Fried Vegetarian “Chicken” with King Oyster Mushrooms

 

In the quiet hum of evening, when hearts gather and rice steams softly, we offer a golden gift from the garden— not of feathered flight, but of rooted grace. It is a beloved star at vegetarian gatherings, this crispy king oyster mushroom dish brings comfort and joy to any table. With its meaty texture and golden crust, it’s a satisfying plant-based alternative to fried chicken—easy enough to make for a cozy dinner at home, yet elegant enough to serve at festive events. King oyster mushrooms are not only rich in nutrients, but their firm bite and layered flavor make them ideal for soaking up spices and crisping beautifully in oil.

Ingredients

Main:

• 2 king oyster mushrooms
• 2 cups water
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Spice Paste:

• 1 shallot
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tbsp minced lemongrass
• ¼ tsp Korean chili powder
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp vegetarian oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sugar or honey
• 1 tsp mushroom seasoning
• ⅛ tsp black pepper

Batter:

• ¼ cup crispy flour
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ cup water

For Frying:

• Oil (about 1 cup, or enough to shallow fry)

Soy Sauce Dipping Sauce:

• Minced garlic
• Sliced Thai chili
• Soy sauce
• Water
• Sugar
• Lemon juice

Directions

1. Prepare the Mushrooms: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the king oyster mushrooms and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool. Slice into ½-inch thick pieces. For better flavor absorption, score each slice with shallow zigzag cuts both lengthwise and crosswise.
2. Make the Spice Paste: Using a mortar and pestle, grind the shallot, garlic, lemongrass, chili powder, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar/honey, mushroom seasoning, and black pepper into a thick, aromatic paste.
3. Marinate: Gently massage the spice paste into the mushroom slices. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to absorb deeply.
4. Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, mix crispy flour, all-purpose flour, and water until smooth. Dip each marinated mushroom slice into the batter, coating both sides evenly.
5. Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the coated mushrooms until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, Thai chili slices, soy sauce, water, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well and adjust to taste, balancing the salty, sweet, sour, and spicy notes.

Serving Suggestion

Serve hot with steamed white rice and a side of dipping sauce. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, a burst of spice, and the comforting depth of umami—perfect for nourishing both body and spirit.