Korean Fried Cauliflower

Korean Fried Cauliflower is a delightful twist on the beloved Korean Fried Chicken! This recipe transforms cauliflower into a crispy, flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of a light batter and a sweet, spicy gochujang sauce makes this dish irresistible. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, Korean Fried Cauliflower will surely impress your guests and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The wet batter creates a shatteringly crispy coating that enhances the meaty texture of the cauliflower.
• Bold Flavors: The sweet and spicy gochujang sauce adds an exciting flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course, side dish, or even as party appetizers. It fits any occasion!
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the flavors of fried food without the heaviness of traditional meats.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep fryer or heavy pot
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or heavy pot: Ensures consistent oil temperature for perfectly fried cauliflower.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for preparing the batter and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency in the batter for even coating.
• Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain off, keeping your cauliflower 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 (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 cauliflower into bite-sized florets and set on a tray. This helps them fry evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the wet batter ingredients until smooth. The consistency should be slightly looser than pancake batter.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Add the cauliflower pieces into the batter. Use your hands to mix well until each piece is fully coated.

Step 4: Fry the Cauliflower

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

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

In a small saucepan:
1. Combine all sauce ingredients.
2. Heat over medium heat until bubbling and thickened.

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

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

How to Serve Korean Fried Cauliflower

Korean Fried Cauliflower is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it as a snack, side dish, or even as part of a main meal. Here are some creative ways to serve this crispy delight.

As an Appetizer

• Serve with a small bowl of extra gochujang sauce for dipping. The spicy kick complements the crispy cauliflower perfectly.
• Pair with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumbers for added crunch and freshness.

Over Rice or Noodles

• Place the fried cauliflower over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or noodles. This creates a satisfying and filling meal.
• Drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds for an extra flavor boost.

In Tacos

• Use soft tortillas to make tacos filled with Korean Fried Cauliflower, topped with shredded cabbage and cilantro.
• Add avocado slices for creaminess and lime juice for brightness.

As Part of a Salad

• Toss the fried cauliflower into a mixed salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers.
• Drizzle with sesame vinaigrette to enhance the flavors.

Garnished with Herbs

• Top your Korean Fried Cauliflower with freshly chopped scallions or cilantro for added freshness and color.
• A sprinkle of sesame seeds also adds texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Korean Fried Cauliflower

Achieving the perfect Korean Fried Cauliflower requires attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you get it just right.

• Choose the right oil: Use neutral oils like vegetable or peanut oil for frying. They have high smoke points, which helps achieve that crispy texture.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keep the frying oil at 375°F for optimal results. If it’s too low, the cauliflower will absorb excess oil, making it greasy.
• Adjust batter consistency: Ensure your batter is slightly looser than pancake batter. This helps in achieving an even coating on all pieces.
• Fry in small batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying. This allows each piece to cook evenly and stay crisp.
• Drain properly: After frying, let the cauliflower drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy.
• Serve immediately: For the best experience, serve your Korean Fried Cauliflower right after cooking while it’s still hot and crispy.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Cauliflower

Korean Fried Cauliflower pairs well with a variety of side dishes that can complement its bold flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Bok Choy: Lightly steamed bok choy adds freshness and balances the richness of the fried cauliflower.
2. Kimchi: This fermented dish provides a tangy contrast that enhances overall flavor profiles.
3. Rice Paper Rolls: Fill rice paper rolls with fresh vegetables and serve alongside for a light bite.
4. Spicy Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, crunchy salad dressed in vinegar complements the heat from the gochujang sauce.
5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comfort and is perfect as an appetizer alongside your fried dish.
6. Sweet Potato Fries: These add sweetness and crunch, making them a delightful pairing with the savory cauliflower.

Enjoy exploring these serving suggestions and side dishes!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Korean Fried Cauliflower, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the cold soda water – Using warm or room temperature water can lead to a less crispy batter. Always use ice-cold soda water for the best results.
• Overcrowding the frying pan – Adding too many pieces at once can drop the oil temperature, resulting in soggy cauliflower. Fry in smaller batches to maintain the oil temperature.
• Ignoring seasoning after frying – Forgetting to season the cauliflower with salt immediately after frying can lead to bland flavors. Always season right after frying for maximum taste.
• Not adjusting batter thickness – If your batter is too thick, it won’t coat the cauliflower properly. Aim for a consistency slightly looser than pancake batter and adjust with more soda water if necessary.
• Rushing the sauce preparation – Cooking the sauce too quickly may prevent it from thickening properly. Allow it to simmer until bubbling and thickened for a rich flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep them cool in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Freezing Korean Fried Cauliflower

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Ensure there’s minimal air in the bag before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Korean Fried Cauliflower

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again. This method helps retain texture.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes but note that this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of oil if necessary, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Korean Fried Cauliflower.

Can I make Korean Fried Cauliflower gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

How spicy is Korean Fried Cauliflower?

The spice level can vary based on how much gochujang you use. Adjust according to your taste preferences!

What can I serve with Korean Fried Cauliflower?

This dish pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, or as an appetizer at gatherings.

How do I keep my batter crispy?

To achieve maximum crispiness, fry immediately after mixing the batter and avoid letting it sit for too long.

Can I customize the sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust sweetness or add more spice based on your taste. You can also try different vinegars for varied flavors.

Final Thoughts

Korean Fried Cauliflower is an exciting twist on traditional fried dishes that brings bold flavors and textures together. It’s not only delicious but also versatile—perfect as a side dish or snack! Customize it by adding different spices or sauces according to your personal taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it!

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Korean Fried Cauliflower

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Korean Fried Cauliflower is a vibrant and crispy alternative to traditional fried dishes, delivering bold flavors that will awaken your taste buds. This irresistible recipe features cauliflower florets coated in a light batter and tossed in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, making it perfect for any occasion—whether as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Easy to prepare and oh-so-satisfying, these crispy bites offer all the crunch without the heaviness of meat. Impress your family and friends with this delightful twist on a classic!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
• Neutral oil for frying
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 1/2 cup ice cold soda water
• ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons gochujang
• ½ tablespoon gochugaru
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ¼ cup water

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Instructions

1. Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ice cold soda water until smooth.
3. Coat each cauliflower piece in the batter until fully covered.
4. Preheat oil to 375°F and fry the cauliflower in small batches for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
5. In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, sugar, honey, gochujang, gochugaru, rice vinegar, and water. Heat until bubbling and thickened.
6. Brush the sauce onto fried cauliflower pieces before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg