Simple & Crispy Pan-Fried Cauliflower (Without Flour!)

This recipe will guide you on how to make delicious and crunchy pan-fried cauliflower with not a single grain of flour. It's a simple, healthful way to enjoy this wonderful veggie with a touch of Indian-inspired taste.

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Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Wash a head of medium-sized cauliflower thoroughly. Break the cauliflower into florets or thick slices (1/2 inch thick). Slicing can give you nice, flat pieces to crisp up uniformly.

Step 2: Prepare the Simple Batter (Without Flour)

• In a bowl, whisk together
• 2 tablespoons rice flour (for crispness)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (according to your spice level)
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala (optional, for Indian flavor)
• Salt to taste.
• 2-3 tablespoons water (add slowly to create a medium-thick batter that covers the cauliflower)

🛒 Suggested Products

Nonstick Frying Pan

Rice Flour (Gluten-Free)

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl

The batter needs to be thick enough to cover the cauliflower pieces but not too thin.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Put the cauliflower florets or slices in the batter. Gently toss them so that every piece is evenly coated.

Step 4: Pan-Fry the Cauliflower

Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil in a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated cauliflower pieces in one layer in the pan. Don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.

Step 5: Cook Until Golden and Crispy

Roast the cauliflower in the oven for 3-5 minutes per side, or until crispy and golden brown. Flip them carefully with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Lower the heat if needed to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cauliflower is crispy fried, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb some of the excess oil. Serve hot as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. You can add a sprinkle of extra chaat masala or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor. Your simple and delicious crispy fried cauliflower is now ready!

Answers to Your Questions:

Can you fry cauliflower to cook it?

Yes, you can cook cauliflower using frying. It is a popular way of getting a crispy texture along with a nice flavor.

What do you make crispy cauliflower batter out of?

To make a crispy cauliflower batter, use ingredients like rice flour or cornstarch. Ensure the batter is properly structured—not too thick and not too runny—to effectively coat the cauliflower. Proper frying with the right temperature and avoiding overcrowding the pan also contributes to crispiness.

Is fried cauliflower healthy? 

Even though frying introduces fat and calories, the amount of oil used in this recipe is minimal for pan-frying and is thus a relatively healthier dish compared to deep-frying. Cauliflower in itself is a healthy vegetable, so in moderation, pan-fried cauliflower can still be included in a healthy diet.

Do you blanch cauliflower before frying?

Blanching cauliflower before frying is not strictly necessary. It can be helpful in softening the cauliflower slightly and enabling it to cook more evenly through, especially if you are using big florets or thick slices. For this quick pan-frying recipe with thinner pieces, however, blanching is not actually necessary, and frying immediately will cook the cauliflower through while also crisping the outside.