Crispy Fried Oyster Mushrooms Recipe

Hey food adventurers, grab your aprons because we’re about to dive into the crispy, flavorful universe of fried oyster mushrooms – the ultimate plant-based comfort snack that’ll have you reaching for seconds!

The crispy fried oyster mushrooms send my taste buds into overdrive. They have the vibrant bite of a perfect crunchy snack, paired with what is undoubtedly the best flavor combo of all time: garlic, onion powder, a little paprika, and black pepper.

The batter that these beauties are fried in is made of mostly all-purpose flour (with a little cornstarch for extra crunch) and cold sparkling water. The result is light and airy with an extra satisfying cling-to-your-teeth-while-you-eat feeling.

Crispy Fried Oyster Mushrooms Recipe Ingredients

• Oyster Mushrooms: Low in calories and rich in nutrients, offering protein and iron.
• All-purpose Flour: Provides carbohydrates; essential for the crispy coating.
• Cornstarch: Adds crispiness; a gluten-free thickening agent.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers rich flavor; offers some vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Paprika: Adds a smoky, sweet flavor; packed with vitamins A and E.
• Sparkling Water: Creates a light batter; adds a crispy, airy texture.

Crispy Fried Oyster Mushrooms Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 300g oyster mushrooms
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cold sparkling water
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

How to Make this Crispy Fried Oyster Mushrooms Recipe

1. Wipe the oyster mushrooms with a moist cloth to eliminate any dirt, then either softly tear or slice them into pieces of uniform size so that they will fry evenly.

2. In a big mixing bowl, mix the following:

– All-purpose flour
– Cornstarch
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Paprika
– Salt
– Black pepper

Mix well to form the dry batter.

3. Slowly incorporate the chilled sparkling water into the dry mix, whisking all the while to yield a smooth batter with no lumps. A well-behaved spoon should come out of the batter fairly dry but with a sheen, and the batter should cling to the spoon in a sort of coating.

4. Warm up vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat until it is at 350 °F (175 °C) or when a small piece of bread crackles and turns brown in about a minute. Use a thermometer to check the temperature.

5. In batches, dip the batter into the oyster mushrooms, allowing any excess to drip off. Make sure each piece of mushroom is coated completely with the batter.

6. Place the coated mushrooms in the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

7. To remove the mushrooms from the oil, use a slotted spoon and let the excess oil drain away.

8. Move the fried mushrooms onto a plate that has been lined with paper towels to soak up any leftover oil.

9. The immediately served crispy fried oyster mushrooms are garnished with lemon wedges on the side and definitely taste best with a little extra lemon zest.

10. Relish the mushrooms in the tasty appetizer or side dish. A hot and fresh mushroom is worth a moment of indulgence.

Crispy Fried Oyster Mushrooms Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Moist cloth
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Whisk
8. Deep frying pan or pot
9. Cooking thermometer
10. Slotted spoon
11. Plate
12. Paper towels

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of mushroom instead of oyster mushrooms?You can replace oyster mushrooms with shiitake or king oyster mushrooms, but the texture and flavor may differ somewhat.
• Is there a gluten-free alternative for the flour and cornstarch?Indeed, gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used in place of wheat flour, and cornstarch can be used as a substitute. Alternatively, one can use rice flour and potato starch.
• Why do I need sparkling water?Water that sparkles assists in generating a batter that is light and airy. This kind of batter is crispier when fried.
• Can I bake instead of frying the mushrooms?Baking them at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes will yield a similar result. Just remember to flip them half way through. Baking is kind of like frying in a convection oven.
• How do I ensure the mushrooms are crispy?Ensure the oil is sufficiently hot (about 180°C or 350°F) prior to frying, and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.
• Can I prepare the batter in advance?The batter should be mixed right before frying for optimum texture; if that isn’t possible, combine dry ingredients and, when ready to cook, add sparkling water to produce an extremely light and crispy batter.
• What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?Consider serving with these three sauces, to offer some added flavor to your dish: aioli, spicy mayo, or a classic tartar sauce.

Crispy Fried Oyster Mushrooms Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Shiitake mushrooms can be used in place of oyster mushrooms for a more robust, meat-like texture.
A gluten-free alternative can be obtained by replacing all-purpose flour with rice flour.
Potato starch can be used in place of cornstarch and will yield a similar level of crispness.
Cayenne pepper can be used in lieu of paprika when a dish needs to be spiced up.
Canola oil or sunflower oil can replace vegetable oil when frying.

Pro Tips

1. Mushroom Preparation Before frying, ensure the oyster mushrooms are as dry as possible after cleaning. Excess moisture can cause the oil to splatter and can prevent the batter from adhering properly.

2. Batter Consistency For extra crispiness, keep the batter cold by placing it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before dipping the mushrooms. This temperature contrast helps create a crisp texture when fried.

3. Oil Temperature Maintain the oil temperature between 350 °F and 375 °F (175-190 °C) throughout the frying process. A stable temperature ensures even cooking and prevents the batter from becoming too greasy.

4. Batch Frying Work in small batches when frying to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding lowers the oil’s temperature, causing the mushrooms to absorb more oil and become soggy.

5. Serving Tip For a flavor boost, sprinkle the fried mushrooms with some flaky sea salt and a dash of smoked paprika immediately after frying. This enhances the taste and delivers a slight smoky note to complement the mushrooms.