If you’re a fan of transforming simple ingredients into something special, these Crispy Cauliflower Delights with Creamy Mayo Sauce are a must-try. This recipe elevates cauliflower, coating it in a crisp, flavorful batter, perfect for a snack or side dish. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a vegetable that’s often overlooked, turning it into a dish that’s both satisfying and a little bit indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Irresistibly Crispy: The combination of flour and cornstarch in the batter ensures each cauliflower floret turns out perfectly golden and crunchy.
- Full of Flavor: The spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of chili and cumin, infuse the cauliflower with warm, aromatic flavors.
- Remarkably Simple: Despite its impressive outcome, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Highly Adaptable: Whether you’re serving it as a snack for a movie night, as an appetizer for a dinner party, or as a side dish for your family dinner, it fits seamlessly into any occasion.
- Customizable Dipping Sauce: The creamy mayo sauce, with its blend of Sriracha, lemon, and garlic, complements the cauliflower, but feel free to get creative with your sauces!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Cauliflower: This versatile vegetable forms the base of our dish.
- Flour and Cornstarch: These create the foundation for a light, crispy batter.
- Spices: A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin adds depth and character to the batter.
- Water : Binds the dry ingredients to form a smooth batter.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for frying, it gives the cauliflower a delightfully crispy texture.
- For the Sauce: Mayonnaise, Sriracha, lemon juice, and garlic come together for a tangy and creamy dip.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Begin by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, then boil them briefly to soften.
- Whisk the Batter: In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, and spices, then gradually add water to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Fry to Perfection: After coating the florets in batter, fry them in hot oil until they are beautifully golden and crisp.
- Mix the Sauce: Combine the mayo, Sriracha, lemon juice, and minced garlic for a perfect dipping companion.
Expert Tips for Success:
- Consistent Floret Size: Cutting the cauliflower into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough for frying (around 350°F) to avoid soggy batter.
- Drain Excess Oil: Let the fried florets rest on a paper towel to absorb any extra oil for the crispiest result.
- Serve Hot: These delights are best enjoyed warm, right after frying.
- Sauce Variations: If Sriracha isn’t your thing, try mustard or garlic aioli sauce instead.
Whether you’re gathering with friends for a game night, looking for a tasty snack for your family, or simply want to try something new and exciting in the kitchen, these Crispy Cauliflower Delights with Creamy Mayo Sauce are sure to impress. They’re a testament to the versatility of cauliflower and the magic that can happen with a few simple ingredients and a bit of creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy the delightful crunch and rich flavors that make this dish a joy to eat and share.
Crispy Fried Cauliflower
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or 120g
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup water 240ml
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Rinse and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- Boil in salted water for 3-5 minutes until just tender. Then drain.
Make the Batter:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, and seasonings.
- Gradually add the water to form a smooth batter.
Fry the Cauliflower:
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip each floret in the batter and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Prepare the Creamy Mayo Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Whisk until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Video
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness of the mayo sauce to taste.
- Cauliflower can be substituted with broccoli or other vegetables.
- Ensure cauliflower is dry before battering to avoid splattering during frying.