Salt and Pepper King Oyster Mushroom is a classic Chinese snack. The mushrooms are coated in a light batter, deep-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, then sprinkled with salt and pepper. It’s crunchy, savory, and even better than fried chicken!
🌴 Ingredients:
· 3-4 king oyster mushrooms (thick and firm)
· 1 egg (beaten, for the batter)
🌴 Aromatics:
· 3-4 cloves minced garlic (optional, for extra aroma)
· 1 scallion (chopped, for garnish)
🌴 Seasonings:
· 3 tbsp cornstarch (about 30g, for coating)
· 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (about 10g, for coating)
· 1 tsp salt and pepper mix (about 5g, sprinkle at the end)
· A pinch of white pepper powder
· A pinch of salt (for marinating)
· Cooking oil, as needed (for frying)
🌴 Instructions:
- Prepare the Mushrooms
Wash the mushrooms and cut them into 1cm thick slices or chunks. ⚠️ Note: Cut them thicker for a crispy outside and tender inside. I’ve tried cutting them too thin before, and they turned out dry and tough. Don’t make the same mistake. - Marinate and Dry
Marinate the mushrooms with a pinch of salt and white pepper for 10 minutes. Then squeeze out the excess water thoroughly. ⚠️ Note: This step is crucial for a crispy coating. I’ve tried skipping it before, and the batter fell off in the oil. - Coat the Mushrooms
In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, and beaten egg with a little water to make a thick batter. Coat the mushrooms evenly. ⚠️ Note: The batter should be thick enough to stick to the mushrooms. - Fry the Mushrooms
Heat oil to 160°C (about 60% hot). Fry the coated mushrooms over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain. ⚠️ Note: Don’t use high heat, or they will burn outside and stay raw inside. I’ve tried high heat before, and they were burnt outside and raw inside. - Double-fry (Optional)
Heat the oil to 180°C and fry the mushrooms for another 20-30 seconds. ⚠️ Note: This makes them extra crispy and keeps them from getting soggy. I’ve tried skipping it, and they became soft as they cooled. - Season and Serve
Sprinkle with salt and pepper mix, white pepper, and scallion while hot. Serve immediately. ⚠️ Note: Add the seasoning at the end for the best flavor. I’ve tried adding it early, and the heat made it less fragrant.
💡 More Crispy Recipes:
If you enjoy this crispy and savory appetizer, you should also try my [Crispy Fried Cauliflower] for another perfectly seasoned vegetarian treat.
Want to explore more? Check out my full [Cold Dishes ] category!
💡 Tips:
Cut the mushrooms thick. Squeeze out excess water before coating. Make a thick batter that sticks. Fry over medium heat. Double-fry for extra crispiness. Season at the end and serve hot.
❤️ Click the homepage for more delicious recipes!