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 (more as needed); Neutral oil for deep frying; Salt; Furikake seasoning; Sweet chili sauce; Sriracha mayo

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 8 reviews

If you are looking for a snack that perfectly balances light crispiness with bold, punchy flavors, then you have to try this Crispy Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Dipping Sauces Recipe. These delicate mushrooms get coated in a perfectly seasoned batter, then fried to a gorgeous golden crunch that keeps you reaching for more. The magic lies in their airy texture combined with the exciting heat from the dips, creating an irresistible bite every time. Whether you’re craving a unique appetizer or a finger food that steals the show, this recipe will become your new go-to treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several small clear glass bowls arranged neatly in rows. The top row has three small bowls containing brown, dark orange, and red powders from left to right, followed by a large white mushroom cluster in a bigger clear glass bowl. The middle row has two small bowls with light brown and white powders from left to right. The bottom row has a medium clear glass bowl filled with white flour on the left, and a clear measuring cup filled with water on the right. Everything is placed with space between the bowls, showing the white marbled texture beneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Crispy Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Dipping Sauces Recipe requires simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting the perfect crispy, flavorful mushroom bites. The combination of spices, starches, and cold sparkling water ensures a light yet sturdy batter, while fresh mushrooms provide the delicate texture and subtle earthiness.

1 lb enoki mushrooms: The star ingredient known for their tender texture and mild flavor, perfect for frying.
½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the batter for that irresistible crisp.
⅓ cup (55 g) potato starch: Keeps the batter light and crunchy with its unique starch properties.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the batter puff up slightly for added crispness.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish perfectly.
¼ teaspoon white pepper: Adds subtle heat without overpowering the mushrooms.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Injects a hint of savory depth to the batter.
1 teaspoon paprika: Gives color and a smoky undertone to the coating.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings the kick that pairs beautifully with the dipping sauces.
½ teaspoon five spice powder: Introduces a complex, aromatic note that elevates the overall flavor.
¾ cup cold sparkling water: The secret to a light, airy batter that crisps up fantastically.
Neutral oil for deep frying: Such as vegetable or canola oil, essential for proper frying texture without imparting flavor.
Salt and furikake: For finishing touches that heighten the umami and texture.
Sweet chili sauce and Sriracha mayo: Two spicy dipping sauces offering contrasting sweet and creamy heat.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Start by trimming about an inch off the base of the enoki mushrooms to remove any dirt and woody parts. Then slice the mushroom clusters vertically into thin ¼-inch layers. This helps ensure they fry evenly and gives each piece a delicate but crispy bite.

Step 2: Heat the Oil and Prep Your Station

In a heavy-bottomed pot, pour 2 to 3 inches of neutral oil and heat it on medium-high until the temperature reaches 375°F (190°C). Having your frying station set up beforehand is key to a smooth cooking process, so place a wire rack on a baking tray nearby to drain excess oil from the fried mushrooms.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the potato starch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Once the dry ingredients are well mixed, gradually add the cold sparkling water while whisking until you get a smooth batter. The carbonation in the water is crucial for that light, crispy texture.

Step 4: Dredge the Mushrooms

Dip each sliced bunch of enoki mushrooms into the batter individually, allowing any excess to drip off before carefully lowering them into the hot oil. The batter should coat the mushrooms thinly but completely; if it’s too thick, add a bit more sparkling water, one tablespoon at a time. This step lets the mushroom tendrils separate as they fry, creating that coveted crunchy texture.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Fry the mushrooms in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain temperature and crispiness. Use a spider strainer to remove the mushrooms and transfer them to your wire rack to cool and drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Serve with Spicy Dipping Sauces

Once fried and slightly cooled, season the mushrooms with a sprinkle of salt and furikake seasoning to introduce an extra layer of umami crunch. Serve them with your favorite sweet chili sauce and Sriracha mayo for dipping to bring out contrasting sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors.

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

The image shows ten pieces of deep-fried enoki mushrooms arranged loosely on a silver wire rack. Each piece has a golden-brown color with a crispy texture, featuring long, thin, branched stems with rounded tips, clustered tightly at the bottom base which is square-shaped and thicker. The wire rack is rectangular and placed on a white marbled surface, allowing the mushrooms to cool and stay crispy. One piece is held above the rack by a silver tong at the top left. The lighting highlights the crunchy texture and warm tones of the fried mushrooms. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of coarse salt and furikake add bursts of crunch and umami that complement the fried mushrooms perfectly. You could also try finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions to add freshness and color.

Side Dishes

Pair this Crispy Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Dipping Sauces Recipe with light, refreshing sides such as a crisp Asian slaw or a tangy cucumber salad. These contrast wonderfully with the richness of fried mushrooms and keep the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party appetizer, serve the mushrooms in small bamboo cones or on mini skewers alongside dipping sauces in vibrant bowls. You can also scatter edible flowers or microgreens around the platter for an elegant touch that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover crispy fried enoki mushrooms, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They stay best when stored on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess moisture and preserve crunch.

Freezing

While you can freeze leftover fried mushrooms, they may lose some crispiness upon thawing. To freeze, spread them out on a baking sheet to flash freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents clumping and makes reheating easier.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy texture after storage, reheat the mushrooms in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) or in an air fryer for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy and less appetizing.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mushrooms other than enoki for this recipe?

While enoki mushrooms have a unique delicate texture that crisps beautifully, you can experiment with other long, thin mushrooms like needle mushrooms. However, thicker mushrooms might need adjustment in frying time and batter thickness.

What makes sparkling water important in the batter?

Sparkling water adds carbonation, which helps create a light and airy batter that crisps up nicely when fried. It also prevents the batter from becoming dense or heavy, a crucial component of achieving that addictive crunch.

How spicy are the dipping sauces?

The sweet chili sauce provides a mild sweetness with subtle heat, while the Sriracha mayo is creamier with a more pronounced spicy kick. Together, they offer a great balance to complement the fried mushrooms’ flavors.

Can I bake the mushrooms instead of frying?

Baking will yield a different texture, more tender than crispy. If you want a healthier option, you can bake at a high temperature with a light coating of oil, but frying remains the best for that signature crunch in this Crispy Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Dipping Sauces Recipe.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

The ideal frying temperature is around 375°F (190°C). You can use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy, or test by dropping a small amount of batter—it should sizzle and rise quickly without browning immediately.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Dipping Sauces Recipe is an absolute delight that combines light, golden crunch with bold, exciting flavors. It’s a fantastic snack or appetizer that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress friends and family. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy mushrooms with an irresistible spicy twist!