These crispy, golden Tempura Oyster Mushrooms are a perfect vegan treat! The tempura batter is light, airy, and perfectly crispy, and the mushrooms are complemented with a sweet honey drizzle made from xylitol honey. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, this dish offers a great combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to be a hit!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Tempura:

• 20 medium-sized oyster mushrooms

• 32g (1/4 cup) cake flour

• 30g (1/4 cup) rice flour

• 1/2 tbsp vegan egg powder (such as Follow Your Heart)

• 6 oz (3/4 cup) sparkling water, chilled

• 2 quarts refined oil (such as coconut, soy, avocado, or canola)

• Xylitol honey or apple honey (for drizzling)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1/2 tsp Sriracha paste

Directions

1. Prepare the Oil:
   Place the oil in a large cast iron dutch oven or deep fryer, and heat it to 375°F over high heat. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.

2. Prepare the Mushrooms:
   Ensure the mushrooms are separated and not clumped together. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

3. Set up Draining Rig:
   Set up a draining station next to your fryer using a cooling rack on top of a cookie sheet with paper towels between them to catch excess oil.

4. Make the Tempura Batter:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, rice flour, and vegan egg powder until combined. Add the sparkling water and mix gently until the batter just comes together. Don’t over-mix; it’s okay if there are clumps. Place the bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice to keep the batter cold.

5. Fry the Mushrooms:
   Once the oil reaches 375°F, dip the mushrooms (about 6 at a time) into the batter using tongs, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off excess batter and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry for about 20 seconds on one side, then flip and fry for another 20 seconds, until golden. Use a spider tool to remove the mushrooms and place them on the draining rack.

6. Repeat:
   Continue frying the mushrooms in batches, making sure to keep the oil temperature between 375°F and 400°F.

7. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine the tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Sriracha paste. Stir until well mixed.

8. Serve:
   Drizzle the fried mushrooms with xylitol honey and serve with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy immediately!

Nutrients (Estimated per serving, serving size: 1 batch)

• Calories: ~200 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~25g

• Protein: ~3g

• Fat: ~10g

• Saturated Fat: ~1g

• Fiber: ~3g

Why Oyster Mushrooms?

Oyster mushrooms are an excellent choice for tempura because of their soft, yet meaty texture, which holds up beautifully when fried. Their delicate, mild flavor makes them perfect for absorbing the crispy batter and pairing with the tangy dipping sauce. Unlike other mushrooms, oyster mushrooms have a lighter, more airy texture that gives them the ability to crisp up nicely, creating a satisfying bite without feeling too dense.

Additionally, oyster mushrooms are packed with nutrients. They are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthful choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, wholesome dish. The combination of their mild taste and nutritional benefits makes them a fantastic alternative to more traditional protein sources, especially for those following a plant-based diet.

The Secret to Crispy Tempura Batter

A key element to achieving the perfect tempura is the batter. The batter for these tempura oyster mushrooms is light, airy, and perfectly crispy. The mix of cake flour and rice flour gives the batter a lightness that helps it fry up to a golden crisp without being too heavy. Rice flour, in particular, contributes to the crispiness of the tempura, making it a key ingredient for achieving that perfect crunch.

To keep the batter cold while frying, the bowl is placed inside a larger bowl filled with ice. This helps maintain the batter’s temperature and ensures that it stays light and airy when dipping the mushrooms. The addition of sparkling water gives the batter a slight effervescence, adding to the lightness and creating that signature crisp texture.

It’s important not to over-mix the batter, as a few clumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can cause the batter to become too dense, affecting its ability to crisp up properly. The key is to gently combine the ingredients and let the batter remain somewhat lumpy for the ideal texture.

Frying: The Art of Crispy Perfection

Frying is where the magic happens. For the perfect crispy tempura, the oil must be at the right temperature—375°F (190°C). The oil needs to be hot enough to cook the mushrooms quickly, creating a golden exterior without making them greasy. Too low a temperature, and the batter will become soggy. Too high a temperature, and the batter may burn before the mushrooms are properly cooked.

When frying the mushrooms, dip them into the batter using tongs to ensure they’re fully coated. Then, gently place them into the hot oil, about six at a time, so as not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 20 seconds on each side, or until golden brown. The mushrooms should have a crispy exterior and a tender interior, with a texture that’s light but satisfying.

Using a spider tool or slotted spoon to remove the mushrooms from the oil ensures that excess oil is drained off, preventing them from becoming greasy. The fried mushrooms are then placed on a cooling rack to allow any residual oil to drain away, ensuring they stay crisp.

A Sweet Drizzle: Xylitol Honey for a Vegan Touch

One of the standout features of these tempura oyster mushrooms is the sweet drizzle of honey made from xylitol. Traditional honey is replaced with a vegan-friendly alternative that still provides that same sweet richness. Xylitol honey is a great option for those who are looking to enjoy the flavor of honey while adhering to a vegan diet. This drizzle complements the savory, crispy mushrooms, adding a touch of sweetness that enhances the dish without overwhelming the flavors.

The sweetness from the xylitol honey balances the richness of the fried mushrooms, giving them an additional layer of flavor. It’s an unexpected but delightful addition that takes the dish from good to great, making every bite even more enjoyable.

Tangy Dipping Sauce: The Perfect Pairing

To complete the dish, a tangy dipping sauce is essential. Made with tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of Sriracha paste, this dipping sauce offers the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and spicy flavors. The tamari or soy sauce provides umami, while the rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the fried mushrooms. A hint of Sriracha paste brings just the right amount of heat, making this dipping sauce both complex and delicious.

The dipping sauce is the perfect complement to the tempura mushrooms, offering a contrast of flavors that make each bite exciting. The acidity from the vinegar and the spice from the Sriracha help to balance the sweetness from the xylitol honey, creating a harmonious combination of tastes and textures.

Serving Suggestions: A Versatile Vegan Snack or Appetizer

These crispy tempura oyster mushrooms with honey drizzle and dipping sauce are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. They make an excellent appetizer for a dinner party or a vegan-friendly option for a casual meal with friends. Serve them with a side of steamed rice, or pair them with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.

They’re also perfect for meal prep! The mushrooms can be fried and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day, making it easy to reheat them in the oven for a quick snack or meal. Just drizzle with a little extra honey and serve with fresh dipping sauce when ready to enjoy.

Conclusion: A Crispy, Flavorful Vegan Delight

Tempura Oyster Mushrooms are a delicious, crunchy treat that combines the satisfying crispiness of tempura with the rich, savory flavor of mushrooms. The light, airy batter and sweet xylitol honey drizzle make these mushrooms an irresistible vegan dish that will impress anyone, whether they follow a plant-based diet or not.

The crispy mushrooms paired with the tangy dipping sauce create a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making this dish ideal for appetizers, snacks, or even a fun main course. Easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and uniquely satisfying, Tempura Oyster Mushrooms are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.