touch each other to promote even cooking. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the broccoli is golden and crispy.
Frying: If you prefer to fry the broccoli, heat a generous amount of oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the battered broccoli in batches, frying until each piece is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the broccoli from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Serving the Bang Bang Broccoli
Once cooked, toss the crispy broccoli in the bang bang sauce while still warm to ensure the florets are evenly coated with the spicy, sweet sauce. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
This Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with a delightful crunch that makes it irresistibly delicious. Whether baked or fried, this dish is sure to impress both vegan and non-vegan diners alike.
| Step | Process | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Prepping the Broccoli | Wash and dry | Wash broccoli under cold water, dry thoroughly to ensure batter adheres. Consider air frying for less oil and crisp texture. |
| Making the Batter | Combine and whisk | Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder. Add cold water gradually, whisk to prevent lumps. Coat broccoli in batter, then in panko breadcrumbs. |
| Baking/Frying the Broccoli | Bake or fry |
|
| Serving the Broccoli | Toss in sauce | Toss in bang bang sauce while warm. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. |
Making the Bang Bang Sauce
Creating the perfect Bang Bang Sauce is essential for bringing out the vibrant flavors in Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli. This sauce combines the creamy texture of vegan mayo with the sweetness of syrup and the heat from chili paste, resulting in a delightful complement to the crispy broccoli.
Ingredients
Vegan mayonnaise: 1 cup
Agave nectar or maple syrup: 2 tablespoons (based on your sweetness preference)
Chili paste (such as sambal oelek or sriracha): 2 tablespoons, adjust depending on your heat tolerance
Preparation Steps
Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the vegan mayonnaise, agave nectar (or maple syrup), and chili paste. Using a whisk, mix thoroughly until all components are well-blended. The vegan mayonnaise acts as a smooth, creamy base, while the agave nectar or maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat from the chili paste.
Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it slightly with a tablespoon of water or additional syrup to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too runny, add a bit more mayonnaise. The goal is to create a sauce that can coat the broccoli florets evenly without dripping off.
Taste and Tweak: Taste your sauce and adjust the flavors as needed. If you desire more sweetness, add more syrup; for more heat, incrementally add more chili paste. Achieving the right balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy is crucial for the sauce to complement the broccoli perfectly.
Let It Rest: Allow the sauce to sit for at least 10 minutes before tossing it with the broccoli. This resting period lets the flavors meld together more fully.
| Component | Ingredients | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredient | Vegan mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Sweetener | Agave nectar or maple syrup | 2 tablespoons (adjust based on sweetness preference) |
| Heat Source | Chili paste (sambal oelek or sriracha) | 2 tablespoons (adjust based on heat tolerance) |
| Preparation Steps | Mix ingredients | Whisk vegan mayonnaise, sweetener, and chili paste until well-blended. |
| Adjust Consistency | Modify texture | Thin with water or more syrup for desired consistency; thicken with more mayonnaise if too runny. |
| Taste and Tweak | Adjust flavors | Add more syrup for sweetness or more chili paste for heat to balance the sauce. |
| Finalizing | Let it rest | Allow sauce to sit for at least 10 minutes to meld flavors before using. |
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Broccoli is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Here are some serving suggestions that pair wonderfully with this flavorful dish:
With Noodles: Serve the Bang Bang Broccoli over a bed of soba or udon noodles. The noodles will absorb some of the sauce, making for a flavorful meal.
Fried Rice: Mix the broccoli with fried rice. The crispy texture of the broccoli adds a nice contrast to the soft rice, and the sauce enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, spoon the saucy broccoli into lettuce cups. The crispness of the lettuce complements the spicy and sweet broccoli perfectly.
With Dumplings: Serve the broccoli as a side dish with steamed or pan-fried dumplings. The sauce can double as a dipping sauce for the dumplings, enhancing their flavor.
As a Vegan Snack Platter: Arrange the broccoli with other battered and baked veggies like cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers. This assortment makes for a delightful vegan snack platter that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Experimenting with Other Vegetables
Don’t limit yourself to just broccoli; this batter and sauce combo works wonderfully with a variety of vegetables. Here are a few ideas:
Cauliflower: Substitute cauliflower for broccoli for a different texture and flavor.
Carrots and Bell Peppers: Slice carrots and bell peppers, coat them in the same batter, and bake or fry them until crispy. These can be tossed in the Bang Bang Sauce for a colorful and tasty dish.
Zucchini and Mushrooms: Slice zucchini into rounds and halve mushrooms, then follow the same battering and cooking process. These vegetables make excellent additions to any meal or can be served as appetizers.
By incorporating these suggestions, you can enjoy Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli in various ways and discover new flavors and textures that complement this exciting dish. Whether served as a main course, a side dish, or a part of a larger meal, Bang Bang Broccoli is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
| Serving Option | Description | Complementary Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| With Noodles | Serve over a bed of soba or udon noodles. | Noodles absorb the sauce, enhancing flavor. |
| Fried Rice | Mix with fried rice. | Contrast of crispy broccoli with soft rice, sauce enhances flavor. |
| Lettuce Wraps | Spoon into lettuce cups for a lighter option. | Crisp lettuce complements spicy and sweet broccoli. |
| With Dumplings | Serve as a side or use sauce for dipping. | Enhances flavor of steamed or pan-fried dumplings. |
| Vegan Snack Platter | Arrange with other battered and baked veggies. | Includes cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers for a healthy, satisfying snack. |
| Experimenting with Other Vegetables | Use batter and sauce with different vegetables. | Cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms. |
Presentation Tips
Presentation plays a crucial role in enhancing the appeal of any dish, especially when it comes to visually striking meals like Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli. Here are some tips on how to serve and present this dish to captivate both the eyes and the palate.
Serving Styles
Using Chopsticks: Serve the Bang Bang Broccoli with chopsticks to embrace the Asian-inspired roots of the dish. Placing chopsticks alongside or across a bowl adds an element of authenticity and invites guests to dive in using traditional utensils.
In a Bowl: Opt for a shallow bowl to serve the broccoli. The curvature of the bowl helps to pool the delicious sauce around the florets, ensuring each bite is as flavorful as the last. Choose a contrasting color for the bowl to make the vibrant green of the broccoli stand out.
Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a few slices of green onion can add a pop of color and a textural contrast that makes the dish more visually appealing. These small touches not only enhance the flavor but also increase the aesthetic value.
Photography Tips
Close-up Shots: To capture the intricate details of the Bang Bang Broccoli, take close-up photos. Focus on the glistening sauce and the crispy edges of the battered broccoli. This type of shot invites the viewer to almost taste the dish through their screen.
Bird’s Eye View: A bird’s eye view shot should capture the entire meal, including any side dishes or utensils. This perspective is excellent for showing the dish in context, depicting how it might appear during an actual dining experience. Make sure there is good natural lighting to bring out the true colors of the food.
Use Natural Light: Whenever possible, utilize natural light for food photography. It tends to soften the photo and brings out the natural vibrancy of the ingredients, making the dish look more inviting.
Add Human Elements: Including a human element, like hands using chopsticks to pick up the broccoli, can make the image feel more dynamic and relatable. It adds life to the photo and suggests the enjoyment of eating the dish.
| Aspect | Tips | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Styles | Using Chopsticks | Serve with chopsticks to reflect the Asian-inspired origins; enhances authenticity and engagement. |
| In a Bowl | Use a shallow bowl to pool sauce around broccoli florets; select a bowl with a contrasting color to highlight the broccoli. | |
| Garnish Wisely | Add sesame seeds or green onion slices for color and textural contrast; enhances both flavor and visual appeal. | |
| Photography Tips | Close-up Shots | Focus on details like glistening sauce and crispy edges to invite the viewer to taste the dish visually. |
| Bird’s Eye View | Capture the entire meal from above to show dish context; ensure good natural lighting for true color representation. | |
| Use Natural Light | Utilize natural light to soften the photo and enhance the vibrancy of ingredients, making the dish look more inviting. | |
| Add Human Elements | Include human actions like using chopsticks to add dynamism and relate the enjoyment of the dish. |
This Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli recipe is not only easy to make but also delivers a burst of delightful flavors that are sure to impress. With its crispy texture, and sweet and spicy sauce, it offers a culinary experience that rivals that of any non-vegan alternative. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or just looking to incorporate more plant-based dishes into your menu, this recipe is a fantastic choice.
The beauty of Bang Bang Broccoli lies in its simplicity and the flexibility it offers. It can be adapted to include different vegetables or presented in various ways to suit any occasion. Its suitability for an air fryer also makes it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
I encourage everyone to try making this Bang Bang Broccoli at home. It’s a fun way to spice up your cooking routine and discover new favorite flavors. Don’t forget to take photos of your creation and share them on social media! Tagging the dish can not only show off your culinary skills but also inspire others to try this delicious recipe. Enjoy the process, delight in the flavors, and share your culinary journey with the world.