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Korean Fried Cauliflower

At Yardbird in Hong Kong, KFC means something other than Kentucky Fried Chicken. The letters stand for Korean fried cauliflower, a fiery, ketchupy exclamation point of a dish. Toasted sesame seeds garnish the tempura-fried vegetable, which in other realms is often relegated to a much more mundane treatment.

Ingredients

For the sauce:

  • 1 ½ tablespoons gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 6 cloves garlic, puréed
  • 3 tablespoons red yuzu kosho
  • ¼ cup mirin

For the tempura batter:

  • 140 grams (1 cup) tempura flour or tempura batter mix
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 150 grams (1 scant cup or 1 cup minus 1 tablespoon) potato starch
  • 150 grams (1 cup plus 3 tablespoons) Japanese wheat flour or karaage ko

For the cauliflower:

  • Canola oil, as needed for deep-frying
  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into 2-inch florets
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for garnish
  • Nutritional Information
    • Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

      1105 calories; 59 grams fat; 5 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 36 grams monounsaturated fat; 16 grams polyunsaturated fat; 129 grams carbohydrates; 6 grams dietary fiber; 29 grams sugars; 13 grams protein; 46 milligrams cholesterol; 314 milligrams sodium

      • Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.

4 to 6 side-dish servings

Preparation

  1. Make the sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the gochujang, sugar, garlic, yuzu kosho, mirin and 1 cup water. Simmer until thickened slightly and reduced by half, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside at room temperature. Sauce may be made up to two weeks ahead and stored covered and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.
  2. Make the tempura batter: Fill a pitcher with 1 3/4 cups ice-cold water, and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tempura flour (or batter mix), egg yolk and 1 cup of the water. Whisk to blend, then add the potato starch, wheat flour and remaining 3/4 cup water. The mixture should have the consistency of thin pancake batter.
  3. Fill a deep fryer or large pot halfway with canola oil and bring to 350 degrees. Coat the florets with the batter, and (working in batches if necessary) deep-fry until florets have a dark golden crust, 2 to 3 minutes. The crust should be crispy while the cauliflower retains some crunch.
  4. Remove browned florets from oil and drain on paper towels. Transfer to a warmed platter and drizzle thoroughly with sauce. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and lime wedges. Serve hot.

1 hour

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