Fried Cauliflower

This fried cauliflower is a huge favorite appetizer in our Italian family. The herbs and spices in this batter complement the cauliflower perfectly.

It has a nice crisp crunch on the outside and soft fried cauliflower inside. These appetizers taste great plain or dipped in your favorite sauces.

Growing up in East Utica, New York, my mom made these often for an appetizer before a big Holiday Italian meal.

Now, I carry on that same tradition with my children.

I think of my mom and dad often in the kitchen and the foods we grew up on when I cook them they keep their memory alive in the kitchen. 

This little appetizer is just perfect for the Holiday season, I always make them on Thanksgiving and around Christmas time. That's when most of the family gets together for a big meal.

But now, everyone loved them so much, we make them all year round!

These really are addicting!

If you want an appetizer that will fly off the plates, this is it!

Scroll down to see this easy cauliflower recipe, it's perfect with any meal.

Cauliflower is so versatile

I love cauliflower, I even make a cauliflower mashed potato that is awesome as a side dish.


I like eating it raw on an appetizer board or even in a salad.


This fried cauliflower is a delicious appetizer and so easy to make.

No Par Boiling

There is no boiling required to the cauliflower.


I do not ever recommend that method of boiling either since it cooks perfectly when fried.


Just remember to wash, cut it up into small florets and blot it dry with paper towels.

Crispy Outside and Crunchy

When you fry these, you can make light or dark, the darker you cook them the crispier they get.


This batter is just perfect for this cauliflower.


It gives the outside that perfect golden brown crunchiness and the inside cauliflower is nice and soft.


Here is a longer fried version of this fried cauliflower.


They are not overcooked but some of the family loves them very crispy, so I cook them longer.

Change it Up

You can make this as spicy as you would like and add more or less cayenne pepper to your taste or even hot sauce.


I love herbs and spices, the more garlic the better you can use fresh minced garlic or granulated.


Don't be afraid to sprinkle more on after they're fried.


These are delicious dipped in Asian sauce, I like mine plain.

Adapt to your taste!

You will have to adapt these to taste.


I also like to sprinkle the cauliflower with grated Romano and Parmesan blended cheese and dried parsley after they are fried.


You can also use this batter for any kind of vegetables, pickles and even seafood.

Always use fresh!

I never use frozen vegetables, only fresh.


The extra moisture will ruin this batter, that why I always suggest washing the cauliflower then blotting it dry with paper towels or even use a salad spinner.


The raw cauliflower is perfect for this batter and you can do broccoli or even zucchini the same way.


Most vegetables, fish and even chicken work well with this batter when fried.

Pan-Fried Cauliflower

Use a deep chicken fryer style pan to fry in.


I add around 2 inches of oil for frying.


Only turn the cauliflower when one side starts to turn brown.


The coating always sticks well but follow those directions.


Ice water is a must and I actually add ice to the water to make sure it's really ice cold!

Ingredients You Will Need for Fried Cauliflower

(Measurements below in the recipe card)

• fresh cauliflower washed and cut into floret pieces
• flour
• cornstarch
• baking soda
• baking powder
• sugar
• sea salt
• granulated garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning
• pinch of cayenne pepper
• egg
• ice water
• oil for frying

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More Tips

• Make sure there is no water or moisture on your cauliflower or whatever you decide to make with this batter.
• Always test this oil first by adding a tiny bit of batter to your oil to see if it sizzles before frying.

Love The Cheese!

Add grated Parmesan and Romano on these while hot after frying instead of salt.


Use vegetable oil or a combination of olive oil and canola oil when frying.


These are bland if you don't use sea salt which enhances the flavor in the batter in my opinion.


If you love spicy add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the batter.


Use marinara sauce, Asian sauce or other sauce recipes you like, here are some
sauce suggestions here.

Check out some of our other favorite appetizers

Fried Ravioli
Fried Mozzarella
Fried Calamari
Fried Zucchini Grandma's
Fried Potato and Tuna Cakes
Fried Avocado
Fried Polenta

Love Appetizers?

Besides mom's stuffed mushrooms and fried panzerotti, this fried cauliflower recipe is my favorite appetizer.


This pan-fried cauliflower is easy and perfect to serve before a big meal or just as an appetizer plain or with a dip you like.


If you have never tried pan-frying cauliflower, give this fried cauliflower a try it's truly delicious and perfect!


I recommend using a non-stick pan or a thoroughly heated iron skillet that is seasoned properly to make this fried cauliflower in.

Watch My Quick Video Clip on Fried Cauliflower

friters, fried vegetables, batter fried vegetables, fried cauliflower, deep fried vegetables

side dish, vegetarian, batter fried, deep fried

Italian

Yield: 4

Author: Claudia Lamascolo

Fried Cauliflower

prep time: 5 Mcook time: 10 Mtotal time: 15 M

This is a batter for vegetables to deep fry them in. This light batter is a delicious coating for cauliflower or whatever your favorite appetizers are. Perfect for mushrooms, broccoli and green beans.

ingredients:

• 1 head of fresh cauliflower washed and cut into floret pieces
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon each granulated garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning
• pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 egg
• 2/3 cup ice water
• oil for frying

instructions:

How to cook Fried Cauliflower

1. Whisk all dry ingredients together, set aside. Beat in another bowl the egg and ice water. Stir into the dry ingredients stir until mixed smooth.
2. Heat the oil on low to medium heat ( I use number 3 on my stove).
3. Add the cauliflower to the batter, using thongs or a slotted spoon, letting the excess drop back into the bowl.
4. Add the cauliflower to the preheated oil. Do not crowd them or touch them together.
5. Fry each cauliflower until golden brown on each side around 8 to 10 minutes.
6. I usually try one to make sure it's soft and cooked all the way through.

Calories
85

Fat (grams)
9

Sat. Fat (grams)
5

Fiber (grams)
17

Net carbs
6

Sugar (grams)
4

https://www.whatscookinitalianstylecuisine.com/2018/10/fried-cauliflower.html

Created using The Recipes Generator

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and don't forget the sauces!