Crispy Fried Mushrooms paired with a creamy Cool Ranch Dip make for an irresistible appetizer or snack that’s perfect for any gathering. These golden-brown mushrooms are coated in a flavorful crunchy batter that locks in the earthy, savory taste of the mushrooms. Served alongside a tangy, smooth Cool Ranch dip, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings for something crispy, savory, and fresh all at once.
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Fried Mushrooms:
- 1 lb fresh button mushrooms (or baby bella mushrooms)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if you prefer)
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cool Ranch Dip:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh dill (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Begin by gently cleaning the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. Leave the stems on, or remove them if preferred. Set them aside.
2. Make the Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. This will be the dry coating for the mushrooms.
- In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg together until well combined. This will be your wet dip for the mushrooms.
3. Dip and Coat the Mushrooms:
- One by one, dip each mushroom into the wet mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, roll it in the dry flour mixture until it’s completely covered with the batter. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks.
4. Heat the Oil:
- In a large, deep frying pan or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of batter dropped in sizzles immediately.
5. Fry the Mushrooms:
- Fry the mushrooms in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the mushrooms and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Prepare the Cool Ranch Dip:
- While the mushrooms are frying, prepare the Cool Ranch dip by combining the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
7. Serve:
- Once all the mushrooms are fried and crispy, serve them hot with the Cool Ranch dip on the side. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for an extra touch of flavor and color.