📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Nobody likes doing dishes, am I right?
2. Prepare the cauliflower: Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem, leaving the core intact. Carefully cut the cauliflower into 1-inch thick “steaks” from the center. You should get about 2-3 good steaks from one head. Don't worry about the smaller florets that break off; you can roast them alongside the steaks or save them for another use. Sometimes things just don't go as planned and thats ok!
3. Set up your breading station: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. In another shallow dish, combine the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. The vinegar helps to curdle the milk, creating a buttermilk-like consistency. I find it really gives the food something extra.
4. Bread the cauliflower steaks: Dip each cauliflower steak in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the plant-based milk mixture, and back into the flour mixture for a second coating. This double coating helps to create a crispy crust. Make sure you completely coat it! Any missed spots will result in some unpleasant textures.
5. Bake the cauliflower steaks: Place the breaded cauliflower steaks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, every oven is different.
6. Prepare the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, whisk together the hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot), melted vegan butter, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preference. Are you a spicy food lover, or does mild and sweet work better for you?
7. Coat the baked cauliflower steaks: Once the cauliflower steaks are done baking, remove them from the oven and brush generously with the buffalo sauce. Return them to the oven for another 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set. This step is what really makes the dish sing!
8. Make the vegan ranch: While the cauliflower finishes in the oven, prepare the vegan ranch. In a bowl, combine the vegan mayonnaise, plant-based milk, lemon juice, dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and adjust seasonings to taste. If its too thick, add a splash more milk. If its too thin, add more mayo. Easy peasy!
9. Serve: Remove the buffalo cauliflower steaks from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle with the prepared vegan ranch dressing and garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy! Pair them with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo wing experience. Don't forget the napkins!