EARTHTOROCCO.COM

Vegan Fried Chick'n

Serves 4-5

Ingredients

350g baby king oyster mushrooms
Neutral oil for frying
(enough to fill a medium or large frying
pan with 2 inches of oil)

Wet Batter:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup water
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
                                                                                		Dry Coating:
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp celery salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp (smoked) paprika
1 tsp dried oregano


Optional Garnishes:
Fresh chopped parsley
Lime wedges

Recipe

1. Gently rinse the oyster mushrooms and pat them dry. If the mushrooms are longer than 3 inches, cut them symmetrically in half; otherwise, leave them whole.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry coating ingredients. In another large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp poultry seasoning, and 1/2 tsp salt to make the wet batter. Gradually add the water, stirring until the mixture becomes a liquidy, yet thick, batter. Use less or more water as needed.

3. Heat 2 inches of neutral oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Alternatively, test the oil by dropping a small piece of the batter into it; if it starts bubbling aggressively, the oil is ready.

4. Working with 1-3 mushrooms at a time, fully submerge them in the wet batter, then coat them completely in the dry coating. For a thicker and crispier crust, double-batter and coat the first few mushrooms. Carefully place the coated mushrooms in the hot oil using a slotted spoon, frying them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they turn crispy and golden brown. Remove the fried mushrooms from the pan and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on top.

5. Repeat the coating and frying process with the remaining mushrooms, working in 2-3 batches.

6. Allow the fried mushrooms to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lime wedges for added flavor.

Enjoy your crispy vegan fried chick'n! :)