Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich

Prep Time
20min.

Prep Notes
Instructions for both baked and fried versions included.

Cooking Time
40min.

Yields
4 sandwiches

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower* cut in 1/2 inch steaks
1 cup buffalo sauce separated
1.5 tsp garlic powder separated
1 tsp chili powder
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp flax meal
3 tbsp water
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup sparkling water
Oil for frying
4 ciabatta rolls
Optional Toppings lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, vegan ranch

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare cauliflower by de-stemming and cutting it into 1/2 inch steaks (from top to bottom).
Combine 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, chili powder and olive oil in a bowl.
Dip each steak in the sauce and allow excess to drip off. Place on the baking sheet and cook in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip the steaks. Baste with leftover sauce and cook in the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool while you prepare the batter.
Combine flax meal and 3 tbsp (flat) water in a small bowl and set aside for 5 minutes.
Add 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, flour, sparkling water and flax “egg” to a bowl.
IF FRYING: Heat oil in a shallow pan until it reaches 360 degrees. Dip each steak in the batter and allow excess to drip off. Working in batches, carefully add battered steaks to the oil and fry until golden on both sides (approx. 4-7 minutes). Remove from the oil and place on paper towel-lined plate until ready to serve.
IF BAKING: Place a new sheet of parchment paper on the baking sheet. Dip each steak in the batter and allow excess to drip off. Place steaks on the baking sheet and cook in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip the steaks. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until browned and crispy.** Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
For serving, toast the buns and layer with cauliflower steaks, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and vegan ranch.

Notes

Try to find a smaller cauliflower so the steaks fit in your buns. You can always cut the steaks in half if they are too large.
You can turn the oven to broil for a couple minutes at the end to get it extra crispy. Just make sure not to let it burn.
You can use store bought vegan ranch or make your own. Check out this recipe.

Photo credit: Rene @thissavoryvegan.com

Credit
This Savory Vegan