Crispy Cauliflower from Milestone's features golden-battered cauliflower florets fried to perfection, served with a zesty dipping sauce, offering a delightful crunch with a savory, tender interior.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Paper towels
- Sheet tray or plate
- Tongs
- Sauce bowl or ramekin
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
Ensure your cauliflower is fresh and firm for the best texture when frying, as soggy or older florets won't achieve the desired crispiness. Use cold sparkling water in the batter to create a light, airy coating that crisps up perfectly during frying. Vegetable oil with a high smoke point, like canola or peanut oil, is ideal to prevent burning and maintain flavor. Measure your spices carefully to balance the smoky paprika and heat from the garlic and onion powders, which enhance the savory notes. Your Crispy Cauliflower from Milestone's copycat menu delivers a perfect crunch with a zesty dipping sauce that complements the tender interior beautifully.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly whisk in cold sparkling water until a smooth batter forms.
- Heat vegetable oil in frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip cauliflower florets into the batter, coating evenly.
- Fry battered florets in hot oil in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Use slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove cauliflower and drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lemon juice, and honey until smooth.
- Serve crispy cauliflower immediately on sheet tray or plate, with dipping sauce in ramekin.
- Enjoy!
Substitution
Crispy Cauliflower from Milestone's copycat menu can be made with broccoli florets as a tasty alternative while maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile. If you don't have sparkling water, you can substitute it with cold club soda or plain cold water to achieve a light, crispy batter. When frying, monitor the oil temperature closely to prevent the batter from absorbing excess oil, which can affect the crispiness. Your zesty dipping sauce can be adjusted by swapping Sriracha with any hot sauce you prefer, balancing the spice level to your taste. Leftover batter works well for coating other vegetables or proteins, making it a versatile base for various dishes.
Tips
Make sure to maintain the oil temperature at a steady 350degF (175degC) to ensure the cauliflower cooks evenly and remains crispy without becoming greasy. Your batter should be smooth and slightly thick, achieved by gradually whisking in cold sparkling water to create a light, airy coating. Avoid overcrowding the frying pan or deep fryer to prevent temperature drop, which can lead to soggy cauliflower. Drain the fried florets thoroughly on paper towels before serving to keep the crunchy texture intact and pair them with the zesty Sriracha mayo dipping sauce for balanced flavors.
Nutritions
Crispy Cauliflower from Milestone's provides a moderate calorie content primarily from the golden batter and frying oil. The cauliflower itself contributes dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, enhancing your nutritional intake. The inclusion of spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder adds flavor without extra calories, while the zesty sauce combines mayonnaise, Sriracha, lemon juice, and honey, contributing fats, sugars, and vitamin C. Your portion size and dipping sauce choice will influence the overall fat and sugar levels in this savory snack.
Storage
Store leftover crispy cauliflower in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and maintain crunchiness. Refrigerate for up to 2 days, reheating in an oven or air fryer at 375degF for 5-7 minutes to restore crisp texture. Your zesty dipping sauce should be stored separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.
Variation or Alternatives
For a gluten-free alternative, substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea flour or rice flour to maintain a crispy texture. Replace the sparkling water with club soda or cold beer for a different lightness in the batter. Instead of deep-frying, try oven-baking the battered cauliflower at 425degF (220degC) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway to achieve a crunchy exterior with less oil. You can customize your dipping sauce by swapping Sriracha for buffalo sauce or adding fresh herbs like cilantro for extra flavor.
Allergies
Crispy Cauliflower from Milestone's contains common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour and egg from the mayonnaise, which may trigger reactions in individuals with gluten or egg allergies. The Sriracha sauce and seasonings could also contain trace amounts of other allergens or preservatives. Be sure to check ingredient labels carefully if you have food sensitivities and inform your server about your specific allergies to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Milestone's Crispy Cauliflower menu is highly favored for its perfect balance of crunch and tenderness, enhanced by a flavorful, well-seasoned batter that satisfies cravings for a savory, guilt-free indulgence. The dish pairs perfectly with Milestone's signature dipping sauces, creating a memorable taste experience that appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Making the copycat version allows you to recreate this delightful texture and robust flavor at home, saving money while enjoying a healthier, customized alternative. Your kitchen becomes the place where you master this crowd-pleasing appetizer, impressing guests with a restaurant-quality treat.