Lunch: Korean-Style Fried Cauliflower

Recipe by Matt Abergel This ultra-crispy cauliflower, a.k.a. KFC, is a signature dish at Hong Kong's Yardbird. After being battered and fried, the cauliflower florets are tossed with a sweet and fiery sauce made with gochujang, the pepper paste that is a

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Sesame Seeds

Health benefits of Korean-Style Fried Cauliflower

Sesame seeds help with progesterone balance. Lignans found in in sesame seeds help to prevent excess estrogen production.

Ingredients

2 tbsp. gochujang
.67 c. sugar
6 clove garlic
2 tbsp. mirin
2 tbsp. red yuzu kosho
1 c. tempura batter mix
1 large egg yolk
1 c. Japanese whole wheat flour
.67 c. potato starch
1 head cauliflower
canola oil
Toasted sesame seeds
Lime wedges

Instructions

In a blender, combine the gochujang with the sugar, garlic, and mirin. Add 1 cup of water and blend until smooth. Add the yuzu kosho and 1 cup of water and pulse to combine. Transfer the mixture to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Transfer the gochujang sauce to a large bowl and let cool.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the tempura flour with the egg yolk and 1 cup of ice water until smooth. Add the wheat flour, potato starch, and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of ice water and whisk until smooth; the consistency should be that of thin pancake batter. Add the cauliflower, stirring to coat.
In a large saucepan, heat 2 inches of canola oil to 385 degrees F. Working in batches, lift the cauliflower florets from the batter, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl. Fry the cauliflower, stirring occasionally, until the coating is golden and the florets are tender but not soft, 6 minutes. Drain the cauliflower on paper towels and Immediately add to the sauce; Toss to coat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cauliflower to a plate. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower. Serve each batch as it's finished cooking. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with lime wedges. Looking for vegetable recipes? Try our best asparagus recipes, eggplant recipes, or zucchini recipes.