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California Pizza Kitchen Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

This buffalo cauliflower is crispy, tangy, and has just the right amount of heat!

For you’ll want to space the pieces out on the baking sheet. If they’re too close, the moisture gets trapped, and they steam instead of crisping up.

Buffalo sauce needs to go on at the right time. If the cauliflower is too hot, the sauce soaks in too fast, and the crunch disappears. If it’s too cool, the coating doesn’t grip as well.

I like to finish it with a light broil after tossing in the sauce. A few extra minutes in the oven helps everything set, so it stays crispy longer!

How to Make California Pizza Kitchen Buffalo Cauliflower

california pizza kitchen buffalo cauliflower recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 head Cauliflower (cut into florets)
  • 1.5 cups Sriracha Sauce
  • 1.5 oz Soy Sauce
  • 1.5 oz Lime Juice (fresh)
  • 4 tbsp Butter (cut into small cubes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Boil cauliflower florets for about 4 minutes until they are fork tender.

Drain and set them aside to allow cooling or pop them in the fridge for faster results.

Step 2:

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine Sriracha, soy sauce, and lime juice.

Step 3:

Add the butter cubes to the sauce mix and keep stirring until fully combined.

Step 4:

Gently toss the cooked cauliflower florets in the prepared sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated.

Step 5:

Serve while hot, maybe with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

california pizza kitchen buffalo cauliflower on a pan

Perfectly Cooked Cauliflower

Make sure not to overcook the cauliflower florets at the boiling stage as they might become too soft and lose their shape when you toss them in the sauce. Watch them closely!

Sauce Consistency Matters

If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the liquid slightly by simmering it longer.

This will concentrate the flavors really well.

Adjusting the Spiciness

You can add more or less Sriracha depending on how spicy you like it.

It’s your chance to customize the heat level to your liking!

Mixing Matters

Use a large enough bowl to toss the cauliflower and sauce together.

This way, you prevent any unnecessary spills and ensure even coating.

Serving Suggestions

For a bit of freshness, serve it with some celery sticks or carrot slices.

They add a satisfying crunch and balance to the spiciness!

What to Serve with California Pizza Kitchen Buffalo Cauliflower

Classic Pairings

A side of celery sticks provides a cooling crunch that complements the spicy cauliflower beautifully.

You could also go with ranch or blue cheese dip for a creamy contrast to the heat.

Interesting Salads

A kale and apple salad could add a new dimension with its crispness and a subtle sweetness from the apples.

Tossing in a few toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds will give it that extra crunch and appeal.

Fun and Unexpected Choices

Try serving with grilled pineapple skewers.

The sweet and juicy pineapple offsets the spice, making it a flavorful and unexpected combination.

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, consider a feta and beet salad.

The earthy beets and tangy feta cheese can create a tasty interplay with your spicy buffalo cauliflower.

Bread Options

Can’t go wrong with some warm cornbread on the side.

Its slight sweetness and dense texture balance out the heat, while providing a satisfying bite.

Hope you’re excited to dive into these pairing options!

Variations and Substitutions

Spicing It Up

If you like things a bit spicier, you can increase the heat by adding more cayenne pepper to the Buffalo sauce.

You can experiment with adding some hot sauce to your coating mix for an extra kick.

Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version, swap out regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend in the batter.

Ensure that all the other ingredients, like breadcrumbs if used, are also gluten-free.

Vegan Tweaks

To make this recipe vegan, replace any butter in the Buffalo sauce with a plant-based alternative.

You might also try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without any dairy.

Different Sauces

Consider trying a different sauce altogether, like a tangy barbecue or a honey mustard glaze.

This can give a totally new flavor profile if you’re in the mood for a change.

Cooking Methods

Instead of deep frying, you can bake the cauliflower for a healthier option.

Just coat and arrange the florets on a baking sheet, and roast until crispy.

How to Store Leftover California Pizza Kitchen Buffalo Cauliflower

When you have some of that delicious spicy buffalo cauliflower left over, you want to keep it fresh for another meal!

Start by letting the cauliflower cool completely at room temperature.

This prevents moisture buildup which can make it soggy.

Use Right Containers

Use airtight containers for storage; they work best to maintain flavor and prevent odor transfer in your fridge.

Glass or high-quality plastic options are ideal.

Refrigeration Tips

Place the container in the fridge, ideally on a shelf where you’ll remember to use it soon.

Keeping the cauliflower at a consistent cool temperature is crucial.

How Long It Lasts

In the refrigerator, your buffalo cauliflower should stay good for about 3 to 4 days.

If you think it might be longer, consider freezing it to extend its shelf life.

Freezing tip: Use a freezer-safe container to protect the texture and flavor!

Enjoy your leftovers; they’re just as tasty the next day!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Cauliflower

You want your cauliflower to have just the right bite so it won’t get too soft.

When steaming, stick to about four minutes to stay fork-tender and not mushy.

Remember, they will cook more in the pan or air fryer later!

Incorrect Sauce Consistency

Without blending the ingredients well, your sauce could end up uneven.

Make sure you whisk the Sriracha, soy sauce, and lime juice thoroughly before adding the butter.

This ensures a smooth, rich flavor that evenly coats every piece.

Crowding the Pan or Air Fryer

Space matters when cooking your cauliflower bites for even and perfect crisping.

If you pile the pieces on top of each other, they won’t cook right.

Arrange them in a single layer without touching to let the heat circulate.

california pizza kitchen buffalo cauliflower recipe

California Pizza Kitchen Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

This buffalo cauliflower is crispy, tangy, and has just the right amount of heat!
For you'll want to space the pieces out on the baking sheet. If they’re too close, the moisture gets trapped, and they steam instead of crisping up.
Buffalo sauce needs to go on at the right time. If the cauliflower is too hot, the sauce soaks in too fast, and the crunch disappears. If it's too cool, the coating doesn’t grip as well.
I like to finish it with a light broil after tossing in the sauce. A few extra minutes in the oven helps everything set, so it stays crispy longer!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Servings 4
Ingredients
  
  • 1 head Cauliflower cut into florets
  • 1.5 cups Sriracha Sauce
  • 1.5 oz Soy Sauce
  • 1.5 oz Lime Juice fresh
  • 4 tbsp Butter cut into small cubes
Instructions
 
  • Boil cauliflower florets for about 4 minutes until they are fork tender.
  • Drain and set them aside to allow cooling or pop them in the fridge for faster results.
  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine Sriracha, soy sauce, and lime juice.
  • Add the butter cubes to the sauce mix and keep stirring until fully combined.
  • Gently toss the cooked cauliflower florets in the prepared sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated.
  • Serve while hot, maybe with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping!

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Passionate chef, in love with everything related to food and cooking it to perfection!
Michael Cook
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