If you have a craving for a dish that bursts with bold flavors and delightful textures, you are in for a treat with this Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and garlicky goodness that’s irresistibly addictive. The mushrooms are crunchy on the outside and tender inside, coated in a sauce that dances between tangy heat and savory warmth, making it an ideal appetizer or a flavorful side dish to brighten up any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial role in crafting that amazing taste and texture. From the earthy mushrooms to the punchy sauces, everything blends perfectly to create a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
- 200g button mushrooms (halved or quartered): Fresh mushrooms provide the meaty base and absorb the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Essential for a light and crunchy coating that stays crisp after frying.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure and helps achieve that perfect batter consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the mushrooms and batter.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that complements the chili sauce.
- Water as needed (for batter): Creates a smooth, thick batter that clings well to the mushrooms.
- Oil for deep frying: Ensures even frying to golden crispiness.
- 1 tablespoon oil (for sauce): Used to sauté the aromatics for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic: Delivers that characteristic pungent and savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle zing to the sauce.
- 1–2 green chilies (sliced): Brings the signature heat and freshness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped spring onions: For freshness and a mild onion flavor in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce: Cranks up the spice factor with a vibrant red color.
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup: Balances heat with a touch of sweetness and tang.
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar: Provides acidity to brighten the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Counters the vinegar and enhances all flavors.
- Salt to taste: Perfectly seasons the final sauce.
- 1–2 tablespoons water or slurry: Adjusts the sauce consistency for easy coating.
How to Make Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter and Coat Mushrooms
Begin by mixing the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Gradually add water to form a smooth and thick batter that will cling perfectly to the mushrooms. Dip each halved or quartered mushroom into this batter, ensuring each piece is well coated. This step is critical because the batter creates the crispy shell that contrasts beautifully against the soft interior.
Step 2: Deep Fry the Mushrooms
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat until hot enough for frying. Carefully drop the batter-coated mushrooms in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until golden and perfectly crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes per batch. Once fried, remove mushrooms and drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil. The result is a crispy texture that holds up even after tossing in the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Chili Garlic Sauce
In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green chilies, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the chopped spring onions and cook for an additional minute to enhance that fresh aroma. Now, stir in soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix everything well, adding a tablespoon or two of water or slurry to loosen the sauce to a glossy, pourable consistency.
Step 4: Toss Mushrooms in the Sauce
Immediately add the fried mushrooms to the sauce and toss quickly to coat each piece evenly. Cook on high heat for 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure the mushrooms absorb the sauce without losing their crispiness. This step brings the dish to life with a saucy, spicy coating that is simply addictive.
How to Serve Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh spring onion greens or finely chopped coriander adds a refreshing contrast to the spicy and garlicky mushrooms. For an extra touch of heat and texture, you can also scatter some toasted sesame seeds or a pinch of red chili flakes on top right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe pairs beautifully with staple dishes like steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or vegetable noodles. It also makes a fantastic appetizer or side for an Indo-Chinese feast alongside stir-fried greens or crispy fried tofu for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the mushrooms in small lettuce cups or mini taco shells for a finger-friendly party snack. You can also stack them on skewers as a spicy mushroom kebab or present them over a bed of mixed greens drizzled with light sesame dressing for a delightful starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the mushrooms from getting soggy, it is best to store the fried mushrooms and the sauce separately, combining them just before serving again.
Freezing
While freezing may affect the crispiness, you can freeze fried mushrooms in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container once frozen solid. Store the sauce separately. Reheat gently for best results, keeping in mind that the crispy texture may be slightly compromised.
Reheating
Reheat the mushrooms in a hot oven or air fryer to revive the crispiness before tossing them back in the reheated sauce on the stove. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy. This method ensures your leftovers taste as close to fresh as possible.
FAQs
Can I make this Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free too. These substitutions will maintain the crispy texture without compromising the flavor.
Is it possible to bake or air fry the mushrooms instead of deep frying?
Yes, for a healthier version, you can air fry or bake the battered mushrooms until crispy. While deep frying yields the crispiest result, these alternatives still give a delightful crunch, especially when paired with the flavorful sauce.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat?
This recipe offers a moderate heat level thanks to the green chilies and chili sauce. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more chilies, using hot chili garlic sauce, or including red chili flakes for extra kick.
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes! While button mushrooms are ideal due to their size and texture, cremini or baby portobello mushrooms work wonderfully too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly if using larger varieties.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans and vegetarians?
Definitely! This Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe is completely plant-based and makes a fantastic vegan appetizer or side dish that anyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe is truly a celebration of flavors and textures that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, the crunchy, spicy mushrooms coated in that rich garlic chili sauce will win hearts every time. Don’t hesitate to dive in and give this recipe a try — it might just become your new favorite snack or party pleaser.
Print
Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom is a flavorful Indo-Chinese appetizer featuring deep-fried button mushrooms tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce made with garlic, green chilies, soy sauce, and ketchup. This vegan dish offers a perfect balance of crispiness and bold flavors, making it an ideal snack or side for fried rice and noodles.
Ingredients
Mushrooms and Batter
- 200g button mushrooms (halved or quartered)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Water as needed (for batter)
- Oil for deep frying
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1–2 green chilies (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped spring onions
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons water or slurry to adjust consistency
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter and Mushrooms: In a bowl, mix cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add water while stirring to create a smooth, thick batter. Dip the halved or quartered button mushrooms into the batter, ensuring they are well coated for an even crispy texture.
- Deep Fry the Mushrooms: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat until hot enough for frying. Fry the battered mushrooms in batches to prevent overcrowding, cooking until they become golden brown and crispy. Remove them using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Chili Garlic Sauce: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil on medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green chilies, sautéing them for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chopped spring onions and cook for an additional minute to blend flavors.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: To the sautéed aromatics, add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix everything well and add 1–2 tablespoons of water or slurry to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Stir and cook briefly to combine.
- Toss Mushrooms in Sauce: Add the fried mushrooms to the sauce. Toss and stir quickly to coat the mushrooms evenly with the sauce. Cook the mixture on high heat for 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to cling to the mushrooms.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with spring onion greens. Serve hot as an appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- For extra heat, add red chili flakes or use hot chili garlic sauce in place of regular chili sauce.
- Serve as an appetizer or pair it with fried rice or noodles for a complete Indo-Chinese meal.
- For a healthier version, air fry or bake the mushrooms until crisp instead of deep frying, then toss in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
