Ingredients
For the Mushrooms and Batter
- 150 g oyster mushrooms
- 1 ½ cups plain flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Cracked pepper to taste
- Oil for frying, such as canola oil
For the Dipping Sauces
- Creamy BBQ sauce – mix equal parts vegan mayonnaise with BBQ sauce and a dash of apple cider vinegar
- Sriracha sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Mushrooms: Wipe oyster mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Be careful not to soak them to retain their texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine plain flour, paprika powder, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and cracked pepper. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute spices.
- Make Wet Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup of the seasoned flour mixture with ¾ cup of water until you get a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Coat Mushrooms: Dip each mushroom first into the wet batter, then coat it with the remaining flour mixture. Repeat the dipping to achieve a double coating for extra crispiness.
- Heat Oil: Heat enough oil in a pot over high heat so it reaches frying temperature, enough to partially submerge the mushrooms for even cooking.
- Fry Mushrooms: Carefully add coated mushrooms to the hot oil in batches without overcrowding. Fry, turning occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3–5 minutes.
- Drain and Cool: Use a slotted spoon to remove mushrooms from oil. Place them on paper towels to drain excess oil and keep on a cooling rack to maintain crispiness.
- Serve: Enjoy the crispy fried oyster mushrooms warm with creamy BBQ sauce or spicy Sriracha. They are perfect as a snack or as a vegan fried chicken sandwich filling.
- Final Step: Leave a rating and a comment to share your feedback and help inspire others who try this recipe.
Notes
- Ensure mushrooms are thoroughly dried before coating to help the batter stick better.
- Control the oil temperature carefully to prevent sogginess or burning.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for best frying results.
- Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan, American-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
