Wash the head of cauliflower under running water then shake the water off of it.
Cut the cauliflower florets off the head of cauliflower and into bite-sized pieces removing the large stem in the center of the head. (Try to keep the pieces a similar size, so they cook at the same rate).
Make the batter
Put the dry ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. (Flour, corn starch, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, turmeric, baking soda, and baking powder).
Pour in the water and stir the batter until it becomes a smooth paste.
Put the cauliflower pieces into the batter and toss until well coated.
Deep Fry the Cauliflower
Heat oil to 334°F (168°C)°.
Use tongs to pick up the pieces of coated cauliflower and place them into the hot oil. (It will bubble and spatter so stand back).
Allow to cook in the oil for 2-3 minutes until the bubbling slows down and the cauliflower nuggets are golden brown.
Immediately remove from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot!
Video
Notes
Seasoning VariationsThe basic batter recipe is great when eating with a sauce drizzled over them or on the side for dipping. However, they're also delicious (and crispier) eaten with the seasoning cooked into the batter. For this simply add the following to the batter mixture.
Cajun - 1-2 tsp of cajun seasoning mix like Tony Chachere's or equivalent. (If the seasoning mix has salt reduce the salt you add)
Extra Spicy - 1/2 tsp paprika plus 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Mexican - 2 tsp taco or fajita seasoning plus 1/4 tsp cumin.
Popcorn Chicken Style - 1 tsp poultry seasoning plus 1/4 cup of cornmeal.
If you don't have a deep fryer - you can use a saucepan filled with about 3-4 inches of oil. A thermometer that goes up to 400°F (200°C) will also be helpful. You can then use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the cauliflower from the oil.Frying temperature - I find that 334°F (168°C) is the perfect temperature to fry cauliflower. I don't fry it quite as hot as some other things like french fries because I want it to cook slowly enough to cook the cauliflower all the way through. However, don't cook it lower than 325°F (165°C) or it will absorb too much oil and get soggy instead of crispy.If you don't have a thermometer - you can test the temperature of your oil by cooking one piece first. You know that you have the right frying temperature if it bubbles vigorously when you first put it in and then the bubbling slows way down after about 2-3 minutes and you have a crunchy golden brown cauliflower nugget that is cooked through.