Description
Crunchy and spicy Jalapeño Bottle Caps are a delightful snack made by dipping pickled jalapeño slices in a flavorful buttermilk batter and deep-frying them until golden and crispy. This recipe combines a smoky, garlicky batter with the spicy kick of jalapeños, perfect for appetizers or party snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Pickled Jalapeños
- 1 cup pickled jalapeño slices, drained and patted dry
Batter
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Other
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the jalapeños: Drain the pickled jalapeño slices thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the batter adhere better and ensures crispiness during frying.
- Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir until smooth and well combined, forming a thick batter suitable for coating.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), or hot enough to sizzle a drop of batter immediately upon contact.
- Batter the jalapeños: Dip each dried jalapeño slice into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Let excess batter drip off gently before frying to prevent heavy clumps.
- Fry the jalapeño bottle caps: Carefully place the battered jalapeño slices in the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain and serve: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried jalapeño bottle caps to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect crunchy texture.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in the slices before frying.
- Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy mayo for added flavor.
- Ensure oil temperature remains consistent for even frying and to avoid greasy results.
- Use fresh oil for frying to maintain the best flavor and crispiness.
Keywords: Jalapeño bottle caps, fried jalapeños, spicy appetizer, jalapeño snack, crispy pickled jalapeños