Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce Recipe

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If you’re craving a snack that’s irresistibly crispy, delightfully savory, and just the right amount of spicy, let me introduce you to the Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce Recipe. This dish takes delicate enoki mushrooms, those slender, tender little fungi, and transforms them into crunchy bites coated in a light, crispy batter. Paired with a creamy, zesty, kick-packed spicy mayo, it’s an absolute showstopper whether for a casual snack, appetizer, or party treat. You’ll find yourself reaching for one more piece before you know it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce Recipe comes from a handful of simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, or color to make the dish pop in every bite.

• Japanese mayonnaise: The creamy base of the spicy mayo, giving richness and a subtle tang that’s less sharp than regular mayo.
• Sriracha: Adds just the right amount of heat and a touch of garlicky sweetness to the dipping sauce.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the sauce with a refreshing citrus note that cuts through the richness.
• Toasted sesame oil: Infuses a deep, nutty aroma enhancing the dipping sauce’s complexity.
• Enoki mushrooms: The star ingredient; thin, delicate mushrooms that become crunchy and light when fried.
• All-purpose flour: Helps create a crispy batter coating that stays light and not greasy.
• Cornstarch: Crucial for that extra crunch and a smooth batter texture.
• Coarse kosher salt: Seasoning to boost the flavor inside the batter.
• Baking powder: Gives the batter a bit of lift and airiness for perfect crispiness.
• Cold water: Essential for the batter’s thin, paint-like consistency that lightly clings to the mushrooms.
• Neutral oil for deep-frying: Such as vegetable or canola oil, to achieve that golden, crispy finish without overpowering the mushrooms.

How to Make Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce

Start by mixing the Japanese mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and toasted sesame oil in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until completely combined and smooth. This sauce is where the creamy heat and fresh zest come together, perfectly complementing the earthiness of the fried mushrooms. Set it aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the mushrooms.

Step 2: Clean and Slice the Enoki Mushrooms

Carefully trim off the root ends of the enoki mushrooms, but don’t separate them into individual strands—keeping some of the base intact helps maintain nice little clusters. Rinse gently under cold water to remove any dirt, then thoroughly dry them using a salad spinner or paper towels to avoid sogginess. Next, slice the clusters lengthwise into 3 or 4 thin slabs; this will help them fry evenly and hold onto that crispy batter.

Step 3: Make the Crispy Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, coarse kosher salt, and baking powder. Gradually add cold water and stir until just combined. You’re aiming for a batter that has the fluidity of thin paint — it should coat the mushrooms easily but not be so runny that it slides right off. Feel free to tweak the amount of flour or water to get this perfect consistency, as it’s the secret to that irresistible crunch.

Step 4: Heat the Oil and Fry the Mushrooms

Pour about an inch of neutral oil into a deep skillet or frying pan and heat it to 375°F (190°C). When you add the mushrooms, expect the oil temperature to drop to around 350°F (175°C), which is ideal for frying. Working a few pieces at a time, dip each mushroom slab into the batter, shaking off excess, then carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until each piece is beautifully golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels immediately to keep them crunchy and oil-free.

Step 5: Serve with the Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce

Arrange the golden fried enoki mushrooms on a serving plate, accompanying them with the spicy mayo dipping sauce on the side. This easy yet elegant finish invites everyone to dip, savor, and repeat!

How to Serve Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few black or white toasted sesame seeds over the mushrooms for a subtle nutty crunch and a decorative touch. Fresh chopped chives or thinly sliced green onions can add a burst of color and mild sharpness. For those who love a bit of extra zing, a small pinch of red pepper flakes on top of the sauce makes the heat pop even more.

Side Dishes

This fried treat pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a hint of sugar. You can also serve it alongside grilled or roasted vegetables to balance out the indulgent crispiness. For a cocktail party, these mushrooms shine on their own, making a fantastic finger food.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the fried enoki mushrooms into mini lettuce cups with a drizzle of spicy mayo right on top for a fun handheld bite. Or arrange them atop a bed of mixed greens with a sprinkle of microgreens and a light soy-ginger dressing for a gourmet appetizer. Experimenting with presentation can elevate this humble dish into an elegant conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from the Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 2 days, but be aware the crispiness will decrease as they cool. To best enjoy this dish, consume it as soon as possible!

Freezing

While it’s possible to freeze fried enoki mushrooms, the texture may suffer upon thawing, often becoming soggy. If you want to freeze, place the cooled mushrooms in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Use within a month for best quality, but reheating crispness may be limited.

Reheating

To revive the crispiness of your leftover fried mushrooms, avoid microwaving as it causes sogginess. Instead, reheat them in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes on a wire rack or baking sheet. This method restores some crunch without over-drying the mushrooms. Serve immediately with fresh spicy mayo.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms instead of enoki?

Absolutely! While enoki mushrooms have a delicate, slender texture perfect for this recipe, you can experiment with other mushrooms like shiitake or oyster. Just keep in mind that thicker mushrooms may require slightly longer frying times and a different batter consistency to achieve the ideal crunch.

What can I substitute for Japanese mayonnaise in the dipping sauce?

If you don’t have Japanese mayo on hand, you can use regular mayonnaise, but the flavor will be a bit richer and less subtly sweet. Adding a small splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar can help mimic the tangy sweetness of Japanese mayo.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! To make the Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce Recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. Using cornstarch as in the original also helps maintain that crisp texture without gluten.

How spicy is the dipping sauce?

The spicy mayo has a moderate heat level thanks to the sriracha. If you prefer it milder, simply reduce the sriracha amount or substitute with a sweeter chili sauce. Conversely, for more heat, you can add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I bake the mushrooms instead of frying them?

While frying is the best way to achieve the signature crispiness of this recipe, you can bake the battered mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture will be lighter and less crunchy, but still delicious with the spicy mayo.

Final Thoughts

This Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels effortlessly impressive while being simple to make. The harmony between crispy, tender mushrooms and the creamy, spicy sauce is downright addictive. Whether you’re whipping these up for a snack, appetizer, or party platter, they’re sure to steal the show and have everyone asking for more. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a tasty treat at home!

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