Description
Indulge in the unique and delightful flavors of Crispy Cucumber Blossom Fritters with Zesty Dipping Sauce. This recipe transforms delicate cucumber blossoms into crispy, golden brown fritters, complemented by a tangy and spicy homemade dipping sauce. Ideal as an appetizer or a standout snack, these fritters bring a burst of flavor and texture that promises to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
For the fritters:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- Optional: Cayenne pepper (to taste, up to ½ teaspoon for a spicy kick)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ⅓ cup club soda or unflavored seltzer
- 1.5–2 cups cucumber plant blossoms (male blossoms only, washed and dried)
- ¼–½ cup finely diced scallions
- ~2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the dipping sauce:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- Splash of hot sauce (to taste)
- Squeeze of lime juice (to taste)
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare Ingredients
Gather all ingredients, ensuring you have everything needed to create the batter as the oil heats.
2. Preheat Oil
Heat the oil in a deep frying pot or fryer to 325°F–350°F. Use a toothpick to check if the oil is ready; it should bubble around the stick when inserted.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, optional cayenne pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with the club soda or seltzer until just combined; expect fizzing.
5. Make the Batter
Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until they form a thick, slightly lumpy batter.
6. Add Blossoms and Scallions
Fold in the cucumber blossoms and scallions gently to avoid overmixing.
7. Fry the Fritters
Use a tablespoon or a scoop to drop the batter into the hot oil. Fry each fritter for 3–5 minutes or until golden, turning once. Adjust the heat as necessary.
8. Drain
Remove the fritters with tongs and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
9. Prepare the Dipping Sauce
Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, and lime juice in a bowl. Adjust the ingredients to taste.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the warm fritters with the dipping sauce on the side.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 4 people and takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven until crispy, about 5-10 minutes.
Conclusion
The Crispy Cucumber Blossom Fritters with Zesty Dipping Sauce offer an exquisite blend of textures and tastes that make them a perfect choice for anyone looking to elevate their appetizer game. Light, flavorful, and versatile, these fritters are guaranteed to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering!
PrintCrispy Cucumber Blossom Fritters with Zesty Dipping Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the unique and delightful flavors of Crispy Cucumber Blossom Fritters with Zesty Dipping Sauce. This recipe transforms delicate cucumber blossoms into crispy, golden brown fritters, complemented by a tangy and spicy homemade dipping sauce. Ideal as an appetizer or a standout snack, these fritters bring a burst of flavor and texture that promises to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- Optional: Cayenne pepper (to taste, up to ½ teaspoon for a spicy kick)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ⅓ cup club soda or unflavored seltzer
- 1.5–2 cups cucumber plant blossoms (male blossoms only, washed and dried)
- ¼–½ cup finely diced scallions
- ~2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- Splash of hot sauce (to taste)
- Squeeze of lime juice (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients, ensuring you have everything needed to create the batter as the oil heats.
- Preheat Oil: Heat the oil in a deep frying pot or fryer to 325°F–350°F. Use a toothpick to check if the oil is ready; it should bubble around the stick when inserted.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, optional cayenne pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with the club soda or seltzer until just combined; expect fizzing.
- Make the Batter: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until they form a thick, slightly lumpy batter.
- Add Blossoms and Scallions: Fold in the cucumber blossoms and scallions gently to avoid overmixing.
- Fry the Fritters: Use a tablespoon or a scoop to drop the batter into the hot oil. Fry each fritter for 3–5 minutes or until golden, turning once. Adjust the heat as necessary.
- Drain: Remove the fritters with tongs and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, and lime juice in a bowl. Adjust the ingredients to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the warm fritters with the dipping sauce on the side.