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Korean Fried Cauliflower

Korean Fried Cauliflower Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into bite-sized florets
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¾ cup cold sparkling water
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1 inch deep)
  • 3 tbsp gochujang
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1½ tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • Toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Stir together the 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1½ tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tsp sesame oil, grated garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Set aside.
  2. Cut the cauliflower into golf-ball-sized florets and pat them very dry with a clean towel.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk the ¾ cup flour, ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. Pour in the ¾ cup cold sparkling water and whisk until just smooth.
  4. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (180°C). Dip dry florets into the batter, let excess drip off, and fry in batches for 3 to 4 minutes until deep golden. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
  5. Toss the hot cauliflower in the gochujang sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions and serve immediately.

Notes

For the lightest batter, keep the sparkling water ice-cold and mix it just before frying. The cauliflower is best right after saucing, while the coating is still crackly.