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Vegan fried chicken served with vegan ranch and fresh herbs.

Vegan Fried Chicken

Print Recipe
Delicious vegan alternative to fried chicken, using enoki mushrooms and spiced batter.
Course Appetizer, Snack
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Servings 4
Author carleigh

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • tongs optional, but maked it easier to handle enoki
  • deep frying pan or skillet
  • Grill grate or cutting board with a paper towel

Ingredients

  • 4 enoki mushrooms clusters
  • 1 cup flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp dried parsley
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • ½ tbsp cayenne adjust to taste
  • ½ tbsp ground black pepper
  • ¾ tbsp salt
  • 1½ cups sparkling water

For frying

To serve

  • vegan ranch or dip of choice

Instructions

  • Prepare a baking sheet or cutting board with paper or a grate to transfer the fried mushrooms to.
  • Cut the brown bottom of the enoki mushroom off. Then slice the enoki mushrooms lengthwise into 2 to 3 slabs each, depending on the size of the mushrooms and desired thickness. The pieces should be approximately 1/2 inch wide, at the base. 
  • In a deep pan or skillet, carefully heat about 1 1/2 inches of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350–375°F (180–190°C). You can test with a wooden chopstick - if bubbles form around it, the oil is ready.
  • Next, prepare the batter. In a large shallow bowl, combine all batter ingredients part from the sparkling water. Mix until well combined. Pour in the sparkling water, adding a bit more as needed to thin the batter to a “gloopy” pancake like batter consistency if needed.
  • Working one mushroom at a time, use tongs to coat the mushroom slices in the batter, and then fry. You can fry in batches if you have room. They require 2 to 3 minutes per side. The finished product should be golden and crisp.
  • Using tongs, carefully transfer to your prepared surface. Enjoy with your dipping sauce of choice. 

Notes

  • Can't find enoki? Try oyster mushrooms for a meatier bite or king oyster strips.
  • Skip or adjust the amount of cayenne if you’re sensitive to spice.
  • No sparkling water? Cold still water works too. the batter just won’t be quite as airy.
  • While not identical, you can air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes with oil spray.