Buttermilk fried cauliflower

These buttermilk fried cauliflower bites are crisp, juicy, totally moreish and of course, totally meat-free!

The tender cauliflower florets are marinated in a chilli and cumin spiced buttermilk and then dusted in paprika and garlic seasoned flour before being fried to perfection. You'll polish off a whole batch in minutes - we certainly did!

Making these buttermilk fried cauliflower bites starts the night before you intend to serve them. You'll cut the cauliflower into florets and then drop into a marinade made from buttermilk

This buttermilk fried cauliflower is so juicy and stunningly delicious, you can serve it in all sorts of ways.

How about making them in place of buttermilk chicken with sweetcorn, ranch dip and potato wedges? Or you could enjoy then with sweet chilli sauce or soy sauce as more of a Japanese or Thai-style meal.

Instructions

The night before, cut the cauliflower into medium florets and place in a large bowl.

Add the buttermilk, chilli powder, cumin, sugar and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Mix together with your hands, cover and place in the fridge overnight to marinate. 

Put the flour in a bowl with the paprika, garlic granules and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Mix to evenly distribute the spices.

Remove the cauliflower from the buttermilk, then dip in the flour, coating on all sides. Leave in the flour for a couple of minutes to soak up any excess moisture.

Repeat until all the cauliflower is fully coated.

Fill a deep fat fryer to the max line, or a large saucepan one third full of oil. It’s important not to fill further than one third as oil expands when heated and will climb further when frying. 

Heat the oil to 160C (325F). 

Fry the cauliflower in batches, lowering in 3-4 pieces at a time so that they don’t overcrowd the pan and stick together. It should take 8 minutes for them to become crisp and golden brown.

Drain on kitchen paper and serve warm.

For the dip shown here, I combined equal parts dark soy sauce and sweet chilli sauce and added a little chopped fresh coriander.

Is Buttermilk fried cauliflower easy to make?

Yes! Buttermilk fried cauliflower is a relatively easy dish to prepare. All you need to do is cut the cauliflower into florets, marinate overnight in buttermilk and spices, and then coat in flour and fry until golden brown.

If you're worried about deep frying, I've included some safety tips below to help you prepare and cook your cauliflower as safely as possible.

Buttermilk fried cauliflower makes a great appetizer or side dish. There are lots of delicious dipping sauces you can try with your Buttermilk fried cauliflower, such as a combination of dark soy sauce and sweet chilli sauce, or a creamy ranch dressing.

You could also serve it as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or veggies. I hope you enjoy it at a BBQ this summer, or even as an ultimate winter comfort food!

Will I need any special equipment to make Buttermilk fried cauliflower?

This recipe is super simple, but You will need a deep fat fryer or large saucepan to cook the cauliflower in. Other than that, all you need is a bowl and a plate for coating the cauliflower in flour, and some kitchen paper for draining it after frying.

What is buttermilk?

Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product that has a slightly sour, tangy taste. It's made by adding bacteria to milk, which causes it to thicken and curdle. Buttermilk is often used in baking as it gives pancakes and biscuits a wonderfully light, fluffy texture.

What does buttermilk do in cooking?

Buttermilk is a kind of fermented milk, and as well as being lovely to drink on its own, it also has loads of uses in cooking. It's added to recipes to add a subtle tanginess and creaminess and works especially well in baking. Buttermilk fried chicken is a classic dish, and buttermilk is also often used as a marinade for meat or vegetables before frying. In this recipe, the buttermilk helps to tenderise the cauliflower and also adds lots of flavour.

I don't have Buttermilk, what can I use instead?

If you don't have Buttermilk, you can make your own pretty easily. Just add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring jug. Then add milk until you have 1 cup (250ml) of liquid. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then it's ready to use.

You can also use this Buttermilk substitute in any other recipe that calls for Buttermilk. And if you're using plant milk, you can also follow this method to make plant-based buttermilk!

How can I tell if buttermilk has gone off?

Buttermilk is a dairy product, so it can go off if you don't store it correctly. You should always keep buttermilk in the fridge, and it will usually have a use-by date on the packaging. If you're not sure whether it's still good to use, give it a sniff - if it smells sour or off, it's best to bin it.

I don't like cauliflower, can I use something else instead?

If you're not a fan of cauliflower, I have buttermilk fried tofu or buttermilk fried chicken recipes you could try instead!

Or you could try this recipe with broccoli, Brussels sprouts or even mushrooms. Just make sure to cut the vegetables into small pieces so that they cook evenly.

What is the best way to cut cauliflower?

To get nice even pieces of cauliflower, start by cutting off the leaves. Then cut the cauliflower in half from the top (where the leaves were attached) down to the bottom. Cut each half of the cauliflower in half again, and then slice each quarter into thin slices. Finally, cut the slices into small bite-sized pieces.

Do I need to marinate the cauliflower overnight?

No, you don't need to marinate the cauliflower overnight. But if you have the time, it does make a difference. The longer you can leave the cauliflower in the buttermilk mixture, the more flavour it will absorb. But if you're short on time, don't worry - the cauliflower will still taste delicious!

What is the best way to coat the cauliflower in flour?

The best way to coat the cauliflower in flour is to put the flour into a large resealable plastic bag. Then add the cauliflower a few pieces at a time, and shake it until the cauliflower is coated in flour. You can also use a bowl to coat the cauliflower in flour, but this can be a bit messy.

Is Buttermilk fried cauliflower suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, Buttermilk fried cauliflower is suitable for vegetarians as long as you use vegetarian-friendly buttermilk. Many commercial brands of buttermilk are made with cow's milk, so check the labels carefully if you're making this recipe for a vegetarian.

Is Buttermilk fried cauliflower suitable for vegans?

No, but luckily it's easy to make a vegan version of this recipe! The only non-vegan ingredient is buttermilk. You can follow the same method as above for making buttermilk at home with plant milk.

It works best with plant milk with minimal ingredients like Innocent, Minor Figures or Oatly Oat Milk. This is because they don't contain acidity regulators. Acidity regulators inhibit the coagulation process which is crucial for making buttermilk.

Once you have your vegan buttermilk then you have everything you need to make a completely vegan version of this recipe!

Animal-derived products can be used to thicken, colour or flavour sweet and savoury food, so it sneaks into the most surprising ingredients! So always make sure that you double-check all of your ingredients labels to ensure that they are vegan.

Is Buttermilk fried cauliflower gluten-free?

No, but luckily you can make your Buttermilk fried cauliflower gluten-free pretty easily. 

All you need to do is swap the wheat flour in the batter for plain gluten-free flour. Make sure you pick plain gluten-free flour so that it doesn't contain any raising agents.

If you're cooking for someone with an intolerance or allergy, you should take extra care to check all of your ingredients labels to make sure that they are gluten-free. 

Don't forget to check anything extra you intend to serve with your recipe, like sauces or dips.

Is Buttermilk fried cauliflower keto-friendly?

Almost! This Buttermilk fried cauliflower isn't keto-friendly as is, because the batter contains wheat flour.

If you want to make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, you'll need to use low-carb flour like almond flour or coconut flour in the batter. Both would impart a little more flavour to the batter, but they would both go well with the cauliflower!

Is Buttermilk fried cauliflower safe to eat while pregnant?

Yes, Buttermilk fried cauliflower is safe to eat while pregnant as long as you follow the same food safety guidelines that you would for any other fried food.

You should always cook your Buttermilk fried cauliflower until the batter is golden brown and crispy. This will help to kill any harmful bacteria that might be present in the food.

You should also avoid eating Buttermilk fried cauliflower if it's been sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

As with any food, you should check the labels of all your ingredients to make sure they are safe to eat while pregnant. If you're unsure about anything, it's always best to speak to your doctor or midwife.

I don't have a deep-fat fryer, can I still make Buttermilk fried cauliflower?

Yes, you can still make this recipe without a deep-fat fryer. You'll just need to use a little less oil in your pan.

I would recommend using a frying pan or wok with high sides so that you can control the splattering oil.

Add enough oil to your pan so that it's about 1cm (0.4in) deep, and heat it over medium-high heat. You'll know it's hot enough when a piece of bread dropped into the oil sizzles and turns golden brown within 60 seconds.

How should I store Buttermilk fried cauliflower?

Buttermilk fried cauliflower is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight out of the pan!

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat, simply pop your Buttermilk fried cauliflower in the oven or under the grill until

How long will Buttermilk fried cauliflower keep?

These bites are best served fresh and hot, straight out of the fryer. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. But they're so moreish I doubt you'll even have any leftovers to store!

Can I leave Buttermilk fried cauliflower out on the counter?

No, you should not leave Buttermilk fried cauliflower out on the counter.

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight out of the pan. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

How can I make Buttermilk fried cauliflower ahead of time?

You can bread your Buttermilk fried cauliflower up to a day in advance. Simply coat them in the flour mixture, then place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and refrigerate overnight. The next day, continue with the recipe as directed.

While these Buttermilk bites are so much nicer fresh from the pan, you can also fry your Buttermilk fried cauliflower the day before if you really have to. Fry them until they're golden brown and crispy, then drain on paper towels and place in a warm oven (200F/93C) until you're ready to serve.

However, this method takes longer than making them fresh, so it's best just to make them fresh!

Can I keep Buttermilk fried cauliflower in the refrigerator?

Yes, Buttermilk fried cauliflower will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat your Buttermilk fried cauliflower, pop it on a baking tray in the oven or under the grill until hot and crispy.

Can Buttermilk fried cauliflower be frozen?

Yes, these bites can be frozen. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 2 hours, or until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a hot oven until crispy and hot.

Can I make this Buttermilk fried cauliflower in a different quantity?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. Just make sure you have enough oil in your pan so that the bites have plenty of room to move around and don't overcrowd the pan.

You could also make a smaller batch if you're not feeding a large crowd. Simply halve all the ingredients.

Luckily the nature of this recipe means you don't need to be too precious with the quantities of most ingredients. As long as you have enough flour and buttermilk to coat the cauliflower and spices to flavour, you can make as much or as little as you like!

Can I make Buttermilk fried cauliflower in a stand mixer such as a KitchenAid or Kenwood Mixer?

There's no reason to use a stand mixer to make your Buttermilk fried cauliflower, so save on the washing up and mix your dry ingredients by hand!

Can I make Buttermilk fried cauliflower with a food processor?

Not unless you want a cauliflower and buttermilk smoothie! (Yuck!)

How can I make sure my Buttermilk fried cauliflower turns out perfectly?

There are a few key things to remember when making Buttermilk fried cauliflower so that you end up with perfectly crispy bites:

• Use a high-sided pan or wok so that you can control the oil splatter.
• Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the cauliflower. You'll know it's ready when a piece of bread dropped into the oil sizzles and turns golden brown within 60 seconds.
• Don't overcrowd the pan. You'll need to fry the cauliflower in batches so that each piece has plenty of room to move around and gets nice and crispy.
• Drain your Buttermilk fried cauliflower on paper towels before serving so that they're not too greasy.
• Serve hot and fresh! Buttermilk fried cauliflower is best enjoyed straight out of the pan.

How can I deep fry safely?

Deep frying at home can be a little daunting, but as long as you take some basic safety precautions it's really not that difficult or dangerous.

Here are a few tips to help you fry safely:

• Use a high-sided pan or wok so that you can control the oil splatter.
• Don't overcrowd the pan. If you have too much food in the hot oil it's harder to safely control the way it cooks. If there's lots of cauliflower in the pan they can release too much water and cause excessive spluttering of the hot oil.
• Don't leave the pan unattended. Keep an eye on your Buttermilk fried cauliflower while they're cooking so that you can remove them from the oil as soon as they're golden brown and crispy.
• Use tongs or a slotted spoon to place the cauliflower in the oil so that you don't splash hot oil on yourself.
• Carefully remove the Buttermilk fried cauliflower from the pan with tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
• Let the oil cool completely before disposing of it. Never pour hot oil down the drain!

Why did my Buttermilk fried cauliflower turn out wet/soft?

There are a few reasons why your Buttermilk fried cauliflower might have turned out wet or soft:

• You didn't coat the cauliflower pieces in flour. This step is important because it helps to create a barrier between the hot oil and the moisture in the cauliflower. If you skip it, your Buttermilk fried cauliflower will be more likely to turn out wet and soggy.
• You didn't let the excess buttermilk drip off before coating it in flour. Again, this step is important because it helps to create a barrier between the hot oil and the moisture in the cauliflower. If you skip it, your Buttermilk fried cauliflower will be more likely to turn out wet and soggy.
• Your oil wasn't hot enough. This is a common mistake when deep-frying at home. If the oil isn't hot enough, the Buttermilk fried cauliflower will absorb more oil and be more likely to turn out greasy and heavy.
• You overcrowded the pan. If you have too much food in the hot oil it's harder to safely control the way it cooks. If there's lots of cauliflower in the pan they can release too much water and cause excessive spluttering of the hot oil. This can make your Buttermilk fried cauliflower turn out wet and soggy.
• Serve hot and fresh! Buttermilk fried cauliflower is best enjoyed straight out of the pan. If it sits for a while it will get soft and soggy.

How can I prevent my Buttermilk fried cauliflower from turning out greasy?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your Buttermilk fried cauliflower from turning out greasy:

• Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the cauliflower.
• Don't overcrowd the pan. You'll need to fry the cauliflower in batches so that each piece has plenty of room to move around and gets nice and crispy.
• Drain your Buttermilk fried cauliflower on paper towels before serving so that they're not too greasy.

What should I serve with Buttermilk fried cauliflower?

These bites are great on their own as a snack or starter, but they would also be delicious served with a dipping sauce. I have a few dipping sauce recipes which would work with these cauliflower bites, like my Red pepper dip or super quick Chipotle dressing.

Or you could serve them as part of your main meal. Try serving them with a salad and some roasted potatoes for a complete meal. You could also serve them with some steamed rice and a side of sautéed greens.

How can I make Buttermilk fried cauliflower healthier?

This recipe is already pretty healthy, as it's fried in oil rather than butter. If you have a good coating on your cauliflower, they shouldn't absorb much oil at all, so deep-frying isn't quite as unhealthy as you might think.

However, if you're looking to make it even healthier, you could try baking the cauliflower bites instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 200C/400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip the cauliflower in the flour mixture as directed, then place on the prepared baking sheet. Spray with a little oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.

How do I know when the oil is hot?

You'll know the oil is hot enough when a small piece of bread dropped in starts to sizzle and turn golden brown. If the oil isn't hot enough, your Buttermilk fried cauliflower will absorb too much oil and be greasy. If the oil is too hot, the outside of your bites will burn while the inside remains raw. So it's important to get the temperature just right! 

If you don't have a thermometer, a good way to test the heat of the oil is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil. When the bread starts to sizzle and turns golden brown, the oil is ready. If it doesn't, give it a few minutes longer to heat up.

What can I do with leftover buttermilk?

If you have any leftover buttermilk, you can use it in lots of different ways. Buttermilk pancakes are a classic breakfast dish, or you could use it to make waffles, biscuits or muffins. It's also great in baking, as it adds a lovely tanginess and moistness to cakes and quick breads. You could even use it to make ice cream or sorbet!

Who invented buttermilk coating?

The method of coating fried food in buttermilk was invented by James Beard awarded chefs and authors, Edna Lewis and Scott Peacock in the early 1990s.

They were looking for a way to create a lighter, crispier coating for fried chicken that would be less likely to absorb excessive amounts of oil. Buttermilk turned out to be the perfect ingredient!

The acidity in the buttermilk contains enzymes which help to tenderize the chicken and create a delicious flavour, but it also works on vegetables and other ingredients too!

How can I add/change the flavours in these Buttermilk fried cauliflower bites?

The great thing about this recipe is that it's very versatile and you can easily change up the flavours to suit your taste.

Try adding some different herbs or spices to the flour mixture. You could swap the paprika for smoked paprika for a smokey flavour. If you want more of a southern fried chicken flavour, you could use fresh thyme leaves, allspice onion powder and garlic powder. Or for a Mediterranean flavour, you could use za'atar or sumac!

Or why not try coating the cauliflower in a spiced buttermilk mixture? Just add some of your favourite spices to the buttermilk before dipping the cauliflower in.

If you're looking for a bit of heat, you could also try adding some extra cayenne pepper to the flour or hot sauce to the buttermilk. But be careful not to add too much, as you don't want it to be too spicy - unless you do!

These cauliflower bites are the perfect canvas for a dipping sauce, so you could try making your own dips to go with your cauliflower. I have a few different dip recipes on the site, so make sure you take a look for some inspiration!

There are so many possibilities, so have fun experimenting!

Print this buttermilk fried cauliflower recipe

Pin this buttermilk fried cauliflower recipe

More cauliflower recipes to try