Description
Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Quinoa Meatballs blend plant-based protein with zesty buffalo sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Packed with flavor and nutrition, this dish delivers a healthier twist on classic game-day comfort fare you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cauliflower head
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 garlic cloves
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1–2 tablespoons flour (whole wheat, all-purpose, or oat)
Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ cup hot sauce
- ¼ cup dairy-free butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to a moderate temperature of 375°F (190°C), ensuring a consistent warmth for culinary success.
- Navigate the quinoa preparation by following package guidelines, utilizing water to achieve a fluffy, perfectly cooked grain. Simultaneously, transform the cauliflower through stovetop cooking until it reaches a tender, easily mashable consistency.
- Craft the signature buffalo sauce by gently melting dairy-free butter, then incorporating hot sauce, garlic powder, and chili powder. Allow the mixture to meld together, creating a vibrant, zesty coating.
- Transform the cooked cauliflower through precise food processing. Divide the vegetable into batches, pulsing with garlic cloves to create a uniform, textured base. Transfer each processed portion into a spacious mixing bowl.
- Integrate the prepared ingredients: combine the processed cauliflower with cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, dried oregano, and half of the buffalo sauce. Thoroughly blend the components, ensuring even distribution. Refrigerate the mixture briefly to enhance structural integrity.
- Construct uniform meatballs by carefully shaping the mixture into consistent golf ball-sized portions. Should the mixture prove too loose, incrementally introduce flour to achieve optimal binding. Sear the meatballs in a lightly oiled skillet, rotating to develop a golden, crisp exterior.
- Complete the culinary journey by delicately brushing the remaining buffalo sauce over the seared meatballs. Transfer to a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven, allowing the flavors to intensify and the exterior to achieve a perfect, slightly crisp finish.
Notes
- Gather all ingredients beforehand to streamline your cooking process and minimize kitchen chaos.
- Ensure cauliflower is thoroughly drained to prevent soggy meatballs that might fall apart during cooking.
- Chilling the mixture helps bind ingredients together, creating a more cohesive and stable meatball texture that holds up during baking and browning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg