Name: Crispy Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Dipping Sauces Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb enoki mushrooms; ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup (55 g) potato starch; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon white pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon five spice powder; ¾ cup cold sparkling water (plus more if needed); Neutral oil for deep frying (about 2-3 inches depth); Salt; Furikake seasoning; Sweet chili sauce; Sriracha mayo

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 2 reviews

If you have not yet discovered the magic of the Crispy Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Dipping Sauces Recipe, prepare yourself for a delightful treat that combines the delicate texture of enoki mushrooms with an irresistibly crunchy coating. Each bite bursts with flavor, balanced perfectly by the zing of spicy dipping sauces that amplify the experience. This dish transforms humble mushrooms into an addictive snack or appetizer that’s perfect for sharing, impressing friends, or simply indulging yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of various cooking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface with white grid lines faintly visible. There are ten glass bowls of different sizes placed in two rows. In the top row, from left to right, there is a large bowl filled with white flour, three small bowls containing reddish-brown spices, and a medium bowl holding a bundle of long, thin enoki mushrooms with a pale cream color. The bottom row starts with a medium bowl containing white cornstarch, followed by three small bowls filled with white and beige powdery ingredients, and ends with a small measuring cup with clear water on the far right. The scene is bright and clean, showing simple, unmasked ingredients ready for cooking, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary dish. Each element plays a key role in achieving the ultimate crispy exterior and flavorful punch, ensuring your mushrooms are perfectly coated and irresistibly delicious.

Enoki Mushrooms: The star ingredient, providing a mild, slightly fruity flavor and a delicate, tender texture that crisps up wonderfully.
All-purpose Flour: Helps create the base of the light, crispy batter.
Potato Starch: Adds an extra level of crunchiness and helps keep the coating light and non-greasy.
Baking Powder: Gives the batter a subtle lift for that perfect, airy crunch.
Salt: Enhances the natural umami of the mushrooms and seasoning of the batter.
White Pepper: Delivers a mild heat and gentle spice without overpowering the mushrooms.
Garlic Powder: Infuses a savory depth that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Paprika: Adds both color and a smoky undertone to the batter.
Cayenne Pepper: Gives a subtle kick, perfect for those who love a touch of heat.
Five Spice Powder: Introduces complexity with warm, aromatic notes that elevate the dish.
Cold Sparkling Water: The carbonation makes the batter extra light and crispy when fried.
Neutral Oil for Deep Frying: Essential for achieving that golden brown, crunchy exterior.
Garnishes and Sauces (Salt, Furikake, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha Mayo): These finishing touches add layers of flavor and visual appeal that make every bite unforgettable.

How to Make Crispy Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Dipping Sauces Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Begin by carefully prepping your enoki mushrooms. Slice off the root end about an inch above the base to remove any dirt and unwanted toughness. Then, slice the mushroom clusters vertically into thin 1/4 inch strips. This ensures even frying and that each piece gets stunningly crispy tendrils that will soak up the batter perfectly.

Step 2: Heat the Oil and Set Up Your Station

Next, heat 2 to 3 inches of neutral oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C)—this temperature is key to getting that crisp golden finish without greasiness. Meanwhile, prepare a baking tray with a wire rack for draining the fried mushrooms, which helps them stay crispy rather than soggy.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together potato starch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Slowly add the cold sparkling water while whisking until the batter reaches a consistency that coats but drips easily off the back of a spoon. This sparkling water is the secret to that ethereal crispiness everyone loves.

Step 4: Dredge the Mushrooms

Dip each mushroom cluster into the batter, allowing any extra to drip off. The batter should cling lightly so that the crispy mushroom tendrils remain distinct and separate when fried. If the batter feels too thick, stir in more sparkling water, one tablespoon at a time, to keep it fluid enough.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully place the battered mushroom clusters into the hot oil and fry for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Using a spider strainer, remove the mushrooms and transfer them to the wire rack-lined baking tray to drain and cool slightly.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle the Crispy Fried Enoki Mushrooms with salt and a generous dusting of furikake seasoning for an umami-packed finishing touch. Pair them with sweet chili sauce and sriracha mayo for dipping to experience the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Dipping Sauces Recipe

The image shows ten pieces of golden brown fried mushrooms with thin, crispy textured strands spreading out like a small bouquet from a thicker base. They are arranged neatly in two rows on a silver wire cooling rack, which sits on a white marbled surface. The mushrooms have a crunchy, bubble-like coating and vary slightly in size and shape, with their long thin stems giving a feathery look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling a bit of flaky sea salt or furikake seasoning enhances the savory crunch and adds a beautiful visual appeal. Freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or chives also make lovely garnishes, offering a pop of color and a fresh aroma.

Side Dishes

Crispy Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Dipping Sauces Recipe pairs beautifully with light and refreshing sides like a crisp Asian cucumber salad or a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice. These sides keep the meal balanced and allow those bold mushroom flavors to shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these mushrooms on small skewers as finger food at parties or pile them high on a platter lined with lettuce leaves for a striking appetizer display. You can also present them alongside an assortment of dipping sauces in small bowls for a colorful and interactive eating experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover crispy fried enoki mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve their crunch, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture.

Freezing

Because these mushrooms are best enjoyed fresh and crisp, freezing is not ideal. The texture of the delicate mushrooms tends to degrade after freezing and thawing, resulting in a soggy bite.

Reheating

To reheat and revive some of that irresistible crispiness, place the leftovers on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can cause sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms for this fried recipe?

While enoki mushrooms are perfect due to their delicate texture and size, you can experiment with thinly sliced oyster mushrooms or shiitakes. Just keep in mind that different mushrooms may require slight adjustments in frying time.

What makes sparkling water important in the batter?

Sparkling water adds carbonation that keeps the batter light and airy, preventing it from becoming too dense or doughy. It’s the secret to that crisp, crispy shell that contrasts so wonderfully with tender mushrooms.

How spicy are the dipping sauces suggested?

The sweet chili sauce offers a moderate, sweet heat, while the sriracha mayo provides a creamy and zesty kick. You can adjust spiciness by adding more or less sriracha or swapping in other sauces like spicy garlic aioli or ponzu for variety.

Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

The recipe as written uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the potato starch is certified gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products, making it a fantastic snack or appetizer for vegan and vegetarian friends alike.

Final Thoughts

Sharing the Crispy Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Dipping Sauces Recipe feels like passing along a little bit of happiness on a plate. Its crunchy, flavorful allure is just perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack, party starter, or something to enjoy after a long day. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and watch how quickly this simple dish becomes a crowd favorite in your kitchen!