Oyster Mushroom Fried “Chicken”
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Are you in the mood for a delicious plant-based meal that satisfies your cravings for crispy fried chicken? Look no further! This Oyster Mushroom Fried ‘Chicken’ recipe is a delightful vegan twist on a classic favourite. The combination of tender oyster mushrooms and a flavourful breading creates a dish that is sure to please both vegans and non-vegans alike.
It seems like there’s been lots of interest in mushrooms lately and I am here for it. I’m on a mission to explore the potential of mushrooms, in their many forms. This was the first time I’d ever cooked with Oyster mushrooms though, and I did not expect them to be this good.
I wanted to try them as a “wing” for a friend of mine. She’s not a vegan, and her favourite food is chicken wings. I wanted to make something vegan that was just plain good. Not “good for vegan food” or “okay for a meatless meal”, just good in its own right. Good, period. I haven’t eaten meat in nearly two decades, so I’m admittedly out of touch on what is good to omnivores.
So one afternoon I had a couple meat-eating friends over to be my guinea pigs. The result was unreal. I loved it, but more importantly, so did they! They couldn’t believe how much it tasted like KFC. They were crispy, and flavourful. The mushrooms were meaty and tender.
The only thing that I didn’t love about this recipe was the fact that they’re fried in oil. Partially for the health reasons, but mostly because I’m always scared I’m going to lose all my arm hair every time I fry anything. These mushrooms gave me the perfect excuse to pull the trigger on an appliance that has been in my Amazon cart for ages: an air fryer. Now I can make them even healthier, and easier than the fried prototype. My plan for the next time I make these is a “chicken” sandwich- can’t wait!
So, let’s dive into the recipe and enjoy a guilt-free and satisfying meal!
PrintOyster Mushroom Fried “Chicken”
- Category: Vegan Recipes
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Oyster Mushrooms
Neutral oil for frying (or use an air fryer)
Breading:
1/2 cup flour (all-purpose or chickpea flour for extra protein)
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
Batter:
1 cup plant-based milk (oat milk works well)
Juice from 1 lemon
1 tbsp flaxmeal
1/4 cup breading mixture
Instructions
1. Mix together all the ingredients for the breading in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the plant-based milk and lemon juice, creating a plant-based “buttermilk.” Let it stand for about 10 minutes.
3. Add flaxmeal to the milk mixture and let it stand for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Add ¼ cup of the breading mixture to the milk mixture and mix well.
5. In a large wok or frying pan, heat neutral cooking oil for frying.
6. Dip each oyster mushroom into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated, and then coat it with the breading mixture. Repeat this step for each mushroom.
7.Carefully place the coated mushrooms into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on each side.
8. Remove the fried mushrooms from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
9. Allow the mushrooms to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Keywords: Oyster Mushroom Fried Chicken
FAQs
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour for the breading?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or chickpea flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
Q: Can I bake the oyster mushrooms instead of frying them?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, you can use an air fryer or bake the coated mushrooms in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
Q: Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
A: While oyster mushrooms work best for creating a “chicken-like” texture, you can certainly experiment with other mushroom varieties. Just keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly.
Q: Can I make a sandwich with the fried oyster mushrooms?
A: Absolutely! The larger oyster mushrooms are perfect for creating a delicious “chicken” sandwich. Simply place the fried mushrooms between two slices of your favorite bread, add your preferred toppings, and enjoy!
Q: How can I store leftover fried oyster mushrooms?
A: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
This Oyster Mushroom Fried ‘Chicken’ recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a vegan alternative to traditional fried chicken. The combination of tender oyster mushrooms and a flavourful breading will satisfy your cravings for a crispy and delicious meal. Whether you serve it as a main course, add it to a sandwich, or enjoy it as a snack, this recipe is sure to become a favourite. Give it a try and delight in the wonderful flavours of this meatless alternative!