This Fried Cauliflower is paired with a Spicy Avocado Cream to create one delicious appetizer!
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time40 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: avocado cream, fried cauliflower
Servings: 8servings
Calories: 510kcal
Author: David
Ingredients
For the Fried Cauliflower
1head of cauliflowerrinsed and broken into florets
2eggs
¾cupbuttermilk
½tspsalt
1tsppepper
1cupflour
3Tbspparmesan cheesegrated
½tspgarlic powder
½tsppaprika
¼tspcayenne pepperoptional
2-3cupscanola oilfor frying
For the Spicy Avocado Cream
3ouncesmortadellacut into ¼” cubes
1ripe avocadopeeled and pitted
½cupsour cream
1clovegarlicminced
½tsplime juice
½Tbspsriracha
½tspsalt
Instructions
For the Fried Cauliflower
Preheat fryer oil to 375°F. (Tip: If you don’t have a deep fry thermometer, then you can drop a pinch of flour into the oil. If it browns and bubbles immediately, then the oil is ready to go!)
While the oil is heating, place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket; steam for 8-10 minutes. (Note: The florets should still be fairly firm after steaming.)
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
In another medium bowl, combine the salt, pepper, flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika and cayenne (optional).
Place cauliflower florets into the egg mixture; stir until well coated.
Transfer florets into the flour mixture; stir until well coated.
Carefully transfer a handful of florets into the preheated oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes, or until florets are golden brown in color. Place florets on paper towels to drain.
Allow oil to return to 375°F; repeat until all florets have been fried.
For the Spicy Avocado Dipping Sauce
Place the cubed mortadella in a frying pan over medium-low heat; cook for 7-8 minutes or until slightly crispy. Transfer mortadella onto a paper towel and pat dry.
Place the remaining ingredients (avocado, sour cream, garlic, lime juice, sriracha and salt) into a blender or small food processor. Pulse until smooth.
Transfer Avocado Dip into serving bowl and garnish with the crispy mortadella.
Notes
I happen to have a small deep fryer, but you can also use a large dutch oven or a deep frying pan filled with 1-2” of canola oil.