Cajun-Fried Cauliflower

Submitted by Berts Kitchen Witch

"This recipe originally came from my Cajun great grandmother. She didn’t speak any English, but her cooking always received that universally understood "Mmmm!" I have modernized the recipe, by using purchased crab-boil and Cajun seasoning, instead of her multitude of mixed spices. (Prep. and cook times are a "guesstimate")."

 

• Ready In: 50mins
• Ingredients: 8
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower
• 3 ounces crab boil seasoning (net-bag kind)
• 1⁄2 tablespoon salt
• 4 eggs (well beaten)
• 1⁄3 cup lemon juice
• 4 cups dry breadcrumbs
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons cajun seasoning (Tony Chachere's or Emeril's Essence)
• 24 ounces cooking oil

directions

1. Wash head of cauliflower.
2. Place cauliflower in a large pot with enough water to cover.
3. Add the bag of crab-boil, and the salt to the water.
4. Bring to a boil; cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until cauliflower becomes "fork tender".
5. When cauliflower becomes tender, remove from heat and allow cauliflower to "soak" in the spice for about 3-5 minutes (the longer it soaks, the spicier it gets).
6. Remove cauliflower from the water and drain.
7. Cut cauliflower into florets.
8. Place breadcrumbs in a large bowl and mix in the Cajun seasoning.
9. Mix together the beaten eggs and the 1/3 cup lemon juice.
10. Heat enough oil to deep fry the cauliflower to 350°F.
11. Coat each floret in the egg mixture, and then dredge in the breadcrumbs.
12. Deep fry until breadcrumbs turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
13. Drain well on paper towels.
14. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces if desired.

Reviews

[Queen Roachie]

OMG... so good that I'm munching on it now and didn't want to wait to review. I made some changes based on what I had, but followed the directions to boil, then cook a second time. I had Old Bay, but not a thing of crab boil, so I used that in the water, then rinsed the excess off after the cauliflower sat a few minutes in the water. I had a very small head of cauliflower that probably should have boiled less time. I then changed the directions so I could bake this rather than fry. I preheated the convection oven to 425', then did the egg/lemon wash, and breaded in cajun seasoned panko. Drizzled melted coconut oil over the whole thing, then baked 15 minutes, flipped them, and baked about 5 more. Crispy, spicy, and delish! I'm already putting cauliflower on the shopping list so I can make this again, but will get the crab boil to see how different it tastes. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Stephanie S.]

We liked these very much. I made these to go with french dip sandwiches and they were a hit. I followed the directions exactly and we lovedit. The instructions were very user friendly. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with us.

 

[Nimz_]

OMG I feel guilty now, but not at the time I was enjoying this. Pulled the old fry daddy out for this one. Loved it. Loved the crunchy coating. I made as directed except used broccoflower, which is very good. I used the cajun seasoning. Wonderful and not too spicy.

 

[ElaineAnn]

Sis and I made this together. We used the Emeril's Essence. The aroma is wonderful while this is cooking. Crisp outside, tender inside, we both LOVED the flavor. I asked her to rate 1 to 5 and she said 6. I agree. This is definitely a keeper and thank you for posting!