Description
Discover the joy of crispy, savory Fried Oyster Mushrooms. This vegan dish offers a healthier alternative to fried chicken, packed with flavor from garlic and smoked paprika. Enjoy the crunchy golden crust and meaty interior for a special meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound oyster mushrooms
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup plant-based milk (e.g., almond milk, soy milk)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Clean the oyster mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp cloth. Tear larger clusters into smaller, bite-sized pieces, ensuring each piece has some stem attached for easy handling.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. This creates your seasoned dredge for the crispy oyster mushrooms.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to slightly curdle, creating a vegan ‘buttermilk’ for your deep-fried oyster mushrooms.
- Dip each oyster mushroom piece into the plant-based milk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then, dredge the mushroom in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thorough coating. This step is key for crispy fried oyster mushrooms.
- Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for best results when frying oyster mushrooms.
- Carefully place a few coated oyster mushrooms into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. This is how to fry oyster mushrooms perfectly.
- Remove the fried oyster mushrooms with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Season immediately with a pinch of extra salt if desired.
- Repeat with the remaining oyster mushrooms until all are fried. Serve your delicious fried oyster mushroom appetizer warm and enjoy these vegan fried oyster mushrooms.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can double-dredge the oyster mushrooms: after the first flour coating, dip them back into the milk mixture and then into the flour again.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preference for spicy fried oyster mushrooms.
- These pan-fried oyster mushrooms are best served fresh.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.
- Explore different seasonings like Old Bay or Cajun spice for varied oyster mushroom recipes fried.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg