If you are craving something delightfully crispy, flavorful, and a little bit addictive, the Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Chili Aioli Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines the delicate, slightly woody texture of enoki mushrooms with a light, bubbly batter that fries into perfect golden bites. Paired with a creamy and fiery chili aioli, every mouthful bursts with a harmonious contrast of heat, creaminess, and crunch. It’s a fantastic appetizer or snack that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to whip up at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture in this dish. From the airy batter to the punchy aioli, here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- Enoki mushrooms (200g): The star of the show, these mushrooms are delicate with long, thin stems that crisp beautifully when fried.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the base structure for the batter, helping it cling to the mushrooms.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Adds an extra crunch to the batter by making it lighter and crispier.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Gives the batter a subtle lift and fluffiness once fried.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances flavors and balances the batter perfectly.
- Cold sparkling water (3/4 cup): The secret to a light, airy batter that crisps up beautifully thanks to the carbonation.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for frying; it must be hot enough to cook the mushrooms quickly and evenly.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base of the chili aioli, bringing richness and smooth texture.
- Sriracha or chili sauce (1-2 tbsp): Adds just the right amount of heat to awaken your taste buds.
- Lemon juice (1 tsp): Brightens the aioli with a refreshing hint of acidity.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Injects aromatic depth and a little savory kick to the dipping sauce.
How to Make Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Chili Aioli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the chili aioli
Start by combining mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This zesty chili aioli will be your perfect dipping companion, so pop it into the fridge to let the flavors meld beautifully while you work on the mushrooms.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients for the batter
In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry components evenly ensures that your batter will coat the mushrooms just right and remain crisp after frying.
Step 3: Whisk in the cold sparkling water
Slowly pour in the cold sparkling water while whisking gently until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The sparkling water is key for an airy, light batter that won’t feel heavy. Make sure it’s cold to help the batter stay crisp during frying.
Step 4: Heat the oil to the right temperature
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer until it reaches 180°C (350°F). Maintaining this temperature is crucial to achieve that perfect golden crust quickly without absorbing too much oil, leaving your Fried Enoki Mushrooms beautifully crisp.
Step 5: Dip the mushrooms into the batter
Gather small bunches of enoki mushrooms, dip them gently into the batter, and let the excess drip off. Avoid overcrowding so each cluster gets coated evenly and fries properly.
Step 6: Fry until golden and crispy
Carefully place the battered mushrooms in the hot oil and fry in batches for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure an even color. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden and irresistible.
Step 7: Drain the mushrooms
Use a slotted spoon to remove the mushrooms from the oil, then drain them on paper towels to soak up excess oil. This step keeps them from becoming greasy and soggy, preserving that desired crunch.
Step 8: Serve hot with chili aioli
Plate the crispy fried enoki mushrooms immediately while they’re still warm and delightful. Serve alongside the spicy chili aioli for dipping, and get ready to enjoy a sensational taste experience.
How to Serve Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Chili Aioli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding finishing touches makes this dish even more exciting. Sprinkle some finely chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions on top for a pop of freshness and color. A light dusting of toasted sesame seeds also adds a lovely nutty crunch.
Side Dishes
These fried mushrooms work brilliantly as an appetizer or snack, but pairing them with light, complementary sides really rounds out the experience. Consider serving alongside a crisp cucumber salad or a simple pickled vegetable medley to balance the richness. A cold glass of citrusy white wine or a refreshing iced tea can perfectly cool the palate between spicy bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve the Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Chili Aioli Recipe in individual mini bowls or on wooden platters lined with parchment paper for an inviting, rustic vibe. You can also thread portions onto small skewers or toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties. Offering a variety of dipping sauces alongside the chili aioli, such as soy-ginger or honey garlic, lets everyone customize their flavor adventure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the fried enoki mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay crisp for about 1 day if kept well, but it’s best to enjoy them as fresh as possible to savor that perfect crunch.
Freezing
Because these mushrooms are best fresh, freezing isn’t highly recommended. The texture of the batter and mushrooms tends to degrade after freezing, resulting in a soggier bite when reheated.
Reheating
To bring back their crispness, reheat leftover fried enoki mushrooms in a hot oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it makes them limp and less enjoyable. Serve with a fresh dollop of chili aioli for best results.
FAQs
Can I use other mushrooms instead of enoki?
While enoki mushrooms offer a unique, delicate texture perfect for this recipe, you can experiment with thinly sliced shiitake or oyster mushrooms. Keep in mind they may require slight adjustments in frying time due to their different thickness and moisture content.
How spicy is the chili aioli?
The chili aioli’s heat level is easily adjustable by varying the amount of sriracha or chili sauce you add. Start with less if you prefer mild spice and add more for a fiery kick. The mayo base helps mellow out the heat while keeping it bold.
What if I don’t have sparkling water?
Sparking water is what makes the batter light and crispy, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with very cold plain water. The result will still be tasty, although a little less puffy and crunchy.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Absolutely! Swap mayonnaise for a vegan version and use a vegan chili sauce to keep things plant-based. The frying technique and mushrooms remain the same, so you won’t miss out on flavor or texture.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil is highly recommended because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point. You could also use canola oil or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and can affect the taste.
Final Thoughts
Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Chili Aioli Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet is incredibly easy to make, making it a wonderful choice for sharing with friends or treating yourself. The balance of crispiness, earthy mushroom flavor, and creamy heat from the aioli is truly irresistible. Next time you want a snack that delights every sense, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite appetizer.
Print
Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Chili Aioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Crispy and flavorful fried enoki mushrooms served with a spicy chili aioli dipping sauce. This quick and easy appetizer features light, crunchy battered mushrooms paired perfectly with a creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy aioli kick.
Ingredients
For the Fried Enoki Mushrooms
- 200g enoki mushrooms, trimmed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup cold sparkling water
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Chili Aioli
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha or chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare chili aioli: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and minced garlic thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Make batter: Gradually add the cold sparkling water to the dry ingredients while whisking, creating a smooth, light batter without lumps.
- Heat oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or fryer and heat it to 180°C (350°F), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- Coat mushrooms: Divide the enoki mushrooms into small bunches and dip each into the batter, allowing excess to drip off to avoid clumping.
- Fry mushrooms: Carefully place the battered enoki mushrooms into the hot oil in batches, frying them for about 2-3 minutes or until they become golden and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the mushrooms with a slotted spoon and lay them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the fried enoki mushrooms hot alongside the chilled chili aioli for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the sparkling water is cold to make the batter light and crisp.
- You can adjust the chili sauce amount in the aioli according to your preferred spice level.
- Keep the oil temperature steady for even frying and crispy results.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to avoid the temperature dropping.
- Best served immediately after frying for maximum crispiness.
