Description
Crispy fried mushrooms coated in a seasoned batter, paired with a creamy and tangy ranch dip. This quick and easy appetizer offers a perfect combination of crunch and flavor, ideal for parties, snacks, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Fresh mushrooms (button or cremini) – about 12 oz (340 g), cleaned and dried
- Flour – 1 cup (120 g)
- Cornstarch or breadcrumbs – 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Eggs – 2 large
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – 1/2 tsp
- Vegetable oil – 2 cups (for frying)
- Buttermilk or milk – 1/4 cup (60 ml)
For the Ranch Dip
- Ranch dip mix or prepared ranch dressing – 1/2 cup (120 ml)
Optional Variations and Additions
- Cayenne pepper or hot sauce – 1/4 tsp for spicy kick (optional)
- Gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs (for gluten-free variation)
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup (25 g) for cheesy crust (optional)
- Fresh dill, chives, or parsley – 1 tbsp chopped, to mix into ranch dip
- Chickpea flour and plant-based milk with vegan ranch dressing alternatives (for vegan version)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Wash mushrooms gently under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly to ensure the coating sticks well and the mushrooms fry up crisp, not soggy.
- Set Up Your Battering Stations: In one bowl, combine flour, cornstarch or breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with a splash of buttermilk or milk to create a smooth dipping mixture.
- Coat the Mushrooms: Dip each mushroom first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then roll it thoroughly in the dry flour mixture. For an extra-thick crust, repeat the dipping and coating process once more.
- Fry the Mushrooms: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry mushrooms in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the mushrooms using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve hot alongside a generous bowl of creamy ranch dip.
Notes
- Dry mushrooms thoroughly before coating to prevent sogginess.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to keep mushrooms crispy and less greasy.
- Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding and temperature drop.
- Double-coat the mushrooms for a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Serve fried mushrooms immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 100 g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: fried mushrooms, crispy mushrooms, ranch dip, appetizer, snack, party food, gluten-free, easy recipe
