Sarah Brown
Breaded mushrooms are a popular snack, appetiser, or starter. They are often served in restaurants, but can also be made at home. The mushrooms are typically coated in breadcrumbs and fried, but baking them is a healthier alternative that still results in a crispy texture. They can be made gluten-free, low-carb, and grain-free, and are praised for being healthy and tasty.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healthiness | Baked breaded mushrooms are considered a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions as they are low in fat and calories. |
| Taste | Baked breaded mushrooms are described as crispy, crunchy, juicy, flavorful, and tasty. |
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, breadcrumbs, eggs, flour, milk, cheese, salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs. |
| Preparation | The mushrooms are coated in flour, dipped in egg, and then rolled in breadcrumbs before being baked or air-fried. |
| Nutrition | The nutritional content varies depending on the recipe, but generally includes carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. |
| Storage | Baked breaded mushrooms can be stored in the freezer for up to 10-12 months. |
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What You'll Learn
Baked vs. fried: Baked breaded mushrooms are healthier
Breaded mushrooms are a popular snack or appetizer, but are they healthy? Frying mushrooms in oil or fat is generally not considered healthy due to the high levels of calories and trans fats. Deep-fried foods are associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. They may also contain harmful acrylamide, a toxic substance formed during high-temperature cooking.
However, baking breaded mushrooms is a healthier alternative. Baked breaded mushrooms are crispy, flavorful, and low in fat. They provide the same delicious taste as their fried counterparts without the associated health risks. The baking method allows you to enjoy a restaurant-style appetizer at home without the guilt.
To prepare baked breaded mushrooms, coat the mushrooms in flour, dip them in egg, and then roll them in a breadcrumb mixture. Add spices and herbs like garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Preheat the oven to a temperature between 400°F and 475°F, depending on the recipe. Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil or use a nonstick baking sheet, and place the coated mushrooms on it. Lightly coat the mushrooms with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy texture. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Serve warm with your favorite dip, such as ranch, marinara, or garlic and chive mayo.
Air frying is another healthy alternative to deep frying. Air-fried mushrooms are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a delicious and healthy option for breaded mushroom enthusiasts. The air fryer method eliminates the need for oil or fat during cooking, making it even healthier than traditional baking methods.
In conclusion, while breaded mushrooms are a tasty treat, the baking and air-frying methods offer healthier alternatives to the traditional deep-fried version. By choosing to bake or air fry your breaded mushrooms, you can indulge in this flavorful snack while making a more nutritious choice for your body.
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Calories and nutrition
Breading and frying mushrooms can be a healthy option, depending on the ingredients used and the cooking method. Baking or air frying breaded mushrooms is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it uses less oil, resulting in a lower-fat option.
The calorie count and nutritional content of breaded mushrooms can vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used. For example, a serving of five mushrooms from one recipe contains approximately 137 calories, while another recipe for half a serving contains approximately 130 calories.
The breading process typically involves coating the mushrooms in a mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, which contributes to the calorie and nutrient content. Some recipes may also include cheese, such as Parmesan, and various herbs and spices, such as garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In terms of nutritional content, breaded mushrooms can provide a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and fibre. They also contain varying amounts of fat, including saturated and unsaturated fats, depending on the cooking method and the amount of oil used.
Additionally, breaded mushrooms can offer some vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. However, it is important to note that the cooking process may impact the nutrient content, with some vitamins and minerals being heat-sensitive and potentially degraded during cooking.
Overall, breaded mushrooms can be a nutritious and relatively healthy option, especially when baked or air-fried, but it is important to consider the specific ingredients and cooking methods used to make an accurate assessment of their nutritional profile.
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How to make them
Breading and cooking mushrooms is a great way to enjoy a healthier version of a classic fried dish. To make breaded mushrooms, you'll first need to prepare your mushrooms. It is recommended to use mushrooms of a similar size, such as chestnut or brown mushrooms, to ensure even cooking. Baby portobello mushrooms are also a great option, as they are meatier. Avoid washing the mushrooms, as they absorb water easily; instead, clean them with a mushroom brush or a damp paper towel.
Now, you'll need to prepare three separate bowls. In the first bowl, add flour and season with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk an egg, and in the third bowl, add breadcrumbs. You can use store-bought dried fine breadcrumbs or make your own with stale bread. For an extra crispy texture, some recipes suggest adding cornstarch, baking powder, and salt to the flour. Additionally, you can mix dried parsley, garlic powder, paprika, or other spices and herbs of your choice into the breadcrumbs for added flavour.
Take each mushroom and dip it first into the flour, coating lightly and shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the whisked egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, dip the mushroom into the breadcrumbs, making sure it is completely covered. Repeat this process for each mushroom.
If you plan to bake your breaded mushrooms, preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C. Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil. Place each mushroom on the prepared baking sheet and lightly coat them with cooking spray. Bake for 12-16 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm with your favourite dip, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or garlic and chive mayonnaise.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can also deep fry your breaded mushrooms. Pour enough oil into your pan to deep fry the mushrooms, typically about 1-2 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 350°F; a candy thermometer can help monitor the temperature. Carefully place the mushrooms into the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding, frying about 5-6 mushrooms at a time. Deep fry for 6-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown. The oil temperature will drop when you add the mushrooms, so ensure it reheats to 350°F before adding the next batch.
Breaded mushrooms are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can also be frozen for later. To freeze, cook the mushrooms first, then leave them to cool. Place the cooked mushrooms on a tray and put them in the freezer for a couple of hours. After they are frozen, transfer the mushrooms to a freezer bag or container, where they will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, cook the frozen mushrooms without thawing, noting that they may take longer to cook and have a different texture.
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Dips and sauces
Breading and frying mushrooms can make them less healthy, but baking them can be a healthier alternative. To make them even healthier, you can serve them with a variety of dips and sauces, including:
- Garlic and chive mayonnaise: This dip is made by mixing mayonnaise with garlic and chopped chives.
- Ranch dressing: Breaded mushrooms can be served with ranch dressing, a popular American dressing similar to mayonnaise.
- Marinara sauce: A tomato-based dipping sauce.
- Tartar sauce: A condiment made by mixing mayonnaise with crushed garlic cloves.
- Horseradish sauce: A sauce made by mixing mayonnaise with horseradish, lemon pepper, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, and dill weed.
These dips and sauces can add flavour and moisture to breaded mushrooms, making them a more enjoyable and healthier snack or appetizer.
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Variations: Vegan, low-carb, gluten-free
Vegan
Vegan breaded mushrooms are coated in a crunchy outer layer, giving them a hearty bite. The mushrooms are coated in a savoury, herb-filled breading and fried to golden perfection. The breading typically consists of cornstarch, flour (any type, including gluten-free), plant milk or water, garlic and onion powder, breadcrumbs (fine-crumb or Panko, which are usually vegan), and seasonings such as paprika, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. The mushrooms are then fried in oil with a smoking point above 325-350°F, such as olive, canola, or vegetable oil.
Low-carb
Low-carb breaded mushrooms are typically deep-fried and served with a red pepper aioli dipping sauce. The mushrooms are coated in a breading mixture and fried until golden brown and crispy. While the specific ingredients for the breading are not mentioned, one source recommends using pork rinds as a breading for low-carb fried foods.
Gluten-free
Gluten-free breaded mushrooms can be made by substituting regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour. One recipe for gluten-free garlic fried mushrooms uses a batter made from rice flour, corn starch, egg, and cold soda water. The mushrooms are then fried until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Another option is to use gluten-free breadcrumbs, which are available commercially or can be made at home.
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