Korean Fried Cauliflower

Korean Fried Cauliflower is a delightful twist on the classic Korean Fried Chicken! This dish features crispy, battered cauliflower florets enveloped in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce. Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in, this recipe showcases the versatility and deliciousness of cauliflower like never before. You’ll love the satisfying crunch and bold flavors that make this dish stand out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The wet batter creates a shatteringly crispy exterior that is simply irresistible.
• Bold Flavor: The combination of gochujang and other spices gives each bite a sweet and spicy kick.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Healthier Option: Cauliflower provides a nutritious base while still satisfying cravings for fried foods.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will help you enjoy making Korean Fried Cauliflower without any interruptions.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pan or heavy pot
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Slotted spoon
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan or heavy pot: Essential for achieving the right oil temperature for perfectly crispy cauliflower.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients without spills and messes.
• Whisk: Helps create a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing wet ingredients.

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 Wet 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 to 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: Prepare the Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and arrange them on a tray. This will make it easier to coat them in batter later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Batter

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

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

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

Step 4: Fry the Cauliflower

Carefully fry the battered cauliflower:
1. Heat oil in your deep frying pan or pot to about 375°F (190°C).
2. Working one piece at a time, let excess batter drip off before gently adding it to the hot oil.
3. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5–6 minutes. Maintain an oil temperature of at least 350°F; fry in smaller batches if needed.
4. Drain on a wire rack to allow excess oil to drip off and season with salt.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat:
1. Combine soy sauce, sugar, honey, gochujang, gochugaru, rice vinegar, and water.
2. Stir until bubbling and thickened.

Step 6: Serve

Brush your fried cauliflower with the sauce:
1. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Korean Fried Cauliflower!

How to Serve Korean Fried Cauliflower

Korean Fried Cauliflower is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal, it pairs well with many flavors and textures. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve with dipping sauces like sriracha mayo or soy sauce for an added kick.
• Place on a platter with fresh veggies such as carrot sticks and cucumber slices for a colorful presentation.

In a Wrap

• Use lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with fried cauliflower and your favorite veggies. Drizzle with extra gochujang sauce for flavor.
• Add some pickled vegetables for a crunchy texture and tangy contrast.

Garnished with Scallions

• Top the fried cauliflower with chopped scallions for a burst of color and mild onion flavor.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds to enhance texture and add a nutty taste.

As Part of a Rice Bowl

• Serve over steamed rice or quinoa, adding some steamed broccoli or bok choy for balance.
• Drizzle additional sauce over the rice bowl for an extra flavor boost.

How to Perfect Korean Fried Cauliflower

Getting the perfect crunch and flavor in your Korean Fried Cauliflower is all about technique. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Choose the right oil: Use neutral oils like vegetable or peanut oil that can withstand high heat without smoking.
• Maintain oil temperature: Ensure the frying oil is at least 350°F before adding cauliflower. This helps achieve that crispy exterior.
• Use ice-cold soda water: The cold temperature creates a lighter batter, resulting in a crunchier finish.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
• Adjust batter consistency: Aim for batter slightly looser than pancake batter; this helps it cling better to the cauliflower.
• Season immediately after frying: Sprinkle salt on your fried cauliflower as soon as it comes out of the oil for enhanced flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Cauliflower

Korean Fried Cauliflower pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement its unique flavors.

1. Steamed Broccoli – A simple yet nutritious side that adds color and balance to your meal.
2. Kimchi – This fermented vegetable dish provides tangy flavors that enhance the overall experience.
3. Sesame Noodles – These noodles tossed in sesame sauce offer a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
4. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing salad tossed in vinegar adds crunch and brightness alongside the fried cauliflower.
5. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf infused with herbs complements the spicy notes of the main dish beautifully.
6. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries provide sweetness that balances the savory profile of fried cauliflower.
7. Miso Soup – A light miso soup serves as a warm counterpoint, adding depth to your meal.
8. Grilled Zucchini – Lightly seasoned grilled zucchini adds freshness while bringing out earthy tones in the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve perfectly crispy Korean Fried Cauliflower, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Boldly skip the batter consistency: If your batter is too thick, it won’t coat the cauliflower properly. Aim for a texture slightly looser than pancake batter.
• Boldly overcrowd the pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy cauliflower. Fry in smaller batches to maintain crispiness.
• Boldly ignore preheating the oil: Failing to heat the oil adequately can prevent a golden crust from forming. Use a thermometer to ensure your oil reaches 375°F before frying.
• Boldly forget about seasoning: Don’t neglect seasoning after frying. A sprinkle of salt on the hot cauliflower enhances flavor significantly.
• Boldly rush the cooling process: Placing fried cauliflower directly onto a plate traps steam and makes it soggy. Use a wire rack to cool and let excess oil drip off.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow cauliflower to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Korean Fried Cauliflower

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours before transferring to an airtight container.
• Can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Korean Fried Cauliflower

• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, but this may result in less crispiness.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally to maintain crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean Fried Cauliflower?

Korean Fried Cauliflower is a plant-based alternative inspired by the popular Korean Fried Chicken, featuring crispy battered cauliflower coated in a spicy gochujang sauce.

How do I make the batter for Korean Fried Cauliflower?

To make the batter, mix cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and seasonings with ice-cold soda water until you achieve a smooth consistency slightly looser than pancake batter.

Can I customize the flavors of Korean Fried Cauliflower?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the level of spice by adding more or less gochugaru or incorporate other seasonings like ginger or sesame oil for additional depth of flavor.

Is Korean Fried Cauliflower suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!

What should I serve with Korean Fried Cauliflower?

Korean Fried Cauliflower pairs beautifully with rice or noodles and can be served as an appetizer or side dish alongside other Asian-inspired foods.

Final Thoughts

Korean Fried Cauliflower is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. This recipe offers an exciting twist on traditional fried dishes while allowing room for customization based on your taste preferences. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with this tasty treat!