Fried mushrooms are a delicious, crispy, and savory treat that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. They’re relatively simple to make and can be seasoned to your liking. Here’s a straightforward recipe for crispy fried mushrooms:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh mushrooms (button or cremini mushrooms work well)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk for a richer taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Clean the Mushrooms: Wipe the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. If they’re large, you can slice them into halves or quarters.
- Dry the Mushrooms: Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them become crispy when fried.
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Set Up the Breading Stations:
- Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder and onion powder if you like.
- Egg Mixture: In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese if using.
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Bread the Mushrooms:
- Coat in Flour: Dredge each mushroom in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
- Dip in Egg Mixture: Dip the floured mushrooms into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Press the mushrooms into the breadcrumb mixture, coating them evenly. For extra crunch, you can double coat by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
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Fry the Mushrooms:
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking (around 350°F or 175°C). Test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
- Fry in Batches: Carefully add the breaded mushrooms to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Cook Until Golden: Fry the mushrooms for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
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Serve:
- Season: While still hot, season the fried mushrooms with a little extra salt if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy them warm as a standalone snack or appetizer. They can be served with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or a garlic aioli.
Tips:
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key to crispy mushrooms. If the oil is too cool, the mushrooms will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Breading Variations: For added flavor, mix herbs like parsley, thyme, or Italian seasoning into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Oven Baked Option: If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the mushrooms. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lightly spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Enjoy your fried mushrooms—a crispy, flavorful snack or side dish that’s sure to be a hit!
