These crispy fried mushrooms with cool ranch dip offer a delightful combination of crunchy, savory mushrooms paired with a creamy, tangy dip. This recipe is perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick snack that’s full of flavor. The mushrooms are coated in a golden, crispy batter and fried to perfection, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite. The cool ranch dip adds a zesty and refreshing contrast, making it an irresistible treat for all ages. Whether for a party, a cozy gathering, or a casual evening snack, these fried mushrooms are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Mushrooms:
- 1 lb fresh button mushrooms (or cremini mushrooms)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cool Ranch Dip:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Clean the mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Remove the stems if desired, but leaving them intact adds extra flavor and texture.
- Make the Breading:
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until well combined.
- In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crispiness).
- Coat the Mushrooms:
- Dip each mushroom into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then, dip it into the egg and buttermilk mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
- Fry the Mushrooms:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 2-3 inches deep, enough to submerge the mushrooms halfway.
- Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully fry the mushrooms in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried mushrooms to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Cool Ranch Dip:
- In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and well-mixed.
- Optionally, add chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve:
- Arrange the crispy fried mushrooms on a serving platter and serve immediately with the cool ranch dip on the side for dipping.
- Enjoy your crispy, flavorful treat!