Korean Fried Cauliflower

Korean Fried Cauliflower is a delightful twist on the classic Korean Fried Chicken. This recipe transforms ordinary cauliflower into a crispy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering. The unique combination of gochujang sauce and crunchy batter makes it a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The wet batter creates an incredibly crispy exterior, ensuring each bite is satisfying.
• Flavor Explosion: The sweet and spicy gochujang sauce adds a burst of flavor that elevates the simple cauliflower.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a snack; this recipe fits various meal occasions.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can whip this up in under 40 minutes.
• Healthier Choice: Packed with vegetables and using less oil than traditional fried foods, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything prepared will make the frying process easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Wire rack for draining
• Small saucepan
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix your batter without spills.
• Frying pan or deep fryer: A good quality frying pan ensures even heat distribution for perfectly fried cauliflower.
• Wire rack for draining: Helps excess oil drip off, keeping your fried cauliflower crispy.

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Ingredients

To create this delicious Korean Fried Cauliflower, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cauliflower

• 1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds, cut to bite sized pieces)
• 1 quart neutral oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, avocado oil)

For the Batter

• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon white pepper (10g)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 1/2 cup ice cold soda water (you may need to adjust achieve a batter slightly looser than pancake batter)

For the Sauce

• ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 3 tablespoons sugar (39g)
• 2 tablespoons honey (30ml)
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (30ml)
• ½ tablespoon gochugaru
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15ml)
• ¼ cup water

How to Make Korean Fried Cauliflower

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower

Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets and set aside on a tray.

Step 2: Make the Batter

Mix together all wet batter ingredients in a large bowl until smooth. The consistency should be slightly looser than pancake batter.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Add the cauliflower pieces into the batter. Mix well with your hands until each piece is fully coated.

Step 4: Fry the Cauliflower

Working one piece at a time:
1. Carefully take each cauliflower piece and allow excess batter to drip off before adding it to the hot oil.
2. Fry at 375°F for 5-6 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Maintain an oil temperature of at least 350°F; fry in smaller batches if necessary.
3. Drain on a wire rack to let excess oil drip off, then season with salt.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients and mix over medium heat until bubbling and thickened.

Step 6: Serve

Brush the sauce onto the fried cauliflower and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your Korean Fried Cauliflower hot!

How to Serve Korean Fried Cauliflower

Korean Fried Cauliflower is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack or pairing it with other dishes, there are many options to elevate your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve alongside a dipping sauce for added flavor.
• Place on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.

In Tacos

• Fill soft tortillas with fried cauliflower, fresh veggies, and drizzle with lime juice.
• Top with avocado slices for creaminess and extra nutrition.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Create a hearty bowl by serving the fried cauliflower over steamed rice or quinoa.
• Add sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish.

With Salads

• Toss fried cauliflower into a fresh salad for crunch.
• Pair with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

As a Burger Substitute

• Use fried cauliflower as a meat alternative in burger recipes.
• Layer with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments in a bun.

How to Perfect Korean Fried Cauliflower

Creating the perfect Korean Fried Cauliflower requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure crispy, delicious results every time.

• Choose the right oil: Use neutral oils like vegetable or peanut oil for frying. These oils have high smoke points and won’t overpower the flavor of the cauliflower.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keep your oil temperature between 350°F – 375°F for optimal frying. This ensures your cauliflower becomes crispy without absorbing too much oil.
• Adjust batter consistency: Make sure your batter is slightly looser than pancake batter. This helps achieve that shatteringly crispy exterior.
• Fry in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan. Frying smaller batches keeps the oil temperature stable and results in even cooking.
• Let excess batter drip: Allow each piece of cauliflower to drip off excess batter before frying. This prevents clumping and ensures an even coating.
• Season immediately after frying: Sprinkle salt on the fried cauliflower right after removing it from the oil. This enhances flavor while still hot.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Cauliflower

Pairing side dishes with Korean Fried Cauliflower can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors well.

1. Kimchi
   A traditional Korean side dish that adds tanginess and spice, making it perfect alongside fried cauliflower.

2. Steamed Broccoli
   Simple and nutritious, steamed broccoli provides a fresh contrast to the crispy texture of the cauliflower.

3. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad offers crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of fried foods.

4. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and color to your plate, making them an appealing side option.

5. Pickled Radishes
   These crunchy bites offer a vibrant pop of color and tangy flavor that pairs excellently with fried dishes.

6. Rice Noodles
   Light rice noodles tossed in soy sauce or sesame dressing create a satisfying base that complements the dish’s flavors well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Korean Fried Cauliflower even better.

• Using the wrong oil temperature: If the oil is not hot enough, the batter will absorb too much oil and become soggy. Use a thermometer to maintain an oil temperature of at least 350°F.
• Not mixing the batter properly: An uneven batter can lead to inconsistent coating on the cauliflower. Mix until smooth and slightly looser than pancake batter before adding the cauliflower.
• Crowding the frying pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in smaller batches to ensure each piece gets crispy.
• Skipping seasoning on fried cauliflower: Failing to season immediately after frying means missing out on flavor. Sprinkle salt while it’s still hot for better absorption.
• Overcooking or undercooking: Frying for too long can burn the cauliflower, while not frying long enough can leave it raw. Aim for 5-6 minutes for a perfect golden brown.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the cauliflower to cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Korean Fried Cauliflower

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Korean Fried Cauliflower

• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) but expect some loss of crispiness.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan with a little oil over medium heat until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Korean Fried Cauliflower.

What is Korean Fried Cauliflower?

Korean Fried Cauliflower is a crispy, flavorful dish that mimics traditional Korean fried chicken using cauliflower instead of meat.

How do I make the batter for Korean Fried Cauliflower?

Mix cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ice-cold soda water until smooth and slightly looser than pancake batter.

Can I customize my Korean Fried Cauliflower?

Absolutely! You can adjust spice levels by adding more gochujang or experimenting with different sauces based on your preference.

How do I ensure my Korean Fried Cauliflower stays crispy?

Proper frying techniques and immediate seasoning after cooking will help maintain its crunchiness.

Final Thoughts

Korean Fried Cauliflower is not only delicious but also versatile. With its crispy exterior and sweet-spicy sauce, it’s perfect as a side dish or appetizer. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or sauces to make it uniquely yours!