A dish I am very fond of is fried cauliflower, a perfect recipe for any occasion. As they say about cherries, one leads to another.
It’s a very tasty side dish that pairs well with fried fish, especially with anchovies, opened, boned, and fried. In short, fried and eaten. Moreover, I recommend tasting it with a squeeze of lemon: it enhances the flavor.
Fried cauliflower is a delicious alternative to classic fries, lighter and healthier. It is also a fantastic way to make cauliflower appreciated even by those who are not usually fans. It is perfect for those looking for a meat alternative, equally satisfying and tasty.
This is a simple but extraordinary dish. And today, I will reveal how to make golden and crispy fried cauliflower. The secret is indeed in passing the boiled cauliflower florets first in beaten egg, then in flour, and finally in breadcrumbs. These are the right steps to always have perfectly fried cauliflower. Try it right away and it will become your favorite recipe too!
If you like fried vegetables, I also recommend these other appetizing preparations:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 94.46 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 10.33 (g) of which sugars 1.27 (g)
- Proteins 2.49 (g)
- Fat 5.24 (g) of which saturated 0.86 (g)of which unsaturated 4.15 (g)
- Fibers 1.99 (g)
- Sodium 192.79 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 40 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Perfect Fried Cauliflower Recipe
- 2.2 lbs cauliflower
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
- 1.5 cups flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 4 pinches salt
- as needed vegetable oil
- 1 lemon
Preparation of Perfect Fried Cauliflower Recipe
Clean, wash, and cut the cauliflower into large parts, using only the florets and removing the stems.
In a pot, immerse the cauliflower pieces in plenty of salted water and boil them for 10 minutes.
After the cooking time, drain the cauliflower pieces well and let them cool.
Meanwhile, take a bowl and pour the whole egg, the egg white, and 2 pinches of salt. Beat them lightly.
Then take two plates, in one pour the flour, in the other the breadcrumbs. Pour the cauliflower florets first into the beaten egg, then into the flour, and finally into the breadcrumbs.
As you bread the florets, place them on a tray.
In a high-sided pan, heat the oil for frying. Then, immerse the cauliflower florets, a little at a time.
When the florets are well golden, drain them with a slotted spoon and let them dry on paper towels.
Salt and serve the fried cauliflower while still hot, placing it on a tray and accompanying with lemon slices.
Storage of Crispy Fried Cauliflower Recipe
The fried cauliflower can be stored in the fridge, in an airtight food container, for a couple of days.
If you want to restore crispiness to refrigerated fried cauliflower, reheat it in a preheated oven at 320°F for a few minutes until it is crispy and evenly heated.
Related Recipes
Fried Green Peppers (friarielli or friggitelli)
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I use other types of flour for the batter?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of flours, such as cornmeal or whole wheat flour, to achieve different results. However, wheat flour is the most common and traditional choice.
Can I prepare the fried cauliflower in advance and reheat it later?
Yes, you can prepare the fried cauliflower in advance and reheat it in the oven before serving. However, it is important to consume it within two days of preparation to maintain freshness and crispiness.
Can I freeze leftover fried cauliflower?
Yes, you can freeze leftover fried cauliflower. Allow the cauliflower to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer bag or airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to one month. To reheat, cook it directly from the freezer in a preheated oven until it is fully heated and crispy.
Can I substitute fresh cauliflower with frozen?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower for this recipe, but keep in mind that it may be slightly softer than fresh cauliflower. Be sure to fully thaw the cauliflower before using it and dry it well to prevent it from releasing too much moisture during frying.
