These Crispy Chili Garlic Mushrooms are a delightful, vegan, and plant-based dish with a perfectly crispy coating and an explosion of spicy, savory flavors. The mushrooms are coated in a light batter, shallow-fried, and then tossed in a vibrant chili garlic sauce. It’s a quick, restaurant-style dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or main course, offering a satisfying texture and an irresistible taste.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the batter:

  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 4 tbsp corn starch

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes

  • Water (to make a thick but flowy batter)

  • Salt (to taste)

• For the sauce:

  • ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped

  • ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp ginger, chopped

  • 1 tbsp fresh chili pepper, chopped

  • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp red chili sauce (sriracha or schezwan)

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp white vinegar

  • 1 tsp brown sugar

  • ½ tsp gochugaru or red chili flakes (optional for extra spice)

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

  • Oil for frying

• For the mushrooms:

  • 5 large button mushrooms (around 4-5 oz)

Directions

1. Prep the Mushrooms: Wash the mushrooms, wipe them dry with a paper towel, and slice them into your preferred shape. Avoid soaking them in water to prevent excess moisture.

2. Make the Batter: In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, corn starch, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and water to make a lump-free, thick batter.

3. Fry the Mushrooms: Coat each mushroom slice in the batter, shaking off the excess. Heat oil in a pan for shallow frying. Fry the mushrooms in batches, turning them occasionally until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate pan or wok, heat sesame oil. Add garlic, ginger, and fresh chili, and sauté until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and stir-fry for a few minutes until soft. Add soy sauce, red chili sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and gochugaru (if using). Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.

5. Combine and Serve: Add the fried mushrooms to the sauce and toss to coat them evenly. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

6. Serve: Serve immediately as an appetizer or with jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Nutrients

Per Serving (Approx.)

• Calories: 280 kcal

• Fat: 14g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Fiber: 3g

• Protein: 6g

• Sodium: 750mg

The Allure of Mushrooms in Cooking

Mushrooms have been a beloved ingredient in many cuisines for centuries. Known for their earthy flavor and versatile texture, mushrooms can take on a variety of roles in different dishes. They provide a satisfying meaty texture while being light and tender, making them an excellent base for creating plant-based dishes. When fried, mushrooms achieve a crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with their juicy and tender interior. This dynamic texture makes mushrooms the perfect candidate for a dish like crispy chili garlic mushrooms, where the crunchiness of the batter pairs perfectly with the rich, spicy sauce.

This dish is a wonderful example of how mushrooms can be transformed into something special. The natural umami of the mushrooms is enhanced by the bold chili garlic sauce, creating a flavor-packed experience that will keep you coming back for more. The combination of mushrooms with the crispy coating and spicy sauce makes it a fun and indulgent dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.

The Perfect Balance of Spices and Sauces

What makes the chili garlic sauce so special is the balance of ingredients that come together to create a depth of flavor. The base of the sauce is made from garlic, ginger, and fresh chili peppers, which provide an aromatic and spicy foundation. These ingredients are sautéed in sesame oil, which adds a nutty richness that complements the other flavors. The red bell peppers and green bell peppers not only add color and texture to the dish but also a mild sweetness that balances the heat from the chili sauce and fresh peppers.

The soy sauce adds a savory, umami depth to the sauce, while the red chili sauce (such as sriracha or schezwan) contributes heat and a tangy sweetness. A small amount of brown sugar helps to round out the flavors, adding a touch of sweetness that counteracts the sharpness of the soy and vinegar. The addition of vinegar provides acidity, helping to cut through the richness of the fried mushrooms and ensuring that the sauce is well-balanced. If you like extra heat, gochugaru or additional red chili flakes can be added to bring a bit of extra spice to the dish, allowing you to customize the sauce to your preferred spice level.

This balance of ingredients creates a sauce that is both fiery and flavorful, perfectly coating the crispy mushrooms and enhancing their flavor without overwhelming them. The result is a vibrant, savory dish that is both spicy and satisfying.

How to Achieve the Perfect Crispy Texture

The key to making these crispy chili garlic mushrooms so delicious is the batter. The batter used to coat the mushrooms is simple but effective, consisting of all-purpose flour, corn starch, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. The corn starch plays a critical role in creating a light, crispy coating that fries up perfectly. It helps absorb moisture and creates a crisp exterior, while the all-purpose flour provides structure and body. The garlic powder and red pepper flakes add a subtle layer of flavor and spice to the batter, complementing the heat from the chili garlic sauce.

To achieve the perfect batter, it’s important to make sure the consistency is just right. The batter should be thick enough to coat the mushrooms without being too heavy. The mushrooms should be coated evenly in the batter, with any excess removed before frying. When frying, be sure to fry the mushrooms in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This allows the mushrooms to fry evenly and become golden brown and crispy. After frying, drain the mushrooms on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain their crisp texture.

The Versatility of Crispy Chili Garlic Mushrooms

Crispy Chili Garlic Mushrooms can be served in a variety of ways, making them a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in multiple settings. As an appetizer, they are perfect for serving at parties or gatherings, where guests can enjoy them as a flavorful snack or finger food. The crispy exterior and spicy sauce make them a fun and indulgent bite, perfect for sharing with others.

For a more substantial meal, these mushrooms can be served as a main course with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables. The mushrooms are flavorful enough to stand on their own, while the rice acts as a neutral base that soaks up the sauce and complements the dish’s spiciness. The mushrooms can also be served alongside other Thai-inspired dishes, such as spring rolls, Pad Thai, or a fresh green papaya salad, to create a complete meal that showcases the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine.

The dish can also be customized to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder version, simply reduce the amount of fresh chili peppers or chili sauce in the sauce. Alternatively, for those who love extra heat, adding more chili sauce or chili flakes can intensify the spiciness, creating a dish that packs a punch.

Nutritional Information

In addition to being a flavorful and satisfying dish, Crispy Chili Garlic Mushrooms are also a healthy, plant-based option. With approximately 280 calories per serving, they provide a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. The mushrooms themselves are a great source of fiber, helping to support digestive health, while the sauce is rich in umami and antioxidants from the garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. The sesame oil used in the sauce provides healthy fats, which contribute to the dish’s rich flavor without being overly greasy.

While the dish is fried, the use of shallow frying with just enough oil to crisp the mushrooms helps keep the fat content moderate. The batter is light, so the mushrooms remain crispy without absorbing excessive amounts of oil. Additionally, the use of fresh ingredients like bell peppers and cilantro adds nutrients, making this dish a flavorful and wholesome choice.

Serving and Storing

Crispy Chili Garlic Mushrooms are best served immediately after being tossed in the sauce to maintain their crisp texture. However, if you need to store them, you can keep the fried mushrooms and the sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, it’s best to re-crisp the mushrooms by briefly frying them again before tossing them in the sauce. The sauce can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave, but it’s important not to overcook it, as the vegetables and aromatics can lose their vibrant freshness.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Vegan Dish

Crispy Chili Garlic Mushrooms are a standout dish that combines bold, spicy flavors with satisfying textures. The crispy batter, flavorful mushrooms, and vibrant chili garlic sauce come together to create a dish that is both indulgent and comforting. Whether served as an appetizer, a main course, or a side dish, these mushrooms are sure to impress with their irresistible taste and texture. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious vegan and plant-based meal that’s packed with flavor. With its balance of heat, savory depth, and crunchy exterior, Crispy Chili Garlic Mushrooms are a dish you won’t soon forget.