Description
A crispy and flavorful Chili Garlic Fried Cauliflower recipe where cauliflower florets are battered and fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a savory and slightly sweet chili garlic sauce. Perfect as a spicy appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter 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, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1/4 inch depth)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/3 cup chili garlic sauce
- 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Garnish
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Add the ice water, beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir until the batter is smooth and thin, perfect for coating the cauliflower.
- Heat the oil and fry cauliflower: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to about 1/4-inch depth and heat over medium heat until shimmering. Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter to coat evenly. Working in batches, carefully add the battered cauliflower to the hot oil. Fry until golden on all sides, about 4 minutes per side, turning to ensure even cooking. Remove and drain on paper towels. Season with additional kosher salt if desired.
- Make the sauce and toss: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chili garlic sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and grated ginger until well combined. Add the fried cauliflower to the bowl and toss gently to coat each floret thoroughly with the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the coated cauliflower with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use ice water in the batter to ensure a light and crispy coating on the cauliflower.
- Fry the cauliflower in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the batter soggy.
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your spice preference.
- Drain the fried cauliflower well on paper towels to reduce excess oil before tossing with sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keywords: Chili garlic fried cauliflower, crispy cauliflower, vegetarian appetizer, fried cauliflower in chili sauce, spicy cauliflower bites
