Stir-Fry Vegetable Batter

Prep: 10 min Cook: 4 min Serves: 5 Cuisine: Chinese

Crispy vegetable batter perfect for quick stir-fry snacks, offering a crunchy coating with fresh veggie flavors—ideal for a vegetarian appetizer or light main dish.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 egg
  • 4 cups cut-up vegetables (zucchini, cauliflower, mushrooms, etc.)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, stir together cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add water and the beaten egg; stir until smooth.
  3. Dip the cut-up vegetables into the batter, ensuring they are well coated.
  4. Carefully add the coated vegetables into hot oil at 375°F for frying.
  5. Deep fry the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crisp.
  6. Remove the fried vegetables and drain on paper towels.

Tips & Substitutions

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder or chili flakes to the batter for extra flavor. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve the perfect crispiness. To test the oil, drop a small amount of batter; if it sizzles, it's ready.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crispy batter-fried vegetables as an appetizer or side dish, perfect alongside Szechuan Sesame Noodles. They can also be drizzled with a soy sauce-based dip or a spicy mayo for added flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover fried vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as this can lead to sogginess.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Stir-Fry Vegetable Batter contains roughly 198 calories, with 3g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1880mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).

198 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.7g 5% DV
Total Fat 2.4g 3% DV
Carbs 42.3g 15% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1880.1mg 82% DV
Potassium 224.7mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 92.9mg 31% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23.9mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 2.8mg 3% DV
Calcium 296.6mg 23% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

While fresh vegetables yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen vegetables. Just make sure to thaw and drain them completely to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

What types of vegetables work best for frying?

Zucchini, cauliflower, and mushrooms are great choices, but you can also use bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. Just ensure they're cut into similar sizes for even cooking.

How can I make the batter spicier?

To add heat to the batter, mix in some cayenne pepper or chili powder. Alternatively, you can serve the fried vegetables with a spicy dipping sauce to enhance the flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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