This recipe delivers perfectly crispy and flavorful fried mushrooms. A simple batter coats the mushrooms, resulting in a light and airy texture. Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or even a vegetarian main course.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold beer (or soda water)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine with Beer: Gradually whisk in the cold beer (or soda water) until a smooth batter forms. The batter should have a slightly thick consistency.
- Coat the Mushrooms: Dip the sliced mushrooms into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Fry the Mushrooms: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the battered mushrooms to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook to Golden Brown: Fry the mushrooms for 2-3 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried mushrooms from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy fried mushrooms immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or aioli.
Tips & Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the batter for some heat.
- Herbed Mushrooms: Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives into the batter.
- Panko Coating: For extra crunch, coat the battered mushrooms in panko breadcrumbs before frying.
- Air Fryer Alternative: You can also cook the mushrooms in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy.
Enjoy!