Crispy Garlic Breaded Mushrooms

These Crispy Garlic Breaded Mushrooms are a crowd-pleasing, crunchy, and flavorful treat that turns simple mushrooms into golden, garlic-infused bites. Coated in a chickpea batter and seasoned panko, they’re perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Served with a zesty lemon-chive dip, they make an excellent vegan and gluten-free-friendly snack or appetizer, ideal for game nights, parties, or any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Mushrooms:

  • 15–20 medium chestnut mushrooms, cleaned, stems intact

  • 4 tbsp (30g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs

  • 1½ tsp garlic granules

  • ½ tsp onion granules

  • 1 tsp dried mixed herbs

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ¼ tsp fine sea salt

  • ½ cup (60g) chickpea flour (gram flour)

  • ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond, soy)

  • 2 cups (480ml) neutral-flavored oil (e.g., sunflower, vegetable)

For the Dip:

  • ⅓ cup (80g) vegan mayonnaise

  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives

  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a heavy-bottomed saucepan, filling it to one-third of its capacity. Heat over medium heat until reaching 350°F (175°C).

  2. Prepare Coating Stations:

    • Bowl 1: Place all-purpose flour.

    • Bowl 2: Whisk together chickpea flour and plant-based milk until smooth.

    • Bowl 3: Combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic granules, onion granules, mixed herbs, smoked paprika, and salt.

  3. Coat the Mushrooms: Pat mushrooms dry with a clean kitchen towel. Dredge each mushroom in flour, dip into the chickpea batter, then roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

  4. Fry to Golden Perfection: Test oil temperature by dropping a breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle and rise immediately. Fry mushrooms in batches of 3–4 for 2–3 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until golden.

  5. Drain and Keep Warm: Transfer fried mushrooms to a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil. Keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while finishing remaining batches.

  6. Prepare the Dip: In a small bowl, stir together vegan mayo, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

  7. Serve: Arrange mushrooms on a serving platter, garnish with additional chives, and serve immediately with the dip.

Nutrients

  • Calories: 60-80 per mushroom (depends on size)

  • Carbohydrates: 8-10g

  • Fat: 5-7g

  • Protein: 1-2g

  • Fiber: 1-2g

These Crispy Garlic Breaded Mushrooms are an irresistible, crunchy snack that will delight your taste buds with their garlicky, herb-infused flavor!

Why Crispy Garlic Breaded Mushrooms Are a Must-Try

What makes these mushrooms so special is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crunchy, golden breading, infused with garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and mixed herbs, provides an amazing savory coating that complements the naturally earthy flavor of the mushrooms. The inside remains juicy and tender, giving you that delightful contrast between crispy and soft in each bite.

The chickpea flour batter adds a slightly nutty taste and ensures the coating sticks perfectly to the mushrooms while also being a great vegan-friendly alternative to traditional egg-based batters. Whether you’re following a plant-based diet or just looking for a gluten-free snack, these crispy mushrooms fit the bill.

The accompanying lemon-chive dip adds a fresh, zesty flavor, perfectly complementing the richness of the mushrooms. It’s simple to prepare, but it elevates the dish with a burst of brightness and herby freshness. These mushrooms are the ideal appetizer for any occasion, guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering.

The Key Ingredients for Crispy Garlic Breaded Mushrooms

The key to making these crispy mushrooms so delicious lies in the combination of simple, flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them stand out:

  • Mushrooms: Chestnut mushrooms are used for their firm texture and slightly nutty flavor, making them the perfect candidate for frying. Their structure allows them to hold up well in the frying process without losing their juiciness.

  • Chickpea Flour: This flour, also known as gram flour, serves as a gluten-free and vegan-friendly alternative to traditional flour. It helps form a crispy outer layer that holds the breadcrumbs in place, giving the mushrooms that perfect crunch.

  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide the extra crunch and texture that’s essential for this dish. They are light and airy, making them the ideal choice for creating a crispy crust.

  • Seasonings: Garlic granules, onion granules, smoked paprika, and mixed herbs bring layers of flavor to the breadcrumbs, giving the mushrooms a savory, herby finish with a touch of smokiness.

  • Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk, is used in the batter. It helps create a smooth, pourable consistency that perfectly coats the mushrooms, without overpowering the flavor.

  • Vegan Mayonnaise & Chives: For the dipping sauce, vegan mayo is mixed with fresh chives and lemon juice, creating a creamy, tangy dip that balances the richness of the crispy mushrooms.

How to Make Crispy Garlic Breaded Mushrooms

Making Crispy Garlic Breaded Mushrooms is easy and only requires a few steps. Here’s how to prepare this mouthwatering dish:

  1. Prepare the Oil: Pour 2 cups of neutral-flavored oil (like sunflower or vegetable oil) into a heavy-bottomed saucepan, filling it one-third of the way. Heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a breadcrumb in; if it sizzles and rises immediately, the oil is ready.

  2. Set Up Coating Stations: Prepare three bowls for the different coatings:

    • Bowl 1: Place all-purpose flour.

    • Bowl 2: Whisk together chickpea flour and plant-based milk until smooth.

    • Bowl 3: Combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic granules, onion granules, mixed herbs, smoked paprika, and salt.

  3. Coat the Mushrooms: Pat the mushrooms dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove any moisture. This helps the coating stick better. Dredge each mushroom in the flour, dip it into the chickpea batter, and then roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the mushroom to ensure they adhere well.

  4. Fry to Golden Perfection: Carefully test the oil by dropping in a breadcrumb. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, it’s time to fry the mushrooms. Fry in small batches of 3–4 mushrooms for 2–3 minutes per side, turning them with tongs, until they are golden and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.

  5. Drain and Keep Warm: Once the mushrooms are fried, transfer them to a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray to drain any excess oil. To keep them warm, you can place them in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish frying the remaining mushrooms.

  6. Prepare the Dip: While the mushrooms are frying, make the dip. In a small bowl, mix vegan mayonnaise, freshly chopped chives, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more lemon juice or salt if needed.

  7. Serve: Once all the mushrooms are fried, arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with additional chives for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately with the zesty lemon-chive dip for dipping.

Why These Mushrooms Are Perfect for Any Occasion

These Crispy Garlic Breaded Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a party, or a casual get-together, these mushrooms will be a hit with your guests. They make an excellent vegan and gluten-free appetizer that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Their crispy texture and savory flavor make them a great snack on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with other appetizers like guacamole, vegan cheese platters, or even a simple vegetable platter. The lemon-chive dip adds a zesty contrast to the richness of the mushrooms, making them an even more satisfying bite.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Garlic Breaded Mushrooms

  • Dry the Mushrooms Well: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so be sure to dry the mushrooms thoroughly with a clean towel before breading them. This will help the coating stick better and achieve that golden, crispy exterior.

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the mushrooms in small batches to ensure they cook evenly. Overcrowding the pan can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, which can lead to soggy mushrooms.

  • Use a Thermometer for Oil: To ensure the oil is at the perfect temperature, use a kitchen thermometer. If the oil is too hot, the breading may burn before the mushrooms cook through. If the oil is too cool, the mushrooms will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

  • Keep Warm in the Oven: If you need to make the mushrooms ahead of time, keep them warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C) until you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion: Why You Should Make Crispy Garlic Breaded Mushrooms

Crispy Garlic Breaded Mushrooms are the perfect balance of crunchy, garlicky, and savory, with a juicy, tender interior that makes each bite irresistible. With a crispy batter, fragrant garlic seasoning, and a zesty dip to complement the flavor, these mushrooms are a crowd-pleasing snack that everyone will love. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a tasty snack to enjoy on your own, these crispy mushrooms are a must-try!

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