Fried Cauliflower with Sesame and Hoisin

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Crispy, deep-fried cauliflower bites served with a sesame-hoisin sauce are a perfect appetizer for game day.

Ingredients

1 cup tempura batter mix
3/4 cup ice cold water
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
5 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
4 cups vegetable oil for frying, or as needed

Directions

1 Combine tempura mix and water in a bowl; whisk until blended. Set bowl into a larger bowl filled with ice cubes to keep cold.
2 Mix hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and garlic powder together in a small bowl.
3 Dip cauliflower into the tempura batter and set on a plate to let excess batter drip off.
4 Combine vegetable oil and remaining 3 tablespoons sesame oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; bring temperature up to 350 to 375 degrees F (175 to 190 degrees C).
5 Deep-fry cauliflower florets in batches until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes per batch. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6 Serve with hoisin mixture drizzled on top, or on the side for dipping.