Maple Sriracha Golden Oyster Mushrooms

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare a deep, heavy pot or deep fryer with enough frying oil to safely submerge the mushroom pieces. Heat the oil to 325–375°F (160–190 °C) (165–190°C (325–375 °F)), checking the temperature with a thermometer.

2. 2

   Clean the oyster mushrooms with a dry, soft brush if needed. Tear or separate them into individual bite-sized pieces.

3. 3

   Add the maple syrup, chopped cilantro, sriracha, melted butter, soy sauce or tamari, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and salt to a small saucepan.

4. 4

   Heat the glaze over medium heat until it becomes bubbly. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the glaze cool while you prepare and fry the mushrooms.

5. 5

   Stir or blend the vegan mayonnaise and sriracha together in a small bowl until smooth. Set the creamy sriracha sauce aside.

6. 6

   In a bowl, whisk together the flour, smoked paprika, cumin, granulated onion powder, granulated garlic powder, and plant milk until a smooth wet batter forms.

7. 7

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, granulated onion powder, granulated garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to make the dry batter.

8. 8

   Working in small batches, dip the mushroom pieces into the wet batter, turning them to coat completely. Transfer them to the dry batter and toss until thoroughly covered, with a craggy coating that will become crisp when fried.

9. 9

   Carefully lower the coated mushrooms into the hot oil in small batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pot or let the oil temperature drop too far. Fry until the coating is golden brown and crisp, turning as needed for even cooking.

10. 10

    Remove the fried mushrooms from the oil and allow excess oil to drain. Repeat with the remaining mushrooms, returning the oil to the target temperature between batches.

11. 11

    When ready to serve, warm the optional green onion pancakes according to their instructions.

12. 12

    Brush the cooled maple sriracha glaze over the fried mushrooms. Build each plate with a green onion pancake, glazed mushrooms, a drizzle of creamy sriracha sauce, and a sprinkle of cilantro or chives.