Tired of the same old boring side dishes? Craving something healthy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe for crispy fried broccoli is going to become your new favorite way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. It’s a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and surprisingly satisfying, even for the pickiest eaters. Get ready to experience broccoli in a whole new light! This recipe is a testament to the power of simple, homemade cooking, resulting in a delicious dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk (buttermilk adds extra crispiness!)
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets. Patting them dry is crucial for achieving that perfectly crispy texture. Excess moisture will lead to steaming instead of frying.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a separate bowl, pour in your milk or buttermilk.
Step 3: Coat the Broccoli
Dip each broccoli floret into the milk mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge the wet floret in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres.
Step 4: Bread the Broccoli
Place the floured broccoli florets into the panko bread crumbs, again pressing gently to coat evenly.
Step 5: Fry the Broccoli
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a breadcrumb dropped in should sizzle immediately), carefully add the breaded broccoli florets in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Remove the fried broccoli from the skillet using a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. This easy recipe is best enjoyed fresh out of the pan!
Cooking Tips for Extra Crispy Broccoli:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy broccoli. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keep a close eye on the oil temperature. If it gets too low, the broccoli will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Double breading (optional): For extra crispy broccoli, you can repeat steps 3 and 4 – dipping in milk and then bread crumbs again for a double-crusted effect.
Variations:
- Spicy Fried Broccoli: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Fried Broccoli: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the broccoli after frying for extra cheesy flavor.
- Herb-Infused Fried Broccoli: Add your favorite herbs, such as dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary, to the flour mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-200 (depending on oil used and portion size)
- Fat: Around 8-12g
- Protein: Around 5g
- Carbohydrates: Around 15-20g
This recipe for crispy fried broccoli is a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. It's a simple, quick, and satisfying side dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Enjoy!