There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of battered fried vegetables to brighten up any meal or snack time. Whether you’re craving a crispy appetizer or a colorful side dish, this battered fried vegetables recipe is sure to impress.
The secret lies in the light, airy batter that crisps up beautifully, enveloping fresh, vibrant vegetables. Perfectly seasoned and golden-fried, these veggies offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that even picky eaters will love.
Fried vegetables are versatile, making them ideal for parties, family dinners, or just a cozy night in. Plus, you get the benefits of wholesome vegetables with a delicious twist.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through crafting the perfect batter, selecting the best vegetables, and frying them to crispy perfection. Ready to elevate your veggie game?
Let’s dive right into this easy and delicious battered fried vegetables recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This battered fried vegetables recipe stands out because it’s:
- Quick and easy: The batter comes together in minutes, and frying is fast, making it perfect for busy days.
- Customizable: Use whatever fresh vegetables you love or have on hand—from zucchini and bell peppers to broccoli and mushrooms.
- Crunchy and light: The batter is thin but crispy, avoiding greasy heaviness while delivering great texture.
- Family-friendly: A great way to get kids and adults alike excited about eating vegetables.
- Perfect for dipping: Pair with your favorite sauces or dips for an irresistible snack or side.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for the batter)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (adds extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup cold sparkling water (or ice-cold soda water for extra lightness)
- Assorted fresh vegetables:
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into sticks or rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 6-8 button mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
- 1 small carrot, peeled and cut into sticks
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Your favorite dipping sauce (optional)
Equipment
- Deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon or spider skimmer
- Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
- Thermometer (optional, but helpful for oil temperature)
- Serving plate or tray
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Cut the zucchini, bell pepper, carrot, and mushrooms into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Separate broccoli into small florets. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Make the batter: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter. The batter should coat the back of a spoon but still be fluid enough to drip easily. Avoid over-mixing to keep it light and airy.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into your frying pan or pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one; if not, test by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly.
- Batter and fry the vegetables: Working in batches, dip each vegetable piece into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Carefully lower them into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Cook until golden: Fry the battered vegetables for 2-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they turn golden and crispy. Broccoli and mushrooms might take slightly less time. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat with remaining vegetables: Continue battering and frying the rest of the vegetables, adjusting the heat as needed to keep the oil around 350°F.
- Serve immediately: Arrange the fried vegetables on a serving platter, garnish with lemon wedges, and serve with your preferred dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or a tangy yogurt dip.
Tips & Variations
“For the crispiest results, make sure your batter is cold and the oil is hot enough before frying. Also, frying in small batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping.”
- Vegetable choices: Try cauliflower, asparagus, green beans, sweet potatoes, or eggplant for variety.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free baking mix.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or garlic powder to the batter for extra flavor.
- Air fryer alternative: For a healthier twist, coat the vegetables in batter and air fry at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make ahead: Prepare the batter and vegetables in advance but fry just before serving to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 1 cup fried vegetables) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Fat | 9 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.2 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sodium | 280 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This battered fried vegetable dish pairs wonderfully with a wide array of sides and dips. For an appetizer, serve with a fresh Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite or a zesty marinara sauce.
For a main meal side, it complements rice dishes, noodles, or salads.
Try serving it alongside a cooling cucumber raita or spicy chili sauce for a delightful fusion. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the flavors just before serving.
For a wholesome meal, pair with grilled tofu or your favorite protein.
For more vegetable inspiration, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or warm things up with Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
Conclusion
Battered fried vegetables are a fantastic way to enjoy nutritious veggies with a crispy, flavorful twist. This recipe offers a simple yet versatile method to make a crowd-pleasing dish that suits any occasion.
Whether it’s a snack, appetizer, or a side, these golden bites bring warmth, crunch, and vibrant colors to your plate.
With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can transform everyday vegetables into irresistible treats. Remember, the key is a light batter, hot oil, and fresh vegetables.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetable combinations or dipping sauces to tailor the dish to your taste.
Feeling adventurous? Explore more vegetable-based recipes like the Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or the indulgently moist Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious to keep your kitchen vibrant and full of flavor!
📖 Recipe Card: Battered Fried Vegetables
Description: Crispy and golden battered fried vegetables perfect as a snack or side dish. Easy to prepare with a light, crunchy batter.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
- 1 large carrot, sliced into sticks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into sticks
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- Slowly whisk in cold sparkling water until smooth batter forms.
- Dip vegetables into the batter, coating evenly.
- Carefully place battered vegetables into hot oil.
- Fry until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 20 g
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