Chilli Mushroom Dry
Crispy, batter-fried mushrooms tossed in a fiery and tangy sauce with crunchy onions and bell peppers. A super popular Indo-Chinese appetizer that's ready in under 35 minutes and guaranteed to disappear fast!
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Batter and Mushrooms
- b.In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn starch, ginger-garlic paste, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper.
- c.Gradually add about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of water, whisking continuously, to form a smooth, thick batter. It should be the consistency of pancake batter, thick enough to coat the mushrooms well.
- d.Ensure mushrooms are wiped clean and are completely dry. Add them to the batter and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Mushrooms
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small bit of batter; it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
- c.Carefully add the battered mushrooms one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in 2-3 batches for best results.
- d.Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried mushrooms and drain them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Sauce and Sauté Aromatics
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, and the remaining 0.25 tsp each of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- c.Heat sesame oil in a clean wok or large skillet over high heat.
- d.Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-fry and Serve
- b.Add the onion and green bell pepper squares to the wok. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for 1-2 minutes until they are slightly tender yet still crisp.
- c.Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the wok. Stir and cook for about 30-45 seconds until the sauce thickens slightly.
- d.Immediately add the fried mushrooms to the wok. Toss everything quickly for about 1 minute to coat the mushrooms evenly in the sauce.
- e.Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped spring onion greens, and serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy mushrooms, double-fry them. Fry once until light golden, remove and let cool for 5 minutes, then fry again on high heat for 1-2 minutes until deep golden brown.
- 2Mise en place is key. Have all your vegetables chopped and sauces mixed before you start stir-frying, as the process is very fast.
- 3Stir-fry on the highest heat your stove allows. This sears the vegetables quickly, keeping them crunchy and vibrant.
- 4Do not let the fried mushrooms sit in the sauce for long. Toss and serve immediately to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- 5Ensure mushrooms are completely dry before battering. Any moisture will prevent the batter from sticking and make the oil splatter.
Adapt it for your goals.
Make it a Gravy Dish
To make Chilli Mushroom with gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 cup of water to make a slurry. Add this to the wok after the sauce has cooked for a minute. Simmer until the gravy thickens.
Healthier Baked VersionHealthier Baked Version
For a lower-oil version, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the battered mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Then, toss with the prepared sauce.
Add More VegetablesAdd More Vegetables
Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced carrots, baby corn, or different colored bell peppers for more texture and nutrition.
Protein VariationProtein Variation
This same recipe works wonderfully with paneer, tofu, or chicken. Adjust frying times accordingly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in B Vitamins
Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which are essential for energy production and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Source of Antioxidants
Bell peppers and garlic are packed with antioxidants like Vitamin C and allicin. These compounds help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Provides Selenium
Mushrooms are one of the best plant-based sources of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and thyroid function.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Chilli Mushroom Dry contains approximately 290-320 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying.