Moroccan Fried Cauliflower

By
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih is a freelance writer and cooking class instructor with a background in Moroccan cuisine.
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Updated on 01/12/22
Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 40 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings

This tempura-style cauliflower is made extra flavorful by the additions of garlic, parsley, and Moroccan spices to the batter. Similar although less zesty treatment is given to Moroccan fried eggplant.

Moroccan fried cauliflower recipe

The Spruce / Cure Art

The recipe calls for partially cooking the cauliflower florets before frying them, but for a firmer texture, you can skip that step. Serve the fried cauliflower as an accompaniment to almost any Moroccan meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium-sized head cauliflower

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, pressed

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 tablespoon cumin

  • 2 teaspoons paprika

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

  • Dipping sauce, or lemon wedges, for garnish

Steps to Make It

Prepare the Cauliflower and Batter

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Break the head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets.

  3. Wash, dry, and partially boil or steam (covered) for 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook—you want the cauliflower to still be firm with a crisp-tender bite. Drain. 

  4. In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Whisk in the water and then whisk in the flour until smooth.

  5. Add the garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper. Whisk to blend in smoothly.

  6. Transfer the cauliflower florets to the bowl. Toss (simply pick up the bowl and shake carefully) or stir gently until the cauliflower florets are evenly coated with batter.

Fry the Cauliflower

Line a large baking sheet with paper towels. You can either shallow fry or deep-fry the cauliflower in batches. 

To Shallow Fry

  1. Heat about 1/4 inch (.5 centimeter) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot.

  2. Transfer some of the coated cauliflower florets to the hot oil; do not crowd.

  3. Cook for several minutes then turn over with spoons or forks to cook the other side, again for several minutes, until deep golden.

  4. Remove the cooked cauliflower with a slotted spoon to the paper-towel-lined pan to drain.

  5. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower.

To Deep-Fry

  1. Heat 2 inches (5 centimeters) of vegetable oil in a wide pot over medium heat until hot. (Test by dropping in a small floret; the oil should immediately bubble.)

  2. Add the cauliflower and cook in batches; do not crowd the florets in the oil.

  3. Cook each batch for about 5 minutes or until deep golden in color, turning larger pieces once or twice if necessary.

  4. Remove the cooked cauliflower with a slotted spoon to the paper-towel-lined pan to drain and repeat with the remaining cauliflower.

  5. Enjoy.

Tips

  • The cauliflower can be cooked a little ahead of time and held warm in a 250 F / 120 C / 130 Gas oven. Or if cooking well in advance, the cauliflower can be reheated in a preheated 400 F / 200 C oven for 5 to 10 minutes. 
  • Serve the fried cauliflower as is or with a dipping sauce, or with mayonnaise and lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
473 Calories
41g Fat
22g Carbs
7g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 473
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 41g 52%
Saturated Fat 5g 23%
Cholesterol 70mg 23%
Sodium 789mg 34%
Total Carbohydrate 22g 8%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 7g
Vitamin C 45mg 225%
Calcium 48mg 4%
Iron 3mg 15%
Potassium 247mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)