It may look like a sad little package shoved in the back of your freezer, but frozen spinach actually has a lot of culinary uses (and some may surprise you).
Deep Fried Broccoli
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Deep-frying is a delicious way to enjoy this otherwise healthy vegetable. The broccoli is battered and then fried until it is crispy. Serve as an appetizer or side dish.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
1 review
ingredients
4 cups frozen broccoli florets
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cup self rising flour, divided
1 pinch kosher salt
1/2 cup black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
canola oil, for frying
directions
Preheat deep fryer to 375 degrees F.
Beat the egg and milk together, add 1/2 cup of the flour and whisk together well to blend. Mix the remaining cup of flour with the salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
Dip the frozen broccoli florets into the batter, then hold it up over the bowl, allowing it to drain well. Toss in the seasoned flour. Drop the broccoli carefully into hot oil and fry until golden brown, taking care not to overcrowd.
Good just as they are, or serve with ranch dressing, cocktail sauce, comeback sauce, remoulade sauce, or a spicy honey mustard sauce.
cook's notes
I use frozen broccoli for deep frying mainly because I think they work better and it's a freezer staple in my house.
If you want to use fresh, raw broccoli, you'll first need to cut it into small florets, then blanch them about a minute in boiling water to partially cook them. Transfer to an ice water bath immediately to stop the cooking process, the let them dry thoroughly before proceeding.
added by
sgre52160
recipe tips
Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (375 degrees F) before adding the broccoli to prevent it from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
Fry the broccoli in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil's temperature and result in soggy florets.
Allow excess batter to drip off before coating the broccoli in the seasoned flour to get an even, crispy coating.
Let the fried broccoli drain on paper towels or a cooling rack to remove excess oil.
common recipe questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Just blanch the florets for about a minute in boiling water, then transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking. Make sure they are thoroughly dried before proceeding with the batter and frying.
Can I add other seasonings to the batter?
Try adding other spices or herbs to the batter, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika, to taste.
How can I make the batter lighter or crispier?
For a lighter, crispier batter, you can substitute sparkling water or beer for the milk, which will create a lighter batter due to the carbonation.
How do I know when the broccoli is fully cooked?
The broccoli is fully cooked when it's golden brown and crispy. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes, but the exact time can vary based on the size of the florets and the temperature of the oil.
Can I bake these or air-fry them instead of frying?
While deep-frying gives the crispiest result, you can bake them for a healthier option. Spray the battered and floured broccoli with cooking spray and bake at 425 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through. Or, in an air fryer at 400 degrees F for 12-18 minutes.
What's the best way to serve deep-fried broccoli?
Deep-fried broccoli can be served as an appetizer or side dish, accompanied by dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, cocktail sauce, or spicy honey mustard sauce.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to recrisp before serving.
Can I use this batter and frying method with other vegetables?
Yes, this method works well with cauliflower, mushrooms, zucchini, and other vegetables. Adjust cooking times as necessary based on the vegetable.
nutrition data
Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.
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reviews & comments
August 3, 2020
So easy to make delicious...