If you are looking for a snack that packs a punch with layers of flavor and texture, the Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. These mushrooms boast a vibrant golden crust that gives way to a juicy, tender inside, all doused in a spicy, garlicky sauce that hits every note — savory, spicy, and slightly tangy. Whether you want to impress guests with an appetizer or jazz up your side dishes, this recipe offers a crowd-pleasing Afro-Asian fusion that feels both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe lies in a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role: mushrooms provide a hearty base, the coating ingredients give crunch and texture, while the sauce creates that signature bold, spicy, and garlicky flavor.
- 200g button mushrooms, cleaned and halved: These are the star of the dish—make sure they’re fresh and firm for the best crunch and moisture balance.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: This adds crispiness to the mushroom coating, helping achieve that delightful crunch.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Works alongside cornstarch to give a sturdy yet light batter.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild heat and earthiness to the batter for depth.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning both the batter and the final dish.
- Water (as needed for batter): Adjust to create a thick, even coating consistency.
- Oil for deep frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to ensure perfect frying without overpowering flavors.
- For the sauce:
- 1 tbsp oil: To sauté garlic and chilies — infuses flavor right from the start.
- 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic: Garlic brings an irresistible aroma and punch.
- 1–2 dried red chilies (or chili flakes): Adds a smoky, spicy kick; adjust to your preferred heat level.
- 2 tbsp chopped spring onions (white and green parts): For freshness and a little crunch in the sauce.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to the sauce’s flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp chili sauce: Enhances the heat and adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tsp vinegar: Balances flavors with a subtle tang.
- 1 tsp sugar: Just enough sweetness to round out the heat and acidity.
- 2 tbsp water: To adjust sauce consistency for perfect coating.
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry): Thickens the sauce to cling beautifully to each mushroom.
- Salt to taste: Always taste and tweak seasoning for the best result.
- Chopped spring onion greens for garnish: A fresh and colorful finishing touch.
How to Make Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter and Mushrooms
In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, black pepper, salt, and enough water to create a thick batter that will coat the mushrooms evenly. It should be thick enough to stick but not overly gloopy. Dunk each mushroom half fully into the batter, ensuring every nook is covered. This step is crucial to get that irresistible crispy crust once fried.
Step 2: Fry the Mushrooms until Golden and Crispy
Heat oil in a deep pan to around 180°C (350°F). Fry the batter-coated mushrooms in small batches to avoid overcrowding and temperature drop, which can make them soggy. Fry each batch until the mushrooms turn a perfect golden brown and feel crisp to the touch, about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to paper towels immediately to drain excess oil—this keeps every bite delightfully crunchy.
Step 3: Make the Chili Garlic Sauce
In a wok or large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped garlic and dried red chilies, stirring until fragrant and aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped spring onions and cook for another minute to soften slightly. Stir in the soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water. Let the sauce simmer briefly to blend all those flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Toss Mushrooms
Add the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens to a glossy, smooth texture. Quickly toss in the fried mushrooms, stirring to coat each piece evenly in that vibrant, spicy sauce. Be sure to do this swiftly to keep the mushrooms from getting soggy and to maintain their crispness.
How to Serve Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe
Garnishes
Finish off your dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped spring onion greens. Not only does it add a bright pop of green color, but it also gives a fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the spicy, crispy mushrooms.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or simple fried rice to soak up those lovely spicy juices. It’s also a fantastic side for noodle dishes or can be served alongside other Indo-Chinese favorites like vegetable Manchurian or chili paneer to create a full spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, serve these mushrooms in a large, colorful bowl garnished with extra chilies and spring onions. You could also skewer a few battered mushrooms on cocktail sticks for a fun finger food experience. Either way, presentation that highlights their golden hue and vibrant sauce will leave guests eager to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Chili Garlic Mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind the mushrooms will lose some crispiness as they absorb moisture from the sauce.
Freezing
While you can freeze the mushrooms before tossing in the sauce, it’s best to freeze them plain after frying, then reheat and toss with freshly made sauce when ready to serve. This keeps the texture closer to that freshly prepared crunch and avoids sogginess.
Reheating
To reheat and revive some crispiness, place the mushrooms on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 8-10 minutes. Quick stir with fresh chili garlic sauce after heating will bring back their bold flavor wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While button mushrooms are ideal due to their size and texture, cremini or baby bella mushrooms also work well. Just adjust frying time if they’re larger to ensure they cook through.
How spicy is the Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe?
The spice level can be easily adjusted by controlling the amount of dried red chilies or chili sauce you use. For milder heat, reduce chilies or omit chili flakes entirely; for more kick, add extra chili sauce or fresh chopped chilies.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this entire recipe is vegan since it uses no animal products. It’s a perfect plant-based crowd-pleaser full of bold flavors and textures.
Can I bake instead of deep frying the mushrooms?
While deep frying gives that signature crunch, you can bake the battered mushrooms in a hot oven (about 220°C or 425°F) until crisp. The texture might be slightly less crunchy but still delicious and lighter.
What is the best way to serve these for a party?
For parties, serve Crispy Chili Garlic Mushrooms on skewers or as individual bite-sized pieces on a platter with extra spring onions and a side of cooling yogurt dip or tangy chutney for balance.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dish that combines crispy textures with a bold punch of spicy garlic flavor, the Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe is a must-try. It’s a simple, fun, and utterly satisfying recipe to make anytime you want to impress your taste buds or guests. So grab those mushrooms and get cooking—you won’t regret the explosion of flavors waiting at the end of this adventure!
Print
Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Frying, Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy Chili Garlic Mushrooms are a bold and flavorful Indo-Chinese appetizer made with golden-fried button mushrooms tossed in a spicy and garlicky sauce. This vegan dish offers a perfect balance of crunch, heat, and umami, making it an ideal crowd-pleaser for parties or as a delicious side dish.
Ingredients
Mushroom Batter and Frying
- 200g button mushrooms, cleaned and halved
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Water, as needed for batter
- Oil for deep frying
Sauce
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
- 1–2 dried red chilies (or chili flakes)
- 2 tbsp chopped spring onions (white and green parts)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili sauce
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
- Salt to taste
- Chopped spring onion greens for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, black pepper, and salt. Gradually add water and whisk until a thick, smooth batter forms that will coat the mushrooms evenly.
- Batter the mushrooms: Dip the halved, cleaned mushrooms into the prepared batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter gently.
- Deep fry mushrooms: Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the battered mushrooms in batches until they turn golden brown and crisp on the outside, which should take about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate wok or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and dried red chilies; sauté until aromatic, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the chopped spring onions (both white and green parts) and cook for another minute to soften and release their flavor.
- Incorporate sauces and flavorings: Add soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water to the pan. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Thicken the sauce: Pour in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency, about 1 minute.
- Toss mushrooms in sauce: Add the fried crispy mushrooms into the sauce and toss quickly but gently to coat them evenly without breaking their crunch. Cook together for 30 seconds to combine flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the coated mushrooms to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture at its best.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can double-fry the mushrooms by frying them once until lightly golden, draining, and then frying again until deep golden and crispy.
- Adjust the amount of chili sauce and dried chilies to match your preferred spice level.
- Serve immediately after tossing in sauce to retain the crisp texture of the mushrooms.
- Use fresh button mushrooms and avoid soaking them in water to prevent sogginess.
