Deep Fried Pickles have gained popularity as a delightful and crunchy snack or appetizer, perfect for any occasion from casual lunches to potluck gatherings. If you’ve been curious about this Southern-inspired treat but haven’t yet taken the plunge into trying them yourself, you’re in for a treat! These crispy, tangy delights are surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and a short amount of time in the kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Name: Deep Fried Pickles
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: Vegetable, Kid Friendly, Potluck, < 30 Mins, Beginner Cook, Deep Fried, Easy
Recipe Yield: 1 quart batch
Aggregated Rating: 4.5
Review Count: 8
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible deep fried pickles:
- Cornmeal: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2
- All-purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups, divided
- Milk: 1 cup
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Tabasco Sauce: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, plus extra for seasoning
- Pepper: 3/4 teaspoon, plus extra for seasoning
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Cayenne Pepper: 3/4 teaspoon (adjust to spice preference)
- Dill Pickles: 1 jar (about 24 ounces), sliced
- Oil for frying: Enough to deep fry (vegetable oil works well)
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 1893.8
- Total Fat: 27.4g
- Saturated Fat: 10.1g
- Cholesterol: 457.2mg
- Sodium: 10149.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 349.7g
- Fiber: 24.2g
- Sugar: 24.4g
- Protein: 63.6g
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create these crispy Deep Fried Pickles:
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Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, combine 2 eggs, 1/4 cup of flour, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
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Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of cornmeal, 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 3/4 teaspoon of pepper. Ensure the mixture is evenly combined.
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Coat the Pickles: Drain the sliced dill pickles from the jar. Dip each pickle slice into the milk mixture first, ensuring it’s well coated, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
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Fry the Pickles: Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated pickle slices into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
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Drain and Season: Once fried to perfection, use a slotted spoon to remove the fried pickles from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Immediately season with additional salt and pepper to taste while they are still hot.
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Serve and Enjoy: Deep Fried Pickles are best served hot and crispy. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing or a spicy mayo for added flavor.
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Optional Variation: For a twist, you can also try this recipe with pepperoncini peppers instead of dill pickles. The tangy flavor pairs wonderfully with the crispy coating.
Tips for Success
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Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) throughout frying to ensure the pickles cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness.
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Coating Consistency: Ensure the pickle slices are evenly coated with the flour mixture after dipping them in the milk mixture. This helps create a uniform crispy coating.
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Draining Excess Oil: After frying, allow the pickles to drain on paper towels for a minute or two to remove excess oil, which helps keep them crispy.
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Serve Immediately: Deep Fried Pickles are at their best when served fresh and hot, so try to serve them immediately after frying for optimal taste and texture.
Nutritional Considerations
While Deep Fried Pickles are undoubtedly a tasty treat, they are also indulgent. Each serving packs a flavorful punch but also contains a significant amount of calories, fats, and sodium. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Deep Fried Pickles are a fantastic choice for those looking to explore new flavors or wanting to impress guests with a unique snack. With a straightforward recipe and minimal ingredients, they are accessible even to beginner cooks. Whether you’re preparing them for a quick family snack or bringing them to a potluck, these crispy treats are sure to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the crunchy goodness of homemade Deep Fried Pickles!
