Fried Cauliflower Smažený Květák
4 servings Discover the simple, satisfying pleasure of Fried Cauliflower Smažený květák, a beloved classic in Czech and Slovak cuisine. This recipe transforms humble cauliflower florets into crispy, golden-brown bites that are surprisingly addictive. Whether you choose to deep-fry, shallow-fry, or air-fry, it's a versatile dish, perfect as a side, appetizer, or... Read more ... even a vegetarian main course. Get ready to experience comfort food at its finest! Read less x saved Tom the Chef Founder March 26, 2025 25 min.25 min.1/5 25 min. 25 min. 1/5 Ingredients: Cauliflower: 1 cauliflower (about 2 LB)½ cup of all-purpose flour (adjust if needed)2 eggs½ cup of milkOptionally: 2 cloves of garlic - peeled and grated (or pressed)¼ TSP of salt (adjust if needed)1 cup of breadcrumbs (regular) (adjust if needed, or panko) 1 cauliflower (about 2 LB) ½ cup of all-purpose flour (adjust if needed) 2 eggs ½ cup of milk Optionally: 2 cloves of garlic - peeled and grated (or pressed) ¼ TSP of salt (adjust if needed) 1 cup of breadcrumbs (regular) (adjust if needed, or panko) Tools: 1x Measuring Cups1x Measuring Spoons1x Chef’s knife1x Cutting Board1x Plate3x Medium Mixing Bowl (3 – 4 QT)1x Small Hand Grater or Garlic Press1x French Whisk1x Silicone Spatula1x Deep Fryer or Pot and Thermometer or Air Fryer (or Large Fry Pan ½” Layer of Frying Oil (for shallow frying))1x Tongs1x Cooling Rack or Paper Towels 1x Measuring Cups 1x Measuring Spoons 1x Chef’s knife 1x Cutting Board 1x Plate 3x Medium Mixing Bowl (3 – 4 QT) 1x Small Hand Grater or Garlic Press 1x French Whisk 1x Silicone Spatula 1x Deep Fryer or Pot and Thermometer or Air Fryer (or Large Fry Pan ½” Layer of Frying Oil (for shallow frying)) 1x Tongs 1x Cooling Rack or Paper Towels Directions: 1. Cauliflower Preparation: Let’s begin preparing Fried Cauliflower Smažený Květák with the cauliflower preparation. 1.1. Thoroughly wash the cauliflower under cold water to ensure that no dirt is present. 1.2. Place it on a cutting board and separate the cauliflower into individual florets by hand or with a small paring knife. Note: The size is your choice; I usually cut them into florets anywhere between 1″ and 3″ in diameter). You can aim for uniform sizes or vary the sizes. The size is your choice; I usually cut them into florets anywhere between 1″ and 3″ in diameter). You can aim for uniform sizes or vary the sizes. 1.3. Place the florets on a plate in preparation for the upcoming breading. 2. Breading Station: 2.1. Place ½ cup of all-purpose flour into a first medium mixing bowl. 2.2. Prepare the egg mixture– place into a second medium mixing bowl: 2 eggs ½ cup of milk Optionally: 2 cloves of garlic – grated ¼ TSP of salt Whisk together until combined (about 1 minute). 2.3. Place 1 cup of breadcrumbs into a third mixing bowl. 3. Bread the Cauliflower: 3.1. Place all cauliflower pieces into the first bowl with the all-purpose flour and coat all pieces by stirring them together by hand or with a spatula. 3.2. Then, move all cauliflower pieces into the second bowl with the egg mixture and coat all pieces by stirring them together with a spatula in the egg mixture. 3.3. Then, gradually add the cauliflower pieces into the third bowl with the breadcrumbs and, using your hand, a spoon, or by simply shaking the bowl, gradually coat them with breadcrumbs. 3.4. Then, place all the breaded cauliflower pieces on a plate, ready for frying. Tip: Combine all the leftover breading ingredients, add about ¼ TSP of baking powder, and pan-fry on both sides until golden brown. This creates a perfect, crispy addition to many soups and helps prevent food waste. These fried breading pieces can also be frozen after cooking for later use. 4. Deep Fry, Shallow fry, or Air Fry: Note: Work in batches based on the size of your equipment – make sure that cauliflowers are not touching during preparation. A. Deep Fry: 1. Preheat oil to 350°F. 2. Carefully place cauliflower into a deep frier or pot with oil (work one by one). 3. Fry immersed in oil until a nice golden color is reached and the cauliflowers fully cook (usually about 3 – 5 minutes). Note: Turn with tongs a few times during frying. 4. When done, place it on a cooling rack and let the excessive oil drip off (about one minute). Salt it. B. Shallow Fry: 1. Preheat the pan on medium-high heat with a layer of frying oil (about ½”). 2. Shallow fry until a nice golden color is reached from all sides (usually about 5 – 7 minutes). Note: Turn with tongs a few times during frying. 3. When done, place it on a cooling rack and let the excessive oil drip off (about one minute). Salt it. C. Air Fry: 1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. 2. Place the cauliflower in. 3. Drizzle the top of the cauliflower with oil. 4. Air fry until a nice golden color is reached (usually about 10 – 20 minutes). Note: After about 6 or 7 minutes of frying, turn each piece of cauliflower to the other side with tongs. 5. Optionally, drizzle with more oil during air frying if needed. Solt after done. 5. Plating and Serving Fried Cauliflower Smažený Květák: 5.1. Salt and pepper cauliflower. 5.2. Serve with boiled potatoes, potato salad, mashed potatoes, fries or chips, and tartar sauce! About the Author: Tom the ChefFounder # 1 120 Followers Published Recipes: 268Av. Recipe Evaluation: Location: Iowa, USAMember since: 2023-02-02 Published Recipes: 268 Av. Recipe Evaluation: Location: Iowa, USA Member since: 2023-02-02 Disclaimer All content and information (including recipes, articles, and other materials) on CookingHub.com are the opinions of the authors and are not intended to provide dietary, medical, legal, or political advice. 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