Name: Crispy Enoki Mushrooms
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: PT-487286H42M40S
Total time: PT-487286H42M40S
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz enoki mushrooms, trimmed and separated into clusters; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 5 tablespoons cornstarch; ¾ cup water; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon ground white pepper; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon ground mustard (optional); Neutral oil for frying (vegetable, canola, sunflower)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Short Description

Delicate enoki mushroom clusters coated in a savory, spiced batter and deep-fried to golden crispness—light, crunchy, and delicious as a snack or appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Feather-light, crispy texture that highlights the delicate flavor of enoki mushrooms
Flavorful batter with garlic, onion, thyme, paprika, and optional mustard spice
Quick to make in under 20 minutes with minimal prep
Perfect for dipping—pair with sriracha mayo, sweet chili sauce, or ketchup

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Mushrooms

8 oz enoki mushrooms, trimmed and separated into clusters

For the Batter

½ cup all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons cornstarch
¾ cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground mustard (optional)

Neutral oil, for frying (e.g. vegetable, canola, sunflower)

Directions

Prepare the Mushrooms
Trim off the root ends of enoki clusters, keeping some intact so clusters hold together. Slice lengthwise into smaller slabs for easier coating.
Mix the Batter
In a wide bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, seasoning (salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, white and black pepper, ginger, and optional mustard), and water until smooth and slightly thick—ideal for clinging to the mushrooms.
Heat the Oil
Pour neutral oil about 2 in deep into a frying pan and heat to ~350 °F (175 °C).
Fry the Mushrooms
Dip a few mushroom slabs into the batter, letting excess drip off, then gently place them into the hot oil. Fry for about 2 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crisp. Repeat in batches without overcrowding.
Drain and Serve
Remove fried mushrooms from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately for optimal crunch.

Servings And Timing

Serves: 2–3 as a snack or appetizer
Prep Time: ~5–7 minutes
Fry Time: ~2 minutes per batch
Total Time: ~15–20 minutes

Variations

Add ¼ teaspoon chili powder or red pepper flakes to the batter for heat
Season with grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast after frying for extra flavor
Use a light tempura-style batter by reducing seasonings and increasing hydration
Toss with minced parsley or chopped green onion after frying for freshness
Serve folded in lettuce wraps or with rice for a crispy side dish

Storage/Reheating

To Store: Best enjoyed fresh; if needed, store cooled mushrooms in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours.
To Reheat: Rewarm briefly in a hot oven or air fryer for a couple of minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, which softens the coating.

FAQs

Do enoki mushrooms need trimming?

Yes—trim root portion and separate into clusters to ensure even batter coating and frying.

Why use cornstarch in the batter?

Cornstarch helps achieve a light, crispy texture by reducing gluten and absorbing moisture during frying.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Baking or air-frying is possible but less crispy. Deep oil frying gives the best lacy crunch.

How do I know oil is at the right temperature?

Use a thermometer. Or test with a small drop of batter—it should sizzle and slowly brown in about 4–5 seconds.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes—mix in advance and store at room temperature. Stir before dipping to ensure consistency.

What dipping sauces pair well?

Sriracha mayo, sweet chili sauce, garlic aioli, or even simple ketchup complement the mushrooms nicely.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes—assuming vegan mustard is used and mushrooms are the only ingredient.

Can I use regular white pepper instead of ground white pepper?

Yes—use equal amount. White or black pepper substitution won’t drastically affect flavor.

How do I prevent sogginess?

Drain fried mushrooms well on paper towels and serve immediately; cooling in open air preserves crispness.

Can I season lightly after frying?

Yes—lightly sprinkle salt, nutritional yeast, or finely grated cheese immediately after frying for best adhesion.

Conclusion

Crispy Enoki Mushrooms are a delightful snack or starter—light, flavorful, and crunchy. The spiced batter crisps around delicate mushroom clusters in just a few minutes, making them ideal for dipping or serving on their own. With minimal prep and maximum crispiness, they’re a unique and satisfying treat.

Maggie