These yummy strawberry fritters make great use of your sourdough discard! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re filled with sweet strawberries and a hint of vanilla.
Honestly, who can resist a warm fritter? I love them fresh out of the pan with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack anytime! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This is the star of the recipe! Using unfed sourdough starter adds flavor and a bit of tang. If you don’t have any discard, you can substitute with regular buttermilk or yogurt for a similar texture.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the best choice for sweetness, but you can use other fruits like blueberries or raspberries if you prefer. Just make sure they’re chopped small so they mix well into the batter!
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here. If you need a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might vary slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor. You can cut back a bit if you want a slightly less sweet fritter.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil works great. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use coconut oil for a different flavor!
How Do You Get the Perfect Fritters Every Time?
Frying fritters can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it!
- Start by heating the oil to 350°F (175°C). A food thermometer is very helpful here – if the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly, leaving the center raw.
- When dropping the batter into the oil, keep it small and use a spoon or scoop. This helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry a few fritters at a time to maintain the oil temperature.
- Cook the fritters until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to carefully flip them.
- Let them drain on paper towels for a few moments to avoid sogginess.
And there you have it! Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy delicious, crispy strawberry fritters each time you make them!
Sourdough Discard Strawberry Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed starter)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar or glaze, for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 15-20 minutes to fry the fritters. So, in about 30-35 minutes, you’ll have crispy, delicious fritters ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is well combined. This creates a fluffy base for your fritters!
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Make sure not to overmix – a few lumps are completely fine!
3. Fold in the Strawberries:
Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries. This adds a fresh fruity flavor to every bite!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for frying to get golden brown fritters!
5. Fry the Fritters:
Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying a few at a time to prevent crowding. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain Excess Oil:
Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. This helps keep them nice and crisp!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fritters warm, and feel free to drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with a little milk, or just dust them lightly with powdered sugar. Enjoy these delightful treats fresh and warm!
Now you’re ready to savor these crispy, fruity fritters! Enjoy every bite! 🍓
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Strawberries?
You can use either! Fresh strawberries give a lovely texture and flavor, while frozen strawberries work fine too. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before chopping and adding them to the batter.
How Can I Make These Fritters Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the batter ahead and refrigerate it for up to a day. However, it’s best to fry the fritters just before serving for optimal crispiness. If you have leftovers, they can be reheated in an air fryer to restore some crunch!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to a month. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing!
Can I Adjust the Sugar in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. You can also experiment with using a half-and-half mixture of granulated sugar and brown sugar for a different flavor profile!
