Recipes

Beer Battered Delicata Squash Rings

Announce your commitment to squash season by putting a ring on it. A Beer Battered Delicata Squash Ring that is. You can use any beer you like for this recipe, including a non-alcoholic variety or even carbonated water. The most important factors the beer adds are 1) the bubbles, which escape from the batter during frying, and 2) the carbonation, which makes the batter slightly more acidic so less gluten is able to form. Both of these have the effect of making the crispy part more crispy and light. This recipe would be a great way to use up any leftover beers or bubbly water from a party.

Makes 4 servings as an appetizer

Ingredients

2 medium delicata squash
2 cups all purpose flour, plus more for dredging
1 cup cornstarch
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 egg
1 cup beer of choice, (we recommend a light beer)
1 cup flavorless sparkling water, plus more as needed
Neutral oil, for frying
Salt and pepper to taste
Imperfect Foods Tzatziki, for dipping (optional)

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, mix together 2 cups flour, 1 cup cornstarch, garlic powder and onion powder. Whisk in egg, beer and sparkling water until well combined.
Heat enough oil to completely submerge the squash rings. Heat oil over medium heat until a wooden spoon submerged in the oil creates steady bubbling (or until it registers 375F on a deep fry thermometer).
Cut squash into rings, about ½” thick and remove seeds. Dredge squash rings in flour, until well coated and then dip into beer batter.
When oil is heated, add squash rings to the oil (making sure not to overcrowd the pot and thus bringing the oil temperature too far down). They should start sizzling as soon as they hit the oil, if they aren’t, then the oil is not hot enough. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes in total, flipping the rings halfway through.
Remove fried squash to a pan fitted with a wire rack to cool.
Season with salt and pepper and serve with Tzatziki or the dipping sauce of your choice.

Recipe Notes and Variations

We used our cool and creamy Imperfect Foods Tzatziki for easy dipping, but you could alternatively make your own Tzatziki, or grab a bottle of ketchup.
Save the seeds! Season them with a little salt, pepper, and oil and roast until crispy. Enjoy as a snack or crunchy topper for soups and salads.
Check out our Squash Cheat Sheet for more tips like how to make scooping out the seeds easier.