Name: Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Crispy Batter and Dipping Sauces Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb enoki mushrooms; ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup (55 g) potato starch; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon white pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon five spice powder; ¾ cup cold sparkling water (or more as needed); Neutral oil for deep frying (such as vegetable or canola oil); Salt; Furikake; Sweet chili sauce; Sriracha mayo

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If you’re craving a snack that’s irresistibly crispy, packed with flavor, and downright addictive, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite indulgence: the Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Crispy Batter and Dipping Sauces Recipe. These delicate mushrooms get enveloped in a light, crunchy coating that practically melts in your mouth, while the blend of spices in the batter dances on your taste buds. Paired with a few killer dipping sauces, this dish transforms simple enoki mushrooms into a show-stopping appetizer or snack you’ll want to make over and over again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ten clear glass bowls and a glass measuring cup arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner is a medium-sized bowl filled with white AP flour. Below it is a smaller bowl containing white potato starch. To the right of these are seven small bowls lined up in two rows: the top row has three bowls with light brown five spice powder, bright red cayenne powder, and darker red paprika powder. The bottom row has small bowls with light beige white pepper, white baking powder, and white salt. On the far right, there is a large bowl holding long, thin, cream-colored enoki mushrooms standing upright. In front of that, on the lower right, is a clear glass measuring cup filled with sparkling water showing bubbles inside. Each ingredient is labeled with black text above its bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your hands on the right ingredients is a game changer for this recipe. The simplicity of the components allows each flavor and texture to shine — from the crisp coating to the subtle umami of the mushrooms.

Enoki mushrooms: Fresh and firm, these slender mushrooms offer a delicate texture perfect for frying.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the batter, helping create that irresistible crispy crust.
Potato starch: Adds extra crunch and lightness to the batter for a perfect fry.
Baking powder: Makes the batter airy and ensures a wonderfully crispy texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the batter and mushrooms.
White pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the other spices without overpowering.
Garlic powder: Brings in a hint of savory depth.
Paprika: Adds a mild smoky note and gorgeous color.
Cayenne pepper: For a gentle kick of heat that wakes up your palate.
Five spice powder: Imparts a warm, aromatic complexity that’s uniquely delightful.
Cold sparkling water: The secret to an ultra-light batter, creating the perfect bubbles when fried.
Neutral oil: For deep frying, ideally something with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil.
Salt and furikake: For garnishing to give a salty, umami-packed finishing touch.
Sweet chili sauce and Sriracha mayo: Must-have dipping sauces that add sensational flavor contrasts.

How to Make Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Crispy Batter and Dipping Sauces Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Enoki Mushrooms

Start by trimming about an inch off the dirtier base of the enoki mushrooms, then slice them vertically into thin 1/4-inch layers. This technique helps the mushrooms absorb the crispy batter beautifully while keeping the delicate tendrils separate and airy.

Step 2: Heat the Oil and Prep Your Station

In a heavy-bottomed pot, pour about 2 to 3 inches of neutral oil, heating it over medium-high until it hits 375°F (that’s 190°C). Meanwhile, lay out a baking tray with a wire rack—this is essential for letting the mushrooms drain properly after frying so they stay crunchy and never soggy.

Step 3: Make the Batter

Whisk together your potato starch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Slowly pour in the cold sparkling water and mix until smooth but still runny enough to coat the mushrooms without weighing them down. The carbonation in the water is what gives that irresistible crunch!

Step 4: Dredge the Mushrooms

Take each bunch of prepared enoki mushrooms and coat them thoroughly in the batter. Let any excess drip back into the bowl. If the batter feels too thick, add a tablespoon of sparkling water at a time until you’re getting that perfect coat that clings lightly, allowing the mushroom tendrils to fry separately and crisp up perfectly.

Step 5: Fry

Carefully lower the battered mushrooms into the hot oil using a spider strainer. Fry for about 1 to 2 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Then, transfer the mushrooms to the wire rack to cool and shed any excess oil. This step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth crispy texture.

Step 6: Serve

Immediately season your fried enoki mushrooms with a sprinkle of salt and furikake for an extra umami boost. Arrange them on a plate with bowls of sweet chili sauce and Sriracha mayo for dipping, and get ready to enjoy one of the most addictive bites you’ll taste.

How to Serve Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Crispy Batter and Dipping Sauces Recipe

A woman's hand with dark red nail polish is holding a crispy golden-brown fried mushroom cluster sprinkled with coarse salt and seasoning, dipping its bottom part into a small round white bowl filled with creamy light orange sauce. Around the bowl, there are more of the same crispy mushroom clusters arranged on a white plate. In the background, a small white bowl with red sauce and a blurred white jar are visible, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of furikake adds not only texture but also a punch of savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the lightly spiced crispiness of the mushrooms. You can also experiment with fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or green onions for a fresh twist.

Side Dishes

This dish shines beautifully alongside steamed jasmine rice or a light Asian-style slaw to balance the richness. A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing also pairs wonderfully, bringing a juicy crunch that complements the fried mushrooms.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stylish party appetizer, serve these fried enoki mushrooms on bamboo skewers with a dusting of extra spices and mini dipping cups lined up alongside. Alternatively, pile them high on a sharing platter with vibrant edible flowers for a stunning presentation that’s sure to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of these fried beauties left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature if eating within the day. For longer storage, placing them in the fridge is fine, but expect the crispiness to soften somewhat.

Freezing

While freshly fried is always best, you can freeze leftover fried enoki mushrooms by first cooling them completely and then spreading them in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen hard, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They won’t be as crisp after thawing but still delicious for a quick snack.

Reheating

To revive the crunch, reheat your mushrooms in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes rather than microwaving. This method crisps up the batter without making it soggy, bringing back that delightful texture you love.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?

Absolutely! While enoki mushrooms are ideal for their delicate shape and texture, you can experiment with shiitake or oyster mushrooms. Just keep in mind they have a different density and size, so frying times and batter absorption may vary.

What if I don’t have sparkling water? Can I use still water?

Sparkling water is key to the light, airy batter because of the carbonation. If you don’t have it, cold still water will work, but your batter might be slightly less crispy and tender. For best results, keep your water very cold.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?

The recipe offers a gentle, balanced heat from cayenne and white pepper that complements the spices. You can easily dial up or down the cayenne or skip it if you prefer milder flavors without compromising the overall taste.

What are some alternative dipping sauces that go well with this dish?

Besides sweet chili sauce and Sriracha mayo, tangy ponzu sauce, a simple soy sauce with sesame oil, or even a creamy wasabi mayo create fantastic flavor contrasts to the crispy mushrooms.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

To make this gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for frying, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. Potato starch is already naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great base for the batter.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try the Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Crispy Batter and Dipping Sauces Recipe, you’re going to find it impossible to go back to ordinary fried snacks. It’s light, flavorful, fun to make, and the perfect way to impress friends or indulge on your own. Whether as a starter or a party favorite, these crispy delights will quickly become your new go-to. So dive in, fry up a batch, and enjoy every crunchy bite!