Dinner

Chili Garlic Fried Cauliflower Recipe

Bylilan Sage March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

Introduction

Chili Garlic Fried Cauliflower is a crispy, flavorful dish that combines the crunch of fried cauliflower with a spicy, tangy sauce. It’s a delicious vegetarian appetizer or side that’s sure to impress anyone who loves bold flavors.

A white plate holds several pieces of deep-fried cauliflower, each piece coated in a shiny, sticky red sauce. The cauliflower pieces are rough and crispy, topped with small white sesame seeds scattered evenly across. Thin slices of green onion rings and diagonally cut green scallions are sprinkled on top, adding bright green color that contrasts well with the deep red sauce. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup ice water
1 egg, beaten
Kosher salt
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
1/3 cup chili garlic sauce
2 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. sesame oil
1 tsp. grated ginger
2 Tbsp. sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Add ice water, beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt, stirring until combined. The batter should be thin.
Step 2: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Toss cauliflower florets in the batter to coat fully. Fry in batches, cooking about 4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and season with salt if needed.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Toss the fried cauliflower in this sauce until evenly coated.
Step 4: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use ice-cold water and avoid overmixing the batter to keep it light and crispy.
For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Try substituting cauliflower with broccoli or firm tofu for a different twist.
Serve with a side of steamed rice or as a flavorful appetizer.

Storage

Store leftover fried cauliflower and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat cauliflower in an oven or toaster oven to restore crispness, then toss with the sauce before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up view of crispy fried cauliflower pieces coated in a shiny, dark red sticky sauce, served in a white speckled bowl. The cauliflower is covered with small white sesame seeds and garnished with fresh green sliced scallions scattered across the top. The texture of the cauliflower shows a crispy, crunchy outside with a few tender inside spots visible. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the cauliflower instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the battered cauliflower at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be as crispy as frying but still delicious.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

The batter includes an egg, but you can replace it with a flax egg or omit it to make the recipe vegan. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.