Chick-Fil-A Cauliflower Sandwich (Copycat Recipe!)
User Reviews
5
4 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
6 sandwiches
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Course
Main Course, Lunch
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Cuisine
American
Chick-Fil-A Cauliflower Sandwich (Copycat Recipe!)
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This copycat Chick-Fil-A cauliflower sandwich delivers that iconic chicken sandwich flavor while keeping things 100% vegetarian. It's crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned (oh... and it's super quick and easy to make at home!).
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Ingredients
Marinade
- ¼ cup pickle juice
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp MSG
Breading
- 1 cups flour
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp MSG
- ½ tsp baking soda
Everything Else
- 2 large heads cauliflower
- 1 quart peanut oil
- Chick-fil-a Sauce to serve
- pickles
- burger buns
Instructions
- Cut Cauliflower: Remove the leaves from the cauliflower, leaving most of the stem on (it holds everything together). Cut each cauliflower into 1-inch-wide steaks. The middle sections will be the most held together, and the ends will fall apart (which is why we're using 2 heads - you will have leftover florets). Aim to get 6 slabs of cauliflower total.
- Marinate Cauliflower: In a large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Gently add the cauliflower slabs, ensuring each piece is covered. Let soak while you prep everything else.
- Prep Breading and Oil: In a large bowl, stir together the breading ingredients. In a large pan or shallow pot, heat the oil until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Next to your stove, set out a cookie rack lined with a few layers of paper towels.
- Bread Cauliflower: Working in batches, shake excess buttermilk off each cauliflower slab and transfer it to the breading. Firmly press both sides into the breading, then transfer to a plate until ready to fry.
- Fry: Working in batches, use metal tongs to lower the cauliflower into the hot oil carefully. Cook, flipping once during cooking until both sides are golden brown and crispy, about 3 minutes. Regularly check the oil temperature to ensure it doesn't get too hot or cold. Transfer the finished cauliflower to your prepared cookie rack.
- Serve: Serve hot on burger buns, topped with Chick-fil-a sauce and pickles.
Notes
- Adding MSG is optional, and you can omit it if you prefer. It enhances the savory umami taste, but the sandwich will still be delicious without it.
- You can bake or air fry the cauliflower for a healthier alternative. Preheat the oven to 425°F (or air fryer to 400°F) and place the breaded cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake or air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch in the breading.
- Can I use a different oil for frying? Peanut oil is ideal for frying as it has a high smoke point and imparts a mild flavor. However, you can use other oils with high smoke points (like canola or vegetable oil).
- Leftovers: The cauliflower tenders are best reheated in the air fryer to get them crispy again!
- Make Ahead: You can make each component of this recipe ahead of time, and cauliflower can be marinated up to a day before cooking. Once breaded and fried, cauliflower is best enjoyed immediately.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
4 reviews
Excellent
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