Japanese fried cauliflower

Savor the delightful crunch of Japanese Fried Cauliflower! This easy recipe features a savory marinade of soy sauce, sake, and ginger, perfectly coating tender cauliflower florets. Breaded with crispy bread crumbs and flour, then fried to golden perfection, it's a flavorful vegetarian dish with an irresistible texture. Perfect as a snack or side dish!

18 Feb 2026
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 35 min

Ingredients:

1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sake
1 tsp ginger root
1/2 cauliflower
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
2 eggs
Japanese fried cauliflower

Japanese Fried Cauliflower is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fried snacks. This dish incorporates classic Japanese flavors like soy sauce, sake, and ginger, giving the cauliflower a unique and flavorful twist. Perfect for an appetizer or a side dish, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family with its crispy texture and savory taste.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Cauliflower:
- Thoroughly wash and drain 1/2 head of cauliflower.
- Cut it into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
2. Create Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of sake, and 1 tsp of grated ginger root.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl, tossing them gently until they are well-coated with the marinade.
- Allow the cauliflower to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate it for up to 30 minutes.
3. Prepare Breading Station:
- Set up three shallow bowls or plates for breading your cauliflower.
- In the first bowl, combine 1/3 cup of all-purpose white wheat flour.
- In the second bowl, beat 2 eggs until smooth.
- In the third bowl, place 1/2 cup of bread crumbs.
4. Bread the Cauliflower:
- Take each marinated cauliflower floret and coat it first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Next, dip the floret into the beaten eggs until it's fully covered.
- Finally, roll the floret in the bread crumbs, pressing lightly to make sure they adhere well.
- Place the breaded florets on a plate and repeat the process for all the cauliflower pieces.
5. Fry the Cauliflower:
- Heat a pot or deep fryer with oil over medium-high heat (around 350°F/175°C).
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded cauliflower florets in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried cauliflower and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve:
- Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon juice, or garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor.
- Serve the Japanese fried cauliflower hot as a delicious appetizer or side dish.

Enjoy your Japanese Fried Cauliflower as a standalone snack or as a side dish to your favorite meal. The crispy, flavorful cauliflower pieces will be a hit at any gathering or family dinner. Remember, the key to this dish is in the seasoning and the perfect balance of ingredients. Happy cooking!

Japanese fried cauliflower FAQ:

What is the best frying temperature for the cauliflower?

Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C) for frying the cauliflower. This temperature ensures that the florets cook evenly and become crispy without absorbing too much oil.

How long should I fry the cauliflower?

Fry the cauliflower in small batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Overcrowding the pot can lead to uneven cooking.

Can I use a different type of flour for breading?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with alternatives like rice flour or gluten-free flour for a different texture and to accommodate dietary needs.

How should I store leftover Japanese fried cauliflower?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven to maintain their crispiness.

Can I marinate the cauliflower for longer than 30 minutes?

While you can marinate the cauliflower longer, it's best not to exceed 1 hour, as excessive marination can lead to a mushy texture. 30 minutes is usually ample for flavor absorption.

Tips:

- Ensure the cauliflower florets are cut evenly so they cook uniformly.

- Marinate the cauliflower in the soy sauce, sake, and ginger mixture for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor infusion.

- Use Panko bread crumbs for an extra crispy texture.

- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy coating; a temperature of about 350°F (175°C) is ideal.

- Drain the fried cauliflower on a paper towel to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.

- For a healthier option, consider baking the cauliflower in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 150kcal
Protein 8g
Carbohydrates 22g
Fiber 3.12g
Sugar 2.96g
Fat 3.61g

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