Description
Crispy fried enoki mushrooms served with a spicy homemade chili aioli, perfect as a flavorful Asian-inspired appetizer or snack. The mushrooms are coated in a light, airy batter made with sparkling water for extra crunch and paired with a creamy, tangy chili-infused dip.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mushrooms:
- 7 oz enoki mushrooms, trimmed and separated into small bundles
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold sparkling water or club soda
- Oil for deep frying
For the Chili Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili paste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chili Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep pan or fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accurate temperature to ensure proper frying.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water until you have a smooth, light batter with no lumps.
- Batter the Mushrooms: Dip the enoki mushroom bundles into the batter, allowing excess to drip off gently, ensuring they are evenly coated for a crispy finish.
- Deep Fry: Carefully lower the coated mushroom bundles into the hot oil in batches, frying for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried mushrooms to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by the chili aioli for dipping.
Notes
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter or increase the amount of chili in the aioli.
- Use sparkling water cold to achieve the lightest, crispiest batter texture.
- Maintain oil temperature to avoid greasy mushrooms; too low temperature will absorb more oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion with dip
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
