Sarah Brown
Fried oyster mushrooms are a vegan alternative to fried chicken. They are made by coating oyster mushrooms in a batter of flour and spices and then frying them in oil. The mushrooms can be fried in a pan, air fryer, or deep fryer. Some recipes call for marinating the mushrooms in a vegan buttermilk mixture before coating them in flour and spices. Fried oyster mushrooms can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or main course. They are crispy, crunchy, and taste similar to fried chicken.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Fried oyster mushrooms have been described as tasting similar to fried chicken. They are pleasantly mild-tasting with a delicate texture and nutty flavor. |
| Texture | Fried oyster mushrooms are crispy and crunchy. |
| Ease of making | Fried oyster mushrooms are easy to make. |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten-free | Can be made gluten-free by using a grain-based gluten-free flour mix. |
| Soy-free | Can be made soy-free. |
| Ingredients | Oyster mushrooms, flour, plant-based milk, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oil, and vinegar. |
| Preparation | Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel, then coat them in flour and fry in oil. |
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What You'll Learn
How to clean oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms, or oyster fungus (Pleurotus ostreatus), are edible mushrooms that are now a staple in Asian cuisine. They are called so because of the shape and colour of the mushroom caps, which resemble oysters. The tops of the caps vary in colour from white-grey to light brown to dark brown, while the flesh and gills range from white to cream and are firm in texture.
Oyster mushrooms can be foraged or bought from the store. Store-bought oysters are generally clean, but foraged ones can be soiled. Here are some ways to clean oyster mushrooms:
- Use a stiff brush to clean off any large debris, then use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe the caps and gills clean. Avoid rinsing oyster mushrooms under water as they can easily get soggy, which means they won't crisp up in the pan.
- Use a paper towel. Wipe off the dirt with a damp paper towel or damp cloth if you find a lot of heavy residue on your mushrooms. Don’t go too heavy with the water or the pressure, as you don’t want to damage your mushrooms.
- Try a quick rinse. Place them in a colander and rinse them briefly under running water if necessary.
- Use a mushroom brush. Use this specialty tool to brush off any excess dirt lightly. If you don’t have a mushroom brush, a pastry brush works just as well.
Oyster mushrooms can be refrigerated or frozen. To refrigerate, put the whole, unwashed mushrooms in a paper bag and place them in the refrigerator. To freeze, separate them from the central stem and then sauté them in butter or olive oil until they release their moisture. Let the cooked mushrooms cool before sealing them in a plastic bag and placing them in the freezer.
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Vegan fried chicken alternative
Fried oyster mushrooms are a popular vegan alternative to fried chicken. They are said to have a similar texture to chicken and can be seasoned to taste just like fried chicken. They are also crispy, crunchy, and easy to make.
Ingredients
- Oyster mushrooms
- Flour (plain all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, or gluten-free flour)
- Spices (paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper)
- Plant-based milk (soy, ripple, or oat milk)
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Hot sauce
- Oil for frying (olive oil or another frying oil)
Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
Clean the oyster mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel or using a mushroom brush to remove any dirt. Cut off the tough bottom portion of the mushrooms and slice them into your desired size. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the mushrooms and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out the moisture.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In one bowl, mix the plant-based milk with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (this creates a buttermilk substitute). Add hot sauce to taste. In a separate bowl, combine the flour with the spices and mix well.
Step 3: Coat the Mushrooms
Dip each mushroom into the wet batter, then into the dry batter. Double-coat the mushrooms by repeating this process, ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 4: Fry the Mushrooms
Heat oil in a pot or deep pan over high heat. Carefully drop the coated mushrooms into the oil in batches, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Fried oyster mushrooms can be served as-is or with hot sauce or vegan ranch dip. They can also be used to make a vegan chicken sandwich with a crunchy slaw and vegan honey mustard dressing.
Healthier Alternatives
For a lower-fat option, you can bake or air-fry the mushrooms instead of deep-frying. While they may not be as crispy, this method is healthier while still providing a tasty, crunchy texture.
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Pan-frying vs deep-frying
Fried oyster mushrooms are a tasty, vegetarian alternative to fried chicken. They are crispy, crunchy, and can be prepared with a double batter.
Oyster mushrooms are mild-tasting, with a delicate texture and nutty flavor. They are also full of umami, which means they don't need much seasoning. However, they can absorb any flavor you add.
When it comes to frying oyster mushrooms, there are two main methods: pan-frying and deep-frying.
Pan-frying Oyster Mushrooms
Pan-frying oyster mushrooms is a simple and delicious way to prepare them. They can be served as a side dish or added to your favorite meals. Here's a step-by-step guide to pan-frying oyster mushrooms:
- Clean the oyster mushrooms by using a stiff brush to remove any large debris. Then, use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe the caps and gills clean. Avoid rinsing the mushrooms under water, as they can get soggy and won't crisp up in the pan.
- Cut the mushrooms into evenly sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
- Spread the mushrooms in a single layer in the pan and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until they start to brown.
- Stir the mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes until browned all over.
- Add butter, garlic, and thyme to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 5-6 minutes, spooning the butter over the mushrooms until they are dark brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove the thyme springs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Deep-frying Oyster Mushrooms
Deep-frying oyster mushrooms is another popular method that gives them a crispy, Kentucky Fried Chicken-like texture. Here's a general overview of the process:
- Clean the oyster mushrooms and cut them into evenly sized pieces.
- Prepare a batter by mixing flour and spices in a bowl.
- Dip each mushroom into the wet batter and then coat them with a dry batter or breading mixture. You can double-coat the mushrooms for an extra crispy texture.
- Heat oil in a pot over high heat. Carefully drop the battered mushrooms into the oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry the mushrooms until they are golden brown. Remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Comparison
Both pan-frying and deep-frying produce delicious results, but there are some key differences to consider:
- Pan-frying is generally considered a healthier option as it requires less oil. Deep-frying, on the other hand, involves submerging the food completely in hot oil, resulting in a higher fat content.
- Deep-frying gives oyster mushrooms an extra crispy texture that resembles fried chicken. Pan-fried mushrooms may not achieve the same level of crispness, but they can still be crispy and flavorful.
- Pan-frying is a simpler process that requires fewer steps and ingredients. Deep-frying involves a more complex process of battering and frying in hot oil.
- Deep-frying is a quicker method as it cooks the mushrooms faster due to the higher temperature of the oil. Pan-frying may take a bit longer, depending on the quantity of mushrooms and the heat level.
In conclusion, both pan-frying and deep-frying are viable options for cooking oyster mushrooms, each with its own advantages and unique results. Choose the method that best suits your preferences, time constraints, and desired level of crispness and flavor.
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How to grow oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are a beginner's favourite for their resilience, fast growth, and ability to grow almost anywhere. They are also highly nutritious, packed with fibre, vitamins, minerals, and key nutrients, while being low in carbohydrates and fat.
If you're new to the world of mushroom growing, it is recommended to start with a mushroom-growing kit. One such kit is the Shroom Bloom Mushroom Kit from Sharondale Farm, which involves cutting a slit in a burlap bag and placing it in a dish of water. Within a week, you should have some baby mushrooms, which will be ready to harvest a few days after sprouting.
You can also grow oyster mushrooms on old books. Waterlogged paperbacks can break down in the same way as damp, rotten logs, creating the perfect conditions for fungi to grow.
Once you have your mushrooms, you will need to clean them. Use a stiff brush to remove any large debris, then use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe the caps and gills clean. Avoid rinsing the mushrooms under water, as they can get soggy. After cleaning, cut the mushrooms into equally sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
To cook your mushrooms, you can pan-fry them with butter, garlic, and thyme. Heat some olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Spread the mushrooms out in a single layer in the pan and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until they start to brown. Stir the mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Add the butter, garlic, and thyme, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, spooning the butter over the mushrooms, until they are dark brown and slightly crispy. Remove the thyme springs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Seasoning and spices
Oyster mushrooms have a subtle, nutty flavour and a delicate texture. As a result, they are very versatile and can absorb a variety of flavours.
Salt is often used to season oyster mushrooms. It enhances their flavour and draws out moisture, which can improve their texture. Fine sea salt, kosher salt, or freshly cracked black pepper are all good options. Salting the mushrooms before cooking can help draw out excess moisture, preventing the batter from becoming soggy. However, this step can be omitted if preferred.
Pepper is another popular seasoning for oyster mushrooms. In addition to black pepper, white pepper is also used in some recipes.
Garlic is a common ingredient in oyster mushroom recipes, adding a punch of flavour. It can be used in the form of garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves. Fresh garlic should be sautéed before adding the mushrooms to the pan to avoid burning. Garlic-infused olive oil is another option to consider.
Some recipes call for a blend of spices to enhance the flavour and colour of the mushrooms. Paprika, turmeric, onion powder, and cayenne pepper are some options to consider. Oregano and Creole seasoning can also be added to the flour mixture for an extra kick of flavour.
Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley can also be added to the dish, either during cooking or as a garnish. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavours.
For a vegan fried chicken alternative, oyster mushrooms can be marinated in a tangy blend of plant-based buttermilk, made by combining plant-based milk with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. This adds flavour and tenderises the mushrooms.
Overall, oyster mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to create delicious vegan dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Fried oyster mushrooms are a vegan alternative to fried chicken. They are crispy, crunchy, and juicy, with a subtle taste, allowing them to absorb any flavour you add.
To make fried oyster mushrooms, you can use a deep fryer, air fryer, oven, or pan with enough oil to submerge the mushrooms. First, clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel, then coat them in a batter of flour, spices, and plant-based milk. Fry them in batches until golden brown.
Fried oyster mushrooms have a nutty, umami flavour and a meaty, pull-apart texture. They do not taste like seafood, despite their name. Many people compare the taste and texture to fried chicken.
