• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cook with Kushi
  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy policy
    • Disclaimer
  • Advertise
  • FAQ
  • Contact Me
  • Media
  • Blog
  • Easy and Healthy Recipes for the Family
  • Recipe Index
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Mango Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • About
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Mango Recipes
    • Recipes
    • Resources
    • About
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Appetizer

    Crispy Fried Cauliflower Bites | Gobi Fry

    Published: Jul 2, 2015 · Modified: Jul 21, 2023 by Kushi · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Crispy Fried Cauliflower Bites are easy-to-make, delicious, and crunchy vegan recipes that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or finger food.

    Check out low calorie tandoori cauliflower bites or whole roasted cauliflower.

    Crispy fried cauliflower bites or easy gobi fry in a plate.

    Jump to:
    • About Rava Fry
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-step instructions
    • Tips
    • Crispy cauliflower air fryer
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More cauliflower recipes
    • Recipe card
    • User Reviews

    About Rava Fry

    Rava Fry is a Managlorean style of fry specially used to fry fish. Vegetarians make rava fry using vegetables like cauliflower(gobi), eggplant(baingan), baby corn, raw jackfruit rava fry, breadfruit (jeev kadgi), etc. You can make rava fry either with onion and garlic or with hing. Any flavor you like, but the steps remain the same.

    Rava fry is also a popular finger food or appetizer served in Mangalorean bars and restaurants. These cauliflower fries are also called gobi rava fry or cauliflower rava fry. They are vegan, super crispy, and addictive, and once served, believe me, they will disappear in no time.

    Crispy cauliflower fry is one of the best recipes that you can serve for your dinner party, super bowl or game night, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Diwali Parties. A total crowd-pleaser.

    Crispy cauliflower fries or vegan Indian gobi fry on a plate.

    Ingredients

    To make this crispy fried cauliflower bites or Indian gobi fry, you need basic ingredients from your kitchen. 

    Cauliflower: Cut the medium-sized cauliflower into florets or bites of desired size. 

    Semolina: Also called suji rava, gives a crispy exterior to fries. 

    For the paste: Add rice flour along with onion, garlic, ginger, red chilies, and salt. 

    See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

    Mangalorean crispy rava fry with gobi (cauliflower).

    Step-by-step instructions

    • Add onion, garlic cloves, ginger, lemon juice, and dry red chilies in a mixie jar or grinder and make a thick paste. 
    • Transfer this to a bowl. To this, add rice flour and salt to taste and water little by little and make a medium-thick paste. You can check this video for rava fry consistency. 
    • Wash the cauliflower florets, mix them with the paste, and keep them aside for 15 to 30 minutes.

    How to make crispy cauliflower bites?

    • Heat oil in a pan for frying. Coat each floret with sooji/semolina.
    • Drop 8 to 10 florets in hot oil, depending on the size of the pan, and cook on medium flame, occasionally flipping till it becomes crispy and golden brown on both sides.
    • Transfer it to a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the process. 
    • Serve and enjoy.
    Deep fried cauliflower pieces or gobi 65 south Indian style on a plate.

    Tips

    • Suppose you want a no onion, no garlic version of Mangalorean rava fry, then skip onion, garlic, and ginger and simply add red chile powder and hing to the rice flour paste. You can check the video here on making Mangalorean rava fry. 
    • Do not overcrowd the pan. Depending on the size of the pan, add the florets.
    • To check if the oil is hot, add a small piece of floret and check if it sizzles and comes up.
    • Oil should not be too hot/too cold. If it's too hot, the florets might become brown faster, cauliflower might be undercooked, and if it's cold, it might absorb oil when frying.
    • My secret frying tip: I add the florets on a medium-high flame. Then switch it to medium flame, and once the cauliflower turns crispy and golden, I again switch the flame to medium-high and remove the florets using a slotted spoon. Doing so will prevent it from absorbing excess oil.
    • You can make the paste and mix the cauliflower ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for a day; just before serving, toss it with semolina or rava and fry. 
    • These crispy cauliflower fries taste the best when served immediately. So fry only as much as needed. If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight conatiner and reheat them in an oven or skillet with some oil. 
    • No need to boil the cauliflower if you are making the crispy rava fry. 
    • If semolina is unavailable, coat each cauliflower in rice flour or all-purpose flour and fry. 
    Crispy cauliflower snack, finger food or appetizer on a white plate.

    Crispy cauliflower air fryer

    Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spread the cauliflower florets on a single layer in an air fryer basket and drizzle the oil of your choice.
    Air fry for 14 to 15 minutes until they are crispy and cooked through. Shake the air fryer basket halfway through.

    Recipe FAQs

    Fried cauliflower calories

    One serving of gobi fry or fried cauliflower contains 130 calories with 5g of protein.

    Why is my fried cauliflower soggy?

    If you overcrowd the pan while making the gobi fry or if the oil is not hot enough, then your cauliflower fry will absorb excess oil and become soggy. So always work in batches and see that the oil is hot enough.

    Can I use frozen cauliflower for frying?

    Yes. This recipe works well with both fresh and frozen cauliflower.

    What is the Indian food made of breaded cauliflower called?

    Indian breaded cauliflower is called cauliflower pakodas or pakoras in north Indian and gobi rava fry or gobi 65 in South India.

    Is fried cauliflower good for you?

    Cauliflower is a low-carb, low-calorie vegetable, but frying it in oil will not be good daily. So eat in moderation. For a healthy fried cauliflower, either pan fry, air fry, or bake in the oven. You can try our oven-roasted tandoori cauliflower.

    More cauliflower recipes

    • best and easy whole roasted spicy cauliflower for thanksgiving and Christmas dinner
      Whole Roasted Cauliflower - Best Vegetarian Meat Alternative
    • ow to make best low carb low calorie cauliflower rice #ketorecipes cauliflowerrecipes #sidedish
      BEST CAULIFLOWER RICE | HOW TO MAKE CAULIFLOWER RICE
    • The best loaded cheesy casserole hot from the oven.
      Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Bake
    • Healthy and easy cauliflower lentil curry (dal) in a white serving bowl.
      Lentil Cauliflower Curry | Cauliflower Dal

    Did you like this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section. You can also stay in touch with us through social media by following us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

    Recipe card

    Easy crispy fried cauliflower bites or Indian gobi fry on a plate.

    Crispy Fried Cauliflower Bites | Gobi Fry

    Kushi
    Crispy Fried Cauliflower Bites are easy-to-make, delicious, and crunchy vegan recipes that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or finger food.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Course Appetizer, Finger Food, Snack
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 6
    Calories 130 kcal

    Equipment

    • Pan
    • Bowl
    • Blender

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 Medium size cauliflower cut into florets
    • ½ cup Semolina or sooji
    • Vegetable Oil for frying

    Other ingredients

    • ½ cup Rice flour
    • 1 Small onion
    • 2 to 3 Garlic cloves
    • ½ inch Ginger
    • 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
    • 4 to 6 Dry Red Chilli Red chilli powder - 1 ½ to 2 tsp
    • 1 teaspoon Salt

    Instructions
     

    • Add onion, garlic cloves, ginger, lemon juice, and dry red chilies in a mixie jar or grinder and make a thick paste.
      1 Small onion, 2 to 3 Garlic cloves, ½ inch Ginger, 1 teaspoon Lemon juice, 4 to 6 Dry Red Chilli
    • Transfer this to a bowl. To this, add rice flour and salt to taste and water little by little and make a medium-thick paste. You can check this video for rava fry consistency.
      ½ cup Rice flour, 1 teaspoon Salt
    • Wash the cauliflower florets, mix them with the paste, and keep them aside for 15 to 30 minutes.
      1 Medium size cauliflower cut into florets

    How to make crispy cauliflower bites

    • Heat oil in a pan for frying. Coat each floret with sooji/semolina.
      ½ cup Semolina or sooji, Vegetable Oil for frying
    • Drop 8 to 10 florets in hot oil, depending on the size of the pan, and cook on medium flame, occasionally flipping till it becomes crispy and golden brown on both sides.
    • Transfer it to a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the process.
    • Crispy Cauliflower is ready. Serve and enjoy.

    Notes

    • Suppose you want a no onion, no garlic version of Mangalorean rava fry, then skip onion, garlic, and ginger and simply add red chile powder and hing to the rice flour paste. You can check the video here on making Mangalorean rava fry. 
    • Do not overcrowd the pan. Depending on the size of the pan, add the florets.
    • To check if the oil is hot, add a small piece of floret and check if it sizzles and comes up.
    • Oil should not be too hot/too cold. If it's too hot, the florets might become brown faster, cauliflower might be undercooked, and if it's cold, it might absorb oil when frying.
    • My secret frying tip: I add the florets on a medium-high flame. Then switch it to medium flame, and once the cauliflower turns crispy and golden, I again switch the flame to medium-high and remove the florets using a slotted spoon. Doing so will prevent it from absorbing excess oil.
    • You can make the paste and mix the cauliflower ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for a day; just before serving, toss it with semolina or rava and fry. 
    • These crispy cauliflower fries taste the best when served immediately. So fry only as much as needed. If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight conatiner and reheat them in an oven or skillet with some oil. 
    • No need to boil the cauliflower if you are making the crispy rava fry. 
    • If semolina is unavailable, coat each cauliflower in rice flour or all-purpose flour and fry. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 5gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 417mgPotassium: 347mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 0.4IUVitamin C: 48mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Note: We originally posted this recipe in July 2015. It has now been modified in July 2023 with Expert Chef Tips, FAQs, Recipe maker, calorie and Storage Instructions, etc.

    More Best Appetizer Recipes: Tasty Bites for Every Occasion

    • Best Dulce de Leche. Pouring homemade Dulce de Leche sauce.
      Dulce de Leche Recipe | What is Dulce de Leche?
    • best mango salsa in a white bowl served with tortilla chips.
      Easy Mango Salsa Recipe
    • tandoori paneer tikka skewers served in a plate.
      Paneer Tikka
    • spicy, crispy sticky Asian chicken wings, Chinese hot wings #superbowlfood #appetizer #fingerfood
      Sticky and Crispy Asian Chicken Wings Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Savita @ ChefDeHome

      July 02, 2015 at 4:53 pm

      5 stars
      These look very crispy and mouthwatering, Kushi! Good share, indeed!

      Reply
      • Kushi

        July 02, 2015 at 7:49 pm

        Thank you Savita 🙂

        Reply
    2. Moumita Malla

      July 02, 2015 at 10:08 pm

      5 stars
      Woooow...it looks so crispy...perfect snack for this mansoon season...

      Reply
      • Kushi

        July 02, 2015 at 11:40 pm

        Thank you dear Moumita 🙂

        Reply
    3. Peri's Spice Ladle

      July 03, 2015 at 2:38 pm

      5 stars
      Lovely and simple recipe as always, Kushi. Rava does give a better crisp than all-purpose flour:)

      Reply
      • Kushi

        July 03, 2015 at 8:41 pm

        Thank you so much Peri 🙂

        Reply
    4. Chitra

      September 27, 2015 at 3:55 am

      Wow looks so crispy and scrumptious, never tried rice marination- sounds different dear...

      Reply
      • Kushi

        September 27, 2015 at 10:45 am

        Thank you Chitra 🙂 Its really yummy!

        Reply
    5. Hygeena Shameer

      November 27, 2015 at 6:42 am

      Crunchy Cauliflower...Great!

      Reply
      • Kushi

        November 28, 2015 at 3:15 pm

        Thank you dear 🙂

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Sridevi! I am a Software Engineer by qualification, a full-time Food Blogger by passion, a self-published Author, and a happy person two kids (monsters) ago.

    More about me →

    Best Casseroles

    • easy, low carb, and healthy, best cheesy eggplant casserole recipe - vegetarian
      Easy Eggplant Casserole Recipe - Vegetarian
    • green bean casserole recipe from scratch with fresh beans, and fried onions, without mushroom soup
      Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe | Thanksgiving and Christmas Green Beans
    • cheesy corn casserole served in a baking pan along with a slice of toasted bread.
      Baked Corn Cheese Casserole | Cheesy Creamed Corn
    • The best loaded cheesy casserole hot from the oven.
      Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole Bake

    Chicken Recipes

    • Best, simple and authentic Indian butter chicken recipe (murgh makhani) with naan, roti, chapati.
      Indian Butter Chicken Recipe | Best Chicken Makhani
    • Best and easy chicken pulao with spicy and flavorful chicken thigh and drumsticks.
      Easy Chicken Pulao | Spicy One Pot Chicken Rice Pilaf
    • A bowl of best and easy, chicken handi curry garnished with coriander leaves.
      Chicken Handi | Easy Chicken Curry
    • best street style homemade kathi rolls, kati roll, frankie roll
      Chicken Kathi Rolls | How to make Kati Roll | Frankie Rolls

    See more Chicken recipes →

    Trending Recipes

    • Homemade chicken biryani served in a white plate.
      Best and Easy Chicken Biryani Recipe | How to Make Biryani
    • quick & easy chutney recipes for dosa, idli, puri, chapati, vada, sandwich. South Indian breakfast
      5 CHUTNEY RECIPES FOR DOSA, IDLI | HOW TO MAKE CHUTNEY
    • healthy quinoa salad, weight loss quinoa salad, vegetarian, vegan. gluten-free, diabetic-friendly
      HEALTHY QUINOA SALAD | WEIGHT LOSS QUINOA SALAD
    • No Bake, gluten free, keto, peanut butter fudge, no cook recipes, pb recipes, holiday desserts, make ahead desserts for thanksgiving, christmas, holiday season, easter desserts
      EASY PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE | BEST NO BAKE FUDGE
    • Garlic Cheese Naan Bread, naan recipe, Restaurant style naan bread, garlic naan, butter naan, paneer naan, cheese naan, stuffed naan, naan vs pita, how to make naan bread at home on cast iron pan, non stick pan, oven, no knead naan dough, easy flatbread recipes for lunch and dinner, cheese garlic stuffed bread, dinner and lunch recipes, popular Indian food recipes
      Garlic Cheese Naan
    • Best Indian Milk Barfi Sweet (No Bake Milk Fudge with Milk Powder).
      Milk Barfi Recipe | Milk Powder Burfi

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ
    Lists the popular websites in which cookwithkushi.com was featured.

    Copyright © 2023 Cook With Kushi