Description
Crispy, golden, and flavorful fried mushrooms made with fresh white button mushrooms dipped in a seasoned batter and deep-fried to perfection. This easy appetizer or side dish is garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of salt, perfect for serving with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
For the Mushrooms and Batter
- 16-ounce package whole fresh white button mushrooms, washed, dried, and stem trimmed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for topping
- 1 cup whole milk, chilled in freezer for 10 minutes
For Frying and Garnish
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 ½ quarts)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk to blend the dry ingredients thoroughly. Gradually pour in the chilled whole milk while whisking continuously until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Heat the oil: In a large heavy-bottomed pan, heat vegetable oil to approximately 370°F (keep temperature between 360-380°F). Using a thermometer is recommended to maintain the correct frying temperature for crispy results.
- Batter the mushrooms: Dip each mushroom individually into the batter, using a fork to lift it out and allow excess batter to drip off.
- Fry the mushrooms: Carefully place the battered mushrooms into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking. Use a slotted spoon for placing and removing them from the oil.
- Cook until golden: Deep fry the mushrooms for about 4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Larger mushrooms may require an additional 30-60 seconds of frying. Avoid over-frying to maintain a juicy interior.
- Drain and garnish: Remove the fried mushrooms with the slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still hot, sprinkle lightly with salt and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve the fried mushrooms immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- White button mushrooms work best for this recipe; cremini mushrooms are also a good alternative.
- You can customize the batter seasoning to your taste by adding spices such as Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, or paprika.
- Ensure the milk is very cold before mixing the batter to help achieve a light and crispy texture.
- Serve with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for added flavor.
- Freezing the cooked mushrooms is not recommended as it affects texture negatively.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with Italian seasoning if preferred.
- This fried mushroom recipe pairs well as an appetizer or side with your favorite meals.
- If using smaller mushrooms, consider cutting them in half before frying for quicker cooking times.
