Vegetable Pancakes Extra Crispy Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Servings: 10 Total Time: 20 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

Before diving into the crispy goodness of vegetable pancakes, let’s chat about what pairs well with them. A few tasty accompaniments can elevate this dish to new heights. Consider these options:

Creamy Avocado Dip: The richness of avocado balances the crispy pancakes and adds a creamy texture. Simply mash an avocado with lime juice and a sprinkle of salt for a quick dip.

Yogurt Sauce with Herbs: A tangy yogurt sauce can provide a refreshing contrast. Mix plain yogurt with a handful of chopped dill or parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of salt for a zesty treat.

Salsa: A fresh tomato salsa adds a pop of flavor and color. Dice tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and toss with lime juice. It’s bright and complements the pancakes beautifully.

Chili Sauce: For those who like a kick, a drizzle of chili sauce can bring some heat. Whether it’s a sweet chili sauce or a spicy sriracha, it adds excitement to every bite.

Vegetable Pancakes Extra Crispy Recipe

Do you ever feel like you need an extra crispy fix for your veggie cravings? I hear you! Vegetable pancakes are the answer. They’re not just a dish; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures. 

Over the years, I have perfected my crispy vegetable pancake recipe, making it a go-to for many meals. Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner, these pancakes check all the boxes: they’re crunchy, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying.

Making these pancakes brings back fond memories of weekends spent cooking with family. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the aroma of fresh ingredients and laughter. This recipe will not only nourish your body but also bring a sense of joy to your cooking experience.

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What is the Vegetable Pancakes Extra Crispy?

The vegetable pancakes extra crispy recipe is a blend of shredded vegetables combined with a bit of flour and egg—cooked until golden brown. 

The goal is to achieve a delightful crunch on the outside, with tender veggies on the inside. It’s a dish that can be easily adapted to what you have on hand. Plus, it’s gluten-free when you swap out flour for cornstarch, making it suitable for many dietary needs.

Why This Recipe Works

This crispy vegetable pancake recipe works for a few key reasons. First, using cornstarch rather than all-purpose flour creates that desired crispiness.

Cornstarch has a unique ability to absorb moisture and, when fried, it forms a delightful crust. Second, the balance of moisture from the vegetables keeps the inside tender, while the outer layer crisps up nicely. 

Lastly, the combination of seasonings like garlic powder and fresh parsley infuses flavor throughout, making every bite a pleasure.

What You’ll Need to Make This Dish

Gather the following ingredients to create your crispy vegetable pancakes:

  • 1 cup Cornstarch
  • ½ head of cabbage, shredded
  • 2 medium potatoes, shredded
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ carrot, shredded
  • ½ onion, grated
  • 1 medium zucchini, shredded
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

These ingredients create a tasty pancake that’s sure to please.

How to Make Vegetable Pancakes Extra Crispy?

To achieve the extra crispy texture we all desire, let’s go through the process step by step. This recipe is straightforward yet rewarding, perfect for cooks of all levels.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by gathering all your vegetables. Shred the cabbage, potatoes, carrot, and zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Make sure to remove any excess water, especially from the zucchini. You can use a clean cloth or paper towel to squeeze out the moisture.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded veggies. Add in the cornstarch, grated onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix everything thoroughly until the vegetables are well coated with cornstarch and the egg is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan for a good frying session. 

How do you know when it’s ready? Drop a small amount of the vegetable mixture into the oil. If it sizzles and bubbles, it’s time to start frying.

Step 4: Form the Pancakes

Scoop a handful of the vegetable mixture and flatten it into a pancake shape. The thickness can be to your preference, but I recommend about half an inch for a good crisp while keeping the insides nice and tender.

Step 5: Fry to Perfection

Carefully place the formed pancakes into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them baking perfection!

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once fried, transfer the pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve hot while they’re still crunchy. Enjoy the crispy goodness!

How to make Vegetable Pancakes Extra Crispy Recipe

Tips for Perfecting Your Pancakes

Squeeze Out the Moisture: Always squeeze out extra water from the veggies, especially zucchini. This helps achieve that crispy texture.

Use High Heat: Fry on medium-high heat. This ensures that the outside crisps up quickly while keeping the inside moist.

Do Not Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches. Overcrowding can cause the temperature to drop, resulting in soggy pancakes.

Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative by adding spices or herbs that you love.

Keep Them Warm: If making a large batch, keep the pancakes warm in an oven set to low while you fry the remaining mixture.

How to Store Leftovers?

If you find yourself with leftover pancakes, no need to fret. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also quickly revive their crispiness in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes each side.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutrition benefits of the vegetable pancakes. Each serving (two pancakes) offers approximately:

  • Calories: 180
  • Protein: 5g
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g

These pancakes are rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables while being low in calories, making them a healthy choice.

Vegetable Pancakes Extra Crispy

How Would I Recommend Serving Vegetable Pancakes Extra Crispy Recipe?

Here are several delightful serving suggestions:

With a Side Salad: A light salad of mixed greens dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette complements the pancakes. The freshness of the salad contrasts beautifully with the warm, crispy pancakes.

Topped with Poached Egg: For brunch lovers, topping your pancakes with a perfectly poached egg creates a delicious creamy addition. The yolk adds richness that enhances the flavor ensemble.

As a Sandwich: Place the pancakes in between slices of bread or in a wrap with fresh veggies and a spread of your choice. Let’s face it, everything tastes better in sandwich form!

With Sweet Salsa: Instead of savory options, try pairing them with a sweet fruit salsa. Chopped peaches or mangoes with lime juice add an unexpected twist.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?

Sometimes, you need to get creative. Here are some alternatives for key ingredients:

Cornstarch: If cornstarch is not available, use potato starch. It will provide similar crispiness.

Cabbage: Substitute spinach or kale, finely chopped. This adds a different flavor and incorporates more greens.

Zucchini: If zucchini isn’t on hand, consider using yellow squash or grated carrots as alternatives for that necessary moisture.

Egg: For a vegan option, replace the egg with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, rested until thickened) or applesauce for binding.

Conclusion

Vegetable pancakes extra crispy are more than a mere side dish; they serve as a culinary canvas. Packed with flavors, they can be adaptable to your personal taste and dietary needs. From one weeknight dinner to a weekend brunch feast, these pancakes can do it all.

So grab your vegetables and get to cooking! With some practice and these tips, you’ll master the art of making crispy vegetable pancakes that your friends and family will love. Who knows? They might even start asking for them on a regular basis. Happy cooking!

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Vegetable Pancakes Extra Crispy Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 20 mins
Servings: 10 Calories: 180
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Do you ever feel like you need an extra crispy fix for your veggie cravings? I hear you! Vegetable pancakes are the answer. They’re not just a dish; they're a celebration of flavors and textures. 

Over the years, I have perfected my crispy vegetable pancake recipe, making it a go-to for many meals. Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner, these pancakes check all the boxes: they’re crunchy, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. To achieve the extra crispy texture we all desire, let's go through the process step by step. This recipe is straightforward yet rewarding, perfect for cooks of all levels.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Begin by gathering all your vegetables. Shred the cabbage, potatoes, carrot, and zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Make sure to remove any excess water, especially from the zucchini. You can use a clean cloth or paper towel to squeeze out the moisture.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded veggies. Add in the cornstarch, grated onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix everything thoroughly until the vegetables are well coated with cornstarch and the egg is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

  1. In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan for a good frying session.
  2. How do you know when it’s ready? Drop a small amount of the vegetable mixture into the oil. If it sizzles and bubbles, it’s time to start frying.

Step 4: Form the Pancakes

  1. Scoop a handful of the vegetable mixture and flatten it into a pancake shape. The thickness can be to your preference, but I recommend about half an inch for a good crisp while keeping the insides nice and tender.

Step 5: Fry to Perfection

  1. Carefully place the formed pancakes into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them baking perfection!

Step 6: Drain and Serve

  1. Once fried, transfer the pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve hot while they’re still crunchy. Enjoy the crispy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 10


Amount Per Serving
Calories 180kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g13%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Protein 5g10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Squeeze Out the Moisture: Always squeeze out extra water from the veggies, especially zucchini. This helps achieve that crispy texture.

Use High Heat: Fry on medium-high heat. This ensures that the outside crisps up quickly while keeping the inside moist.

Do Not Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches. Overcrowding can cause the temperature to drop, resulting in soggy pancakes.

Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative by adding spices or herbs that you love.

Keep Them Warm: If making a large batch, keep the pancakes warm in an oven set to low while you fry the remaining mixture.

Keywords: Vegetable Pancakes Extra Crispy Recipe
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Can I make the batter in advance?

 Yes! You can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before frying.

What can I do if my pancakes are falling apart?

 If your pancakes are crumbling, it could be due to excess moisture or not enough binder. Add a little more cornstarch or another egg to help hold everything together.

Can I freeze these pancakes?

 Absolutely! Let the pancakes cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be reheated directly from the freezer.

 

How can I make them spicier?

Add some chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the batter. This will give your pancakes a spicy kick that complements their crispiness.

What dipping sauces go well with these pancakes?

 Consider a sweet chili sauce, tzatziki, or ranch dressing. Each brings a unique flavor profile that works well with the pancakes.

Are these pancakes kid-friendly?

 Yes, they are! As kids tend to enjoy finger foods, these crispy pancakes are perfect for dipping. Pair them with a fun, colorful veggie platter for a full meal.

Iris Miller, Author and Registered Dietitian
Iris Miller Registered Dietitian & Food Enthusiasts

Iris Miller is a registered dietitian and the creator of Friendsgiving Food Ideas, a blog dedicated to festive, accessible recipes that bring people together. Based in Colorado, Iris combines her passion for nutrition and love of celebrations to create crowd-pleasing dishes for holidays and special occasions. Her goal is to make hosting easy, fun, and inclusive for all dietary needs.

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