Laura Smith
Oyster mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to stir-fries and salads. They are a delicious meat substitute and are especially popular among vegans and vegetarians due to their meaty texture and umami-rich flavour. Frying oyster mushrooms is a simple and tasty way to prepare them, and they can be easily fried in a pan or pot, or with a deep fryer. The mushrooms can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, such as garlic, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and can be served as a snack, side dish, or main course.
Frying Oyster Mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Cut them into equally sized pieces so they cook evenly. |
| Marinade | Combine plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. Add the mushrooms and let them soak for 15-20 minutes. |
| Batter | Combine flour, cornstarch, cornmeal, and spices. Mix until a smooth batter forms. |
| Coating | Dip the mushrooms in the batter, then coat them in flour. Repeat for a double coating. |
| Frying | Heat oil in a pot or pan over medium-high heat. Fry the mushrooms in batches until golden brown and crispy. |
| Serving | Drain excess oil on a wire rack or paper towel. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and preparation
Oyster mushrooms can be purchased from most large grocery stores, farmer's markets, Asian markets, or higher-end grocery stores. The best time for wild oyster mushrooms is from spring to fall. When selecting oyster mushrooms, opt for fresh grey, blue, pink, or yellow oyster mushrooms. Avoid using dried mushrooms as they require a significant amount of moisture to reconstitute, which will make them soggy.
Before cooking, it is important to clean the mushrooms thoroughly. Use a stiff brush to remove any large debris, then use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away any remaining dirt from the caps and gills. Alternatively, gently brush them with a damp paper towel, clean tea towel, or a mushroom brush. Avoid rinsing or submerging the mushrooms in water as this can affect their texture, making them mushy. Once cleaned, cut the mushrooms into equally sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
To draw out some of the moisture from the mushrooms before cooking, lay them on a paper towel or clean tea towel and sprinkle both sides with salt. Leave the mushrooms for about 30 minutes. This step is especially important if you plan to batter and fry the mushrooms, as the excess moisture will prevent them from becoming crispy.
After salting, prepare a dairy-free buttermilk mixture by combining plant-based milk with vinegar and hot sauce. You can use any plain-flavored plant-based milk, such as soy milk, oat milk, or pea milk. Apple cider vinegar is a great choice, but white vinegar or lemon juice will also work. For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of your favourite hot sauce. Give the mixture a stir and let it sit for at least 5 minutes to thicken.
In a separate bowl, create a spiced flour coating by mixing together flour and spices. Common spices used include cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also add a touch of sweetness to the batter with brown sugar or coconut sugar. Mix the dry ingredients until well combined. Take a portion of the flour mixture and add it to the dairy-free buttermilk mixture, whisking until a smooth batter is formed.
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Making the batter
In a separate bowl, create your wet batter. Take 1/3 cup of the flour mixture and add 3/4 cups of water. Whisk the mixture until you achieve a smooth batter consistency. You can also add starch, salt, and black pepper to the wet batter, as well as cornstarch or potato starch as a substitute.
Once you have your dry and wet batters ready, you can start dipping the mushrooms. Make sure your mushrooms are clean and dry before you begin. Dip each mushroom into the wet batter, ensuring it is well coated, and then dip it into the dry batter. Repeat this process for a double coating, dipping the mushroom back into the wet batter and then the dry batter again. Ensure the mushrooms are fully coated in flour before frying.
It is important to work in small batches when frying to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking. Fry 4-6 mushrooms at a time, carefully dropping them into the hot oil one by one. The ideal frying temperature is between 325-375°F to achieve a crispy texture without burning the batter.
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Coating the mushrooms
Next, create a spice mix by combining flour with spices, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. A variety of spices can be used, such as paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or black pepper. Mix these ingredients until well combined and homogeneous.
In a separate bowl, create the wet batter by combining the dry flour mixture with water. The ratio to use is 1/3 cup of the flour mixture to 3/4 cups of water. Whisk these together until a smooth batter forms. You can adjust the consistency by adding more flour or water as needed.
Now, it's time to coat the mushrooms. Dip each mushroom into the wet batter, ensuring it is fully covered. Then, roll the battered mushroom in the dry flour mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. Repeat this process for a double-coated mushroom, dipping it back into the wet batter and then the dry flour mixture. This double-coating technique ensures a crispy and flavourful exterior.
For an extra crispy texture, you can also add cornstarch to the flour mixture. Cornstarch helps keep the batter from turning soggy and adds a crunchy element to the fried mushrooms.
If you want to enhance the flavour even further, you can create a "buttermilk" mixture by combining plant-based milk with vinegar and hot sauce. Soak the mushrooms in this mixture for 15-20 minutes before coating them in the dry flour mixture. This step mimics the tenderness of fried chicken and adds a savoury element to the mushrooms.
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Frying techniques
Pan-Frying
Pan-frying oyster mushrooms is a popular choice due to its simplicity and the delicious results it yields. To pan-fry oyster mushrooms, heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Two tablespoons of olive oil or butter are typically used, but other oils like sesame oil or avocado oil can be substituted. It is important to avoid overcrowding the pan, so cook the mushrooms in batches if necessary. Spread the mushrooms in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until they start to brown. For added flavour, include ingredients like garlic, thyme, green onions, salt, and pepper.
Deep-Frying
Deep-frying oyster mushrooms involves using a deep pan or a deep fryer with about 2 inches of oil. This method creates a crispy texture and juicy interior. Before frying, the mushrooms are typically coated in a batter or breading. To fry, carefully place the coated mushrooms into the hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon to avoid oil splatter. Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking. Once golden brown, remove the mushrooms from the oil and drain the excess using a wire rack or paper towels.
Air-Frying
Air-frying oyster mushrooms is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it uses little to no oil. The technique is similar to deep-frying, but the mushrooms are placed in the air fryer basket instead of being submerged in oil. Air-frying may result in a slightly less crispy texture compared to deep-frying.
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Serving suggestions
Fried oyster mushrooms can be served as a side dish or a meatless main course. They can also be used as a topping for burgers, salads, pizzas, and more. Here are some specific serving suggestions:
As a Side Dish
Fried oyster mushrooms make a great side dish and can be served alongside a light salad, mashed potatoes, creamy aioli, dinner rolls, or grits. They can also be served as a side to grilled steak or chicken.
In a Sandwich
Fried oyster mushrooms can be used as a vegan alternative to chicken in sandwiches. They can be served with a crunchy fresh slaw and a vegan honey mustard dressing.
With Pasta
Fried oyster mushrooms can be tossed with cooked pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese. They can also be added to pasta sauces or used as a pizza topping.
With Eggs
Fried oyster mushrooms can be added to scrambled eggs for a fancy breakfast dish.
On Toast
Fried oyster mushrooms can be served on garlic bread with melted cheese or mushroom toast. They can also be used as a topping for avocado toast.
Other Suggestions
- Fried oyster mushrooms can be served with polenta for a special meatless dinner.
- They can be added to risotto or farro.
- They can be used as a topping for burgers, paninis, wraps, pita pockets, or sandwiches.
- Fried oyster mushrooms can be served with a squeeze of lemon or lemon juice and fresh parsley.
- They can be served with a creamy aioli on the side.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need oyster mushrooms, oil, flour, salt, and pepper. You can also add extra spices, such as paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. You can also sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
You can fry the mushrooms in a pan with oil, or use a deep fryer for a crispier texture. Heat the oil over medium-high heat, and fry the mushrooms in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Fry the mushrooms for 3-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
