Fried Enoki Mushrooms with Chili Aioli

Equipment:

• Small whisk

• Flat container for the batter

• Small-medium pot or pan for frying

• Tongs

• Paper towels on a large plate

Instructions:

1. Cut the brown part off the bottom of the enoki mushroom bunch. Slice or separate the mushroom bunch into thin bunches, about 1-inch long and ½-inch wide at the base. When in doubt, go for smaller bunches instead of larger ones.

2. In a long shallow flat container, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. Add the water and whisk together until no lumps remain.

3. ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup cornstarch, ½ - ¾ teaspoon table salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ¾ cup cold water

4. Heat the cooking oil over medium heat. You'll want at least 1.5 inches of oil at the bottom of the pan. The oil is ready when it starts to bubble when you insert the tip of a toothpick.

5. Use tongs to dip the enoki pieces in the batter on both sides and on the bottom. Pick up the enoki pieces by the bottom and let excess batter drip off.

6. Carefully place the battered enoki mushroom into the hot oil. It should start bubbling immediately. If not, the oil is not hot enough yet. Fry for 1 minute, use tongs to carefullyflip, then fry for another minute, or until the mushroom is golden brown. Carefully transfer to large plate lined with paper towels. Repeat step 4 and 5 until all the mushrooms are fried.

7. Cooking tip: If your mushrooms don't separate into individual strands while frying, then your batter is too thick. Whisk in 1-2 tablespoons water before dipping and frying the next mushroom piece. If the batter is too thick, the mushrooms will be mushy inside, not crispy.

8. Allow to cool for a minute, then enjoy warm, sprinkling with flaky sea salt, fresh chives, and a drizzle of lemon juice. Dip into the garlic aioli.

9. Prepare the garlic aioli while the mushrooms cook: In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients. Adjust the flavor to your liking. ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1-2 teaspoons Thai red chili paste, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1 small garlic clove, pinch salt, 1-2 teaspoons water

Enjoy!

Fried Enoki from babaganosh.org

Serves: 4 

Ingredients:

For the fried mushrooms:

• 8 oz fresh enoki mushrooms rinsed and thoroughly patted dry

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• ½ - ¾ teaspoon table salt

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ¾ cup cold water

• 2-3 cups vegetable oil for cooking, use enough to have at least 1.5 inches of oil in your pan

• optional: flaky sea salt, diced chives or scallions, lemon wedges for serving

For the chili aioli:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1-2 teaspoons Thai red chili paste to taste

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or lime juice

• 1 small garlic clove finely grated or minced

• pinch salt optional

• 1-2 teaspoons water optional