This Buffalo Cauliflower Sushi is a spicy, vegetarian twist on the classic sushi roll. It's perfect for those who love a bit of heat and want to try something new and exciting. Let's dive into this flavor-packed adventure!
The star of this dish is the cauliflower, which is transformed into crispy, spicy bites thanks to the coating of all-purpose flour batter and a generous dousing of Buffalo sauce. The sushi rice provides a sticky base to hold everything together. Nori sheets add that classic sushi flavor, while green onions and carrots introduce a fresh crunch. Finally, serve it up with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi for that authentic sushi experience.
Pair these spicy sushi rolls with a cool cucumber salad to balance the heat. A light miso soup would also complement the meal perfectly, providing a warm contrast to the chilled sushi.
First, preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking. While the oven heats, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too gloopy.
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting any excess drip back into the bowl, and lay them on the prepared baking sheet. Try to leave a little space between each piece so they crisp up nicely. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to get an even golden crust.
Once the cauliflower is crispy, toss the pieces in Buffalo sauce until they're well-coated and fiery red. Now, onto assembling the sushi rolls! Lay a sheet of nori on your sushi mat or a clean kitchen towel. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top to seal the roll later.
Place a few pieces of the Buffalo cauliflower across the center of the rice, following with some green onions and carrots for an added crunch. Roll the sushi tightly using the mat or towel, applying gentle pressure to keep everything together. Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces with a sharp knife, wiping the blade with a damp cloth between cuts for clean edges.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients until all your delicious sushi is ready to serve. Present them with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi for dipping and extra flavor.