Korean Fried Cauliflower

Korean Fried Cauliflower is a delightful twist on the classic Korean Fried Chicken. This recipe transforms cauliflower into a crispy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its shatteringly crisp texture and sweet-spicy gochujang sauce, this dish can serve as a fantastic appetizer, side dish, or even a main course for plant-based enthusiasts. You’ll find it hard to believe how delicious cauliflower can be when prepared this way!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The wet batter combined with frying creates a wonderfully crunchy exterior that enhances the meaty bite of the cauliflower.
• Flavor Explosion: The unique blend of gochujang and other seasonings gives each piece an irresistible flavor profile that balances sweetness and heat.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course, this recipe fits various dining occasions and pairings.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common kitchen ingredients, making Korean Fried Cauliflower is simple enough for anyone to try!
• Healthier Option: Using cauliflower provides a nutritious alternative to traditional fried options without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making Korean Fried Cauliflower, gather your essential tools. Having the right kitchen equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Wire rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even heating for consistent frying results.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter consistency quickly.
• Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drip off the fried cauliflower, keeping it crispy.

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 (adjust for desired batter consistency)

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: Prepare the Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and set them on a tray. This allows them to dry slightly before being coated in batter.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ice-cold soda water. Whisk until smooth; aim for a consistency slightly looser than pancake batter.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Add the cauliflower pieces into the batter. Using your hands, mix well so that each piece is fully coated in batter.

Step 4: Fry the Cauliflower

Heat your oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F. Carefully take one piece of battered cauliflower at a time and let excess batter drip off before gently placing it in the hot oil. Fry for about 5–6 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Maintain an oil temperature of at least 350°F; fry in smaller batches if necessary. Once done, drain on a wire rack and season with salt.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, sugar, honey, gochujang, gochugaru, rice vinegar, and water. Mix until bubbling and thickened.

Step 6: Serve

Brush the sauce generously onto the fried cauliflower. Top with sliced scallions and sesame seeds for added flavor before enjoying!

How to Serve Korean Fried Cauliflower

Korean Fried Cauliflower is not only a delicious dish but also versatile enough to pair with various sides and toppings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve the fried cauliflower hot with a side of dipping sauce for a crunchy starter.

In a Rice Bowl

• Layer the crispy cauliflower over a bed of steamed rice, and drizzle with additional sauce for a hearty meal.

Topped on Salads

• Add the fried cauliflower to mixed greens for a flavorful crunch, enhancing both texture and taste.

With Pickled Vegetables

• Serve alongside pickled radishes or cucumbers for a refreshing contrast to the spicy cauliflower.

As Part of a Platter

• Create a sharing platter with other appetizers like spring rolls and veggie sticks, making it perfect for gatherings.

How to Perfect Korean Fried Cauliflower

To achieve the ultimate crispiness and flavor in your Korean Fried Cauliflower, consider these helpful tips.

• Use cold soda water – This helps create a lighter batter that fries up extra crispy.

• Maintain oil temperature – Keeping the oil at 375°F ensures that the batter cooks quickly, preventing sogginess.

• Don’t overcrowd the frying pan – Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve even cooking.

• Season immediately after frying – Sprinkle salt on the cauliflower right after it comes out of the oil for better flavor absorption.

• Experiment with sauces – Try different variations of gochujang or add more spices to customize your sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Cauliflower

Pairing side dishes with Korean Fried Cauliflower can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Steamed Rice – A simple bowl of fluffy white rice balances the flavors and adds substance.

2. Kimchi – This traditional fermented side dish offers a spicy and tangy contrast that complements the cauliflower beautifully.

3. Sesame Noodles – Cold noodles dressed in sesame sauce provide a refreshing side with nutty undertones.

4. Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup can be soothing and pairs well with the fried dish’s crunch.

5. Cucumber Salad – Crisp cucumbers tossed in vinegar make for a light, refreshing accompaniment.

6. Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds depth and nutrition to your meal.

7. Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry – Flavorful stir-fried tofu enhances protein content while adding rich textures.

8. Quinoa Salad – This nutrient-dense salad can be seasoned with herbs and lemon, providing a healthy side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Korean Fried Cauliflower. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Bold batter consistency: If your batter is too thick, it won’t coat the cauliflower properly. Aim for a consistency slightly looser than pancake batter to ensure even coverage.
• Bold overcrowding the pan: Frying too many pieces at once can drop the oil temperature, leading to soggy cauliflower. Fry in smaller batches for optimal crispiness.
• Bold inadequate seasoning: Not seasoning the cauliflower after frying can result in bland flavors. Always sprinkle some salt right after frying for enhanced taste.
• Bold neglecting oil temperature: Frying at the wrong temperature can ruin your cauliflower. Make sure to maintain an oil temperature of at least 350°F for best results.
• Bold skipping cooling time: Placing fried cauliflower directly on a plate traps steam and makes it soggy. Let it drain on a wire rack to keep it crispy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Korean Fried Cauliflower in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Korean Fried Cauliflower

• Allow the fried cauliflower to cool completely before freezing.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating Korean Fried Cauliflower

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
• Microwave: Use the microwave for quick reheating, but be aware it may make the cauliflower less crispy; heat in short bursts of 30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the cauliflower pieces. Stir occasionally until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Korean Fried Cauliflower.

What makes Korean Fried Cauliflower so special?

Korean Fried Cauliflower offers a unique blend of crispy texture and sweet, spicy gochujang sauce that elevates ordinary cauliflower into a delicious dish.

Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower?

Yes! You can substitute broccoli or even zucchini for a different twist while still enjoying that crispy texture with the same batter recipe.

How do I ensure my Korean Fried Cauliflower stays crispy?

For maximum crispiness, fry smaller batches, maintain proper oil temperature, and allow excess oil to drain on a wire rack after frying.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish ahead of time, store it properly, and reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy.

Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

Certainly! You can reduce or increase the amount of gochujang and gochugaru based on your personal heat preference.

Final Thoughts

Korean Fried Cauliflower is not only delicious but also versatile. It can serve as a fantastic side dish or as part of a main meal. Feel free to customize it by adding different spices or sauces according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try – it’s sure to impress!