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Tasty Fried Cauliflower Recipe from Spain

Dozens of easy Spanish recipes are also vegetarian, such as the Spanish cauliflower rice or the Spanish vegetable stew, but here we bring you the absolute best.

We are talking about the fried cauliflower recipe, one of the most popular Spanish tapas in recent years.

Now continue reading this article to learn how to make fried cauliflower, plus some extra tips to customize this recipe and tricks for storing and serving.

fried cauliflower recipe in a bowl next to some red sauce. Tasty Fried Cauliflower Recipe from Spain

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Background of the Dish

Fried cauliflower on a iceberg salad on a plate

Fried vegetables are delicious, although they have only recently become popular worldwide.

It is believed that this Andalusian recipe arose from other fried cauliflower recipes, especially the Turkish one, which although it does not have a coating of flour and egg, does have a large number of spices.

In the Spanish version of this fried cauliflower recipe, that coating is used that gives it the right crispiness, and the seasonings are the ones that are usually used in other recipes in the region.

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closeup with spanish fried cauliflower

Things You’ll Need for Fried Cauliflower Recipe

To make this fried cauliflower recipe you will need a couple of different spices, flour, milk, and of course, cauliflower.

Just a large pan or saucepan is all the kitchen equipment you need for making this deep-fried cauliflower.

woman holding a fresh cauliflower in her hands

Ingredients

  • 1 cauliflower
  • 1 egg
  • 6 tablespoons flour
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Oil for frying

How to Make Fried Cauliflower Recipe- Step by Step Guide

cauliflower on a wooden board cut into pieces.
  1. The first step in the fried cauliflower recipe is to wash the cauliflower and cut it. You can separate the florets or cut them into cubes.
  1. Now cook the cauliflower in a pot with plenty of water until al dente. It should take from 10 to 12 minutes to be ready.
  1. Once the cauliflower is cooked, take it out and drain it. You can pat it with kitchen paper to remove any water that might be left.
  1. After that, beat the egg with the milk and add the different seasonings. If you don’t like every seasoning and spice listed in this Spanish cauliflower recipe, then you can just use your favorite ones.
  1. Then add the flour to that mixture until you have a thick and homogeneous consistency. Make sure that there isn’t any flour lump left.
  1. Pass the cauliflower florets through that mixture. To get the right crispy cauliflower it has to be completely coated.
  1. Next heat the oil over medium heat.
  1. Once hot, fry the cauliflower florets until golden brown on the outside.
  1. As they are ready, put them on a tray or plate with kitchen paper to remove the excess oil. Throw a pinch of salt on top while still hot.
  1. Serve the crispy cauliflower bites hot with some dipping sauce or by themselves.

Substitution of Ingredients

spanish fried cauliflower in a green bowl

There are a few changes that you can make to customize this fried cauliflower recipe.

For example, you can use any type of flour (gluten-free, oats, almond, etc.) and milk (vegan milk, skim milk, etc.).

The seasonings and spices listed here are the ones for the classic Spanish fried cauliflower, but you can use any that you like.

The problem with deep frying vegetables is their high level of moisture, so we recommend sticking with cauliflower.

However, you could do it like other deep-fried recipes, and instead of cauliflower use broccoli, cucumber, or the classic fried onion rings.

Tips on Serving Fried Cauliflower Recipe

fried cauliflower recipe with white sauce

This is the best cauliflower recipe because as soon as you finish making it it is ready to be served.

While they are hot, place them on a plate and take them to the table, that’s how easy it is.

Since the cauliflower has a neutral taste profile, it goes well with different dipping sauces, such as melted cheese, honey mustard, ranch, aioli, marinara, and anything else.

This dish is usually served as an appetizer or tapas, but you could even make a full Andalusian-vegetarian meal by serving them with Spanish vegetarian empanadas and Spanish Vegetable Soup for the main dish.

Check out other tasty Spanish vegetarian tapas and see for yourself how easy it is to prepare Spanish-inspired dishes.

How to Store Fried Cauliflower Recipe

How to Store Fried Cauliflower Recipe. A photo with different products in a fridge

Once you finish making the fried cauliflower recipe there are two main ways of storing this dish: in the fridge or the freezer.

The cauliflower bites can last up to 3 days in the fridge, and you should heat them in the oven so they gain back their crispiness.

You could also freeze them for up to 30 days and let them thaw overnight in the fridge before eating them.

Always store them in a covered container after they reached room temperature, and it’s best to heat them in the oven for the crispy texture.

Recipe Card: Fried Cauliflower Recipe

Yield: 4

Spanish Fried Cauliflower Recipe

fried cauliflower recipe in a bowl next to some red sauce

Dozens of easy Spanish recipes are also vegetarian, such as the Spanish cauliflower rice or the Spanish vegetable stew, but here we bring you the absolute best.

We are talking about the fried cauliflower recipe, one of the most popular Spanish tapas in recent years.

Now continue reading this article to learn how to make fried cauliflower, plus some extra tips to customize this recipe and tricks for storing and serving.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cauliflower
  • 1 egg
  • 6 tablespoons flour
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Wash the cauliflower and cut it. You can separate the florets or cut them into cubes.
  2. Cook the cauliflower in a pot with plenty of water until al dente. In 10 to 12 minutes it will be ready.
  3. When it is cooked, take it out and drain it.
  4. Beat the egg with the milk and add the different seasonings.
  5. Add the flour to that mixture until you have a thick and homogeneous consistency.
  6. Pass the cauliflower florets through that mixture. Make sure they are completely coated.
  7. Heat the oil over medium heat.
  8. Once hot, fry the cauliflower florets until golden brown on the outside.
  9. As they are ready, put them on a tray or plate with kitchen paper to remove the excess oil. Throw a pinch of salt on top.
  10. Serve them hot with some dipping sauce or by themselves.

Notes

If you still aren't so sure of how to fry cauliflower, then keep in mind that you can make this pan-fried cauliflower in an air fryer.

You can also make them roasted cauliflower florets, just do every step the same, but instead of frying them take them to the oven at high heat for 25 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 195Total Fat 11.8gSaturated Fat 1.9gCholesterol 42mgSodium 646mgCarbohydrates 18.2gFiber 4.1gSugar 4.4gProtein 6g

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