The Perfect Game Day Snack
I’ve got a real treat for you with this Deep Fried Cauliflower recipe – it’s my go-to for game days and get-togethers. Imagine biting into these golden, crispy morsels, each one bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. Trust me, it’s so easy to whip up and is always a hit with friends and family, turning any occasion into a memorable feast.
Cauliflower: If you’re not a cauliflower fan, this batter works wonderfully on mushrooms as well. All-Purpose Flour: It helps in forming the batter which gives the cauliflower its crispy coating. You can use a gluten-free blend as well. Cornstarch: This adds lightness and crispiness to the batter. If needed, you can substitute arrowroot powder for cornstarch. Baking Powder: It helps the batter to puff up and become airy when fried. In a pinch, you could mix baking soda with cream of tartar as an alternative. Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt are suitable substitutes. Hot Sauce: This adds a spicy kick to the batter. You can substitute it with chili paste or a dash of cayenne pepper for a similar effect. Breadcrumbs, Italian Seasoned: They provide the final crispy coating. You can substitute with panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture, and add Italian herbs for flavor. Oil for Frying: Essential for achieving that perfect golden crispiness. Any neutral oil like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil works great.
Making this Deep Fried Cauliflower is a breeze, and I promise, it’s as fun as it is tasty. First up, grab a large bowl and whisk together your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Then, pour in the water and hot sauce, mixing until everything’s nice and smooth. Now, dip each piece into the batter, making sure they’re well coated but not dripping. Next, roll each piece in the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. You want a good, even coat on each one. Heat your oil in the deep fryer to 365°F (185°C). Fry the cauliflower in batches, so they don’t get too crowded and stick together. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color. Once they’re fried to perfection, let them rest on paper towels to drain any excess oil. If you’re feeling a little extra, sprinkle some salt over them for that final flavor boost.
Storage
Once cooled, you can keep the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, if you do need to store it, reheating in an oven or air fryer can help bring back some of the crispiness. I wouldn’t recommend freezing fried cauliflower as the texture might change.
More Delicious Cauliflower Recipes To Try
Cauliflower Poppers Cauliflower Breadsticks Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Cauliflower Au Gratin Baked Breaded Cauliflower
Originally Shared October 2012.
