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Crispy Fried Oyster Mushrooms are a perfect plant-based alternative to fried chicken, offering a meaty texture and umami flavor. These mushrooms are marinated in a dairy-free buttermilk mixture, then coated in a spiced batter and fried until golden and crispy. Whether you’re a plant-based eater or just craving something crispy and flavorful, these mushrooms are sure to hit the spot!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Buttermilk Marinade:

1 cup plain oat milk
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup hot sauce
16 oz oyster mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

For the Flour Mixture:

3 tbsp cornstarch
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp sea salt

For the Dredge Batter and Frying:

1 cup plain oat milk
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Neutral oil (enough to deep fry)

Directions

Marinate the Mushrooms:
In a large bowl, whisk together oat milk, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. Add the oyster mushrooms and let them marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Prepare the Flour Mixture:
In a separate large bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt.
Make the Dredge Batter:
In the same bowl with the leftover marinade, add 1 cup oat milk and 3/4 cup flour to create a smooth batter.
Coat the Mushrooms:
Using tongs or your hands, dip the marinated mushroom pieces into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the batter, and back into the flour mixture. Set them aside and let them sit for 10 minutes.
Fry the Mushrooms:
Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Once hot, fry the mushrooms in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy, then remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
Serve:
Once fried and cooled for a few minutes, serve these crispy fried oyster mushrooms as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Nutrients

Calories: 290 kcal (per serving)
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g
Sodium: 729mg
Potassium: 391mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 7g
Vitamin A: 569 IU
Vitamin C: 12mg
Calcium: 105mg
Iron: 4mg

The Star Ingredient: Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are the perfect candidate for this recipe due to their tender texture and ability to absorb marinades and seasonings. Known for their delicate, fan-shaped caps, oyster mushrooms have a mild flavor that intensifies when cooked. Their texture is meatier compared to other mushrooms, making them an ideal substitute for meat in various dishes. When fried, the oyster mushrooms develop a crispy exterior while maintaining a moist, savory interior, much like traditional fried chicken.

The mushrooms are also a great source of nutrients, providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are low in calories, making them a healthy choice for those looking to add more plant-based options to their diet. In addition, oyster mushrooms are high in protein and fiber, which contribute to the overall nutritional value of the dish, making them a satisfying and nutritious alternative to fried meat.

The Buttermilk Marinade: Flavor Infusion for Tender Mushrooms

The key to creating a flavorful fried mushroom is in the marinade. The mushrooms are first soaked in a dairy-free buttermilk marinade made from oat milk, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. This combination of ingredients serves to tenderize the mushrooms, while infusing them with a tangy and spicy flavor. The acidity of the apple cider vinegar breaks down the fibers of the mushrooms, making them more tender and allowing them to absorb the seasonings more effectively.

Hot sauce adds a hint of spice that builds on the flavor profile of the mushrooms, giving them a satisfying heat that complements the crispy batter. The oat milk provides a creamy texture to the marinade, ensuring that the mushrooms soak up all the flavors while maintaining their structure. Marinating the oyster mushrooms for 15 to 20 minutes allows them to fully absorb the marinade, which sets the stage for the next step: coating and frying.

The Seasoned Flour Mixture: A Crispy Coating for Maximum Crunch

The batter and flour mixture are what create the crispy texture that makes these fried oyster mushrooms so irresistible. The flour mixture combines all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a variety of spices to give the mushrooms a flavorful and crunchy crust. Cornstarch is a key ingredient, as it helps create a crisp, airy coating that holds up well during frying, ensuring that the mushrooms remain crispy even after being coated in the batter.

The combination of cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper gives the coating a depth of flavor that enhances the savory umami of the oyster mushrooms. Brown sugar is also added to the flour mixture, which helps balance out the spices and adds a slight sweetness that complements the natural earthiness of the mushrooms. Salt is used to bring all the flavors together and ensure that the mushrooms are properly seasoned throughout.

This seasoned flour mixture is what gives the mushrooms their signature crispy crust. As the mushrooms are dipped in the batter and coated with the flour mixture, the seasoning becomes locked into the batter, ensuring that each bite delivers a burst of flavor. The result is a crispy, golden-brown exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy mushroom inside.

Frying for the Perfect Golden Brown Crust

Frying the mushrooms is where the magic happens. The key to achieving a perfect crispy fried oyster mushroom is to fry the mushrooms at the right temperature. The oil should be heated to a medium-high heat, typically around 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the mushrooms cook evenly, developing a golden brown, crunchy exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.

To fry the mushrooms, they are first coated in the seasoned flour mixture, then dipped in a batter made from oat milk and flour. The mushrooms are fried in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy mushrooms. Each batch is fried for about 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy, then removed and drained on a paper towel or wire rack to remove excess oil. For extra crispiness, the mushrooms can be fried again for 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the coating is extra crunchy.

The result of this frying process is a batch of perfectly crispy oyster mushrooms that are golden brown on the outside and full of flavor on the inside. The double frying technique ensures that the coating stays crisp, while the mushrooms remain tender and juicy, making each bite both satisfying and flavorful.

Serving and Enjoying Crispy Fried Oyster Mushrooms

Crispy Fried Oyster Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. As a snack, they are perfect for dipping into a flavorful sauce such as vegan ranch, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. The crispy coating and tender mushrooms pair perfectly with a creamy dipping sauce, adding another layer of flavor to the dish.

These mushrooms can also be served as an appetizer or side dish, alongside other plant-based options such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. They make a fantastic addition to a vegan or vegetarian meal, offering a satisfying alternative to traditional fried chicken. If you’re serving them as a main dish, you can pair them with steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes, turning the dish into a hearty and filling meal.

For a fun twist, these crispy fried oyster mushrooms can also be used as a topping for burgers or sandwiches, adding crunch and flavor to a plant-based burger. They can also be served in tacos, with fresh toppings like lettuce, avocado, and salsa, for a delicious and satisfying meal.

A Versatile and Flavorful Plant-Based Dish

Crispy Fried Oyster Mushrooms are a versatile dish that works for a variety of dietary preferences. Whether you’re following a vegan or vegetarian diet, or simply looking to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying alternative to fried chicken, these mushrooms are the perfect choice. They provide the same crispy, savory satisfaction of traditional fried foods, but with the added nutritional benefits of being plant-based.

These mushrooms are rich in umami, offering the savory depth of flavor that many plant-based dishes lack. The combination of the umami from the mushrooms, the crispy batter, and the spices creates a delicious and balanced dish that will appeal to both plant-based eaters and non-vegetarians alike. With their crispy texture, rich flavor, and versatility, crispy fried oyster mushrooms are a dish that everyone can enjoy.

Conclusion: A Plant-Based Alternative That Doesn’t Compromise on Flavor

In conclusion, Crispy Fried Oyster Mushrooms are a plant-based dish that delivers on both flavor and texture, making them a perfect alternative to fried chicken. With their meaty texture, rich umami flavor, and crispy coating, these mushrooms offer a satisfying and indulgent eating experience without the need for animal products. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these mushrooms are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Their versatility and ability to take on bold flavors make them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and satisfying plant-based dish. Crispy Fried Oyster Mushrooms are proof that you can have all the crunch and flavor of traditional fried foods while still eating plant-based.

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