Fried Oyster Mushrooms Recipe + Video (2024)

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The best Fried Oyster Mushrooms recipe aka “vegan fried chicken” for when you need that perfect comfort food indulgence. Perfectly crispy outer crust and a meaty juicy center, this recipe is not to be missed.

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Fried Oyster Mushrooms

If you are in need of some delicious comfort food inspo for a weeknight meal, holiday dinner or game day Sunday appetizer, this recipe is most definitely for you. From flavor to texture, it checks every single box with the entire family especially when served on a bed of vegan mashed potatoes or this dairy free mac and cheese.

Ingredient Notes

  • Oyster Mushrooms – a type of edible fungi these mushrooms make the perfect cruelty-free substitute for a chicken cutlet. Both the texture and flavor are pure meaty perfection. Look for large pieces or medium size clusters. If the clusters are too big just break them up into your desired size.
  • The Batter – thick and creamy made from whole wheat pastry flour, cashew milk and spices serves as the glue for the crispy coating. Make sure to whisk everything really well together until silky smooth. You may use a gluten-free all purpose flour if desired.
  • The Coating – the perfect mixture of panko bread crumbs, flour and lots of spices for the most delicious and crispy crust.
  • Oil for frying – a neutral vegetable oil with a high burning point is ideal. I used canola but whatever vegetable oil you have in the pantry will probably work. Be careful with extra virgin olive oil as the burning point is very low.

How to Fry Oyster Mushrooms

  1. Heat up a couple of inches of vegetable oil in a medium size heavy bottom skillet. Infuse the oil with fresh thyme and rosemary for extra flavor. Alternatively you can use a deep fryer but it isn’t necessary.
  2. Prepare your batter + dry coating in two separate bowls.
  3. Dip each oyster mushroom or cluster in the wet batter first then dredge it in the dry panko coating. Shake any excess and carefully place inside the skillet in the hot oil.
  4. Fry the oyster mushrooms for a couple of minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack and repeat the process with the remaining mushrooms.

Frying Oyster Mushrooms FAQ

  • Do oyster mushrooms taste like chicken? Because of their texture, the way they are cooked and seasoned these oyster mushrooms with an otherwise mild flavor really DO Tastes Like Fried Chicken. It’s crazy but it’s true!
  • Are they good for you? Let’s be honest here, you can have the healthiest foods on the planet but as soon as you fry them you should just make peace with the fact that you are enjoying pure comfort food.
  • Should I pan fry or deep fry? Either is fine, I pan fried in a couple of inches of oil and the texture was absolutely perfect. Crispy crust with a soft and juicy center, what else is there?! I have also tested these in the air fryer without oil but i was not that impressed, pan frying is just better for this.
  • What temperature should the oil be for frying? Ideally you are looking for a temperature of 375”F. Work in batches to avoid creating steam by giving all the mushrooms the space they need to get all nice and crispy. Also this will prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much too quickly.

Serving Suggestions

  • In a fluffy focaccia sandwich with vegan mayo or aioli, lettuce, tomato + vegan mozzarella.
  • Alongside fluffy olive oil mashed potatoes + grandpa’s cucumber tomato salad.
  • With vegan biscuits, gravy + green bean casserole.
  • Roasted potatoes and green beans.
  • Next to these vegan scalloped potatoesorbutternut squash mac and cheese.
  • As an appetizer with vegan queso or your favorite dipping sauce.
  • Mashed potato salad.
  • Tomato basil salad.

Storage + Reheating

Any leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in a glass container. Best way to reheat the fried mushrooms and get back that crispy texture is to broil them for a couple of minutes on each side or until warmed through. The microwave is an option in a pinch but that won’t make them crisp up again.

watch how to make fried oyster mushrooms

Fried Oyster Mushrooms Recipe + Video (9)

5 from 3 votes

Fried Oyster Mushrooms

The best Fried Oyster Mushrooms recipe aka "vegan fried chicken” for when you need that perfect comfort food indulgence. Perfectly crispy outer crust and a meaty juicy center, this recipe is not to be missed.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:15 minutes mins

Cook Time:20 minutes mins

Total Time:35 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 8 oz oyster mushrooms

The Batter:

The Coating:

For Frying:

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Batter + Coating

  • In a medium bowl whisk together all the ingredients for the batter until combined and a thick and creamy consistency is achieved.

    1.5 cups flour, 1.5 cups cashew milk + more as needed, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp red chili flakes or chili powder to taste

  • In a separate bowl whisk together all the dry ingredients until combined well. Line up next to a cookie sheet with a cooling rack inside.

    1 cup flour, 1 cup panko bread crumbs, 2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper

  • Dip each oyster mushroom cluster in the wet batter to coat all over. Let any excess batter drip back into the bowl. (Depending on how large the oyster mushroom clusters are you might want to carefully break them in half before frying).

    8 oz oyster mushrooms

  • Place the battered mushrooms in the bowl with the dry coating. Use a spoon and scoop some of the coating over the top. Carefully shake any excess and repeat the process with the remaining of the mushrooms. Place on a cooling rack or plate without touching each other.

Frying the mushrooms:

  • Preheat a couple of inches of vegetable oil in a heavy bottom skillet. A temperature of 375”F is ideal.

    2 inches vegetable oil

  • Use a towel and pat dry your herbs as much as you can then add them to the oil to infuse flavor. (To avoid any oil splatter make sure to dry your herbs well and take a step back when adding them).

    1/2 bunch thyme, 1-2 sprigs rosemary

  • Working in batches as to not overcrowd the pan, add your coated oyster mushrooms to the hot oil and fry for a couple of minutes on each side until golden brown. It’s important not to overcook them.

    8 oz oyster mushrooms

  • Transfer the fried mushrooms to the cooling rack without touching each other. (No need for paper towels).

  • Repeat the process with the remaining mushrooms and serve hot in a sandwich with lettuce and tomato or alongside fluffy mashed potatoes + a garden salad.

Video

Notes

  • Storage + Reheating - Any leftovers can be store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a glass container. Best way to reheat the fried mushrooms and get back that crispy texture is to broil them for a couple of minutes on each side or until warmed through. The microwave is an option in a pinch but that won’t make them crisp up again.
  • Oyster Mushrooms - Depending on how large the mushroom clusters are you might want to carefully break them in half before coating and frying.
  • Infusing the Oil - To avoid any oil splatter make sure to dry your herbs well and take a step back when adding them to the oil.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 711mg | Potassium: 307mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 784IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 4mg

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: fried oyster mushrooms, Vegan Fried Chicken

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 270kcal

Author: Florentina

Fried Oyster Mushrooms Recipe + Video (2024)

FAQs

Should you wash oyster mushroom with water before frying? ›

Rinse them just enough to wash off any dirt, if you need to use water to clean them, and never let them soak in water. Even rinsing mushrooms will cause them to absorb a little bit of water, but not enough to make any kind of a difference in cooking. Make sure they are completely dry before using them for cooking.

What is the best way to eat oyster mushrooms? ›

One of the most popular ways to cook oyster mushrooms is to stir-fry or sauté them. This requires a preheated hot pan, a small amount of liquid, and stirring. Make sure to give them space so their moisture can cook off, that way they will truly sauté rather than steam.

What is the best tasting oyster mushroom? ›

Golden oyster (Pleurotus citrinopileatus). The golden oyster has a vivid yellow colour and a more complex, aromatic flavour profile than both the pearl and blue oyster varieties.

How do you know when oyster mushrooms are cooked? ›

If the mushrooms are crowded, they will steam in the pan rather than sear. Cook them in two batches if your pan isn't large enough. Cook 3-4 minutes, or just until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. Transfer the mushrooms to a serving platter.

Do you rinse oysters before frying? ›

But, as always, here are a few tips to help get you to crispy, briny oyster goodness: —Rinse the oysters very well. Canned oysters come in a thick liquid that isn't necessary for frying, so be sure to drain them and give them a thorough rinse before using.

How long to soak oysters before cooking? ›

You'll want a ¼ cup of salt per 4 cups of water. Step 3: Plunge the oysters into the saltwater bath and refrigerate them for 1 hour. The oysters will filter the cold water, purging any sand they may have in the process.

Can you eat too many oyster mushrooms? ›

Additionally, do not consume an excessive amount of oyster mushrooms as it may cause an upset stomach and nausea. Sometimes, they may cause gas buildup in the intestines as some carbohydrates are difficult to digest. The recommended daily value of oyster mushrooms is one cup.

Do you eat the stems of oyster mushrooms? ›

Get ready to relish the full mushroom experience! The stems of white button, crimini, portabella, oyster, and king oyster mushrooms are entirely edible and bursting with savoury goodness. These tasty stems add texture and depth to your dishes, allowing you to enjoy the whole mushroom with every delightful bite.

What is the tastiest mushroom in the world? ›

Shiitake mushrooms have a meaty, rich flavor packed with umami. They also have a texture that's the perfect amount of chew without being tough. Added to soups, stocks, stir fries, and just about anything else, they deserve credit as arguably the most dependably good tasting cultivated mushroom.

Which season is best for oyster mushroom? ›

(m.s.l.), the best growing season is during March/April to September/October and in the lower regions from September/October to March/April. The major states in India producing this mushroom are Orissa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and most of the North Eastern hill states.

Which color oyster mushroom is best? ›

“The yellow mushrooms are very brittle,” says Bebbington. “They're very crispy, crunchy and aromatic.” This makes them perfect for stir-fries and salads, where the colour makes an impact. “Brown mushrooms are velvety and creamy,” he says.

Can you overcook oyster mushroom? ›

Often, cooks may leave dirt or debris on their mushrooms since they don't need to be washed, risking grittiness in the final dish. Overcooking is another issue since it can lead to a slimy texture instead of the desired slight chewiness.

Do I need to soak oyster mushrooms before cooking? ›

While it's true that a mushroom will absorb a little moisture if washed (around 1 to 2% by weight), it's not really enough to make any kind of significant impact on cooking. When I have a dirty-looking batch of 'shrooms, I'll give them a rinse under cold running water, then carefully spin them dry in a salad spinner.

Are oyster mushrooms good for you? ›

In addition to being highly nutritious, they may promote heart and immune system health, encourage healthy blood sugar control, and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Try adding these versatile mushrooms to your diet by using them in dishes like pasta, stews, and omelets.

Can I cook mushroom with water? ›

We start by cooking the mushrooms only in some water for a few minutes. During this first cooking step, the mushrooms will reduce in size and get cooked, releasing also some of their abundant water.

Can you soak oysters in fresh water? ›

I usually soak them in a gallon of filtered water and 1/3 a cup salt and some ice. I let them sit it in it for about 20 minutes, pour out the water, wash them off and soak them again in the same water/salt solution. I've been told this gets them tasting fresher and also helps remove any sand that may be in these guys.

Should you rinse canned oysters? ›

Preparing the Oysters

The first step in cooking canned oysters is to drain and rinse them thoroughly. This helps remove any excess brine or liquor from the can.

References

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