Crispy Fried Mushrooms with Cool Ranch Dip are a fantastic appetizer or snack! The mushrooms are battered and fried to a golden crisp, paired with a creamy and flavorful ranch dip. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to make this dish at home:
Crispy Fried Mushrooms with Cool Ranch Dip
Ingredients:
For the Fried Mushrooms:
- 1 lb fresh mushrooms (button or cremini work well)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal (for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cool Ranch Dip:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix (store-bought packet or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- A pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the mushrooms:
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Remove the stems if desired or leave them on for extra flavor and texture. If the mushrooms are large, you can cut them in half or quarters, depending on your preference.
2. Make the batter:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth.
3. Coat the mushrooms:
- Dip each mushroom into the buttermilk mixture, coating it well.
- Then, dredge the coated mushroom into the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it’s well coated. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Fry the mushrooms:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C). You want enough oil to submerge the mushrooms.
- Fry the mushrooms in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried mushrooms with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Cool Ranch Dip:
- In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste.
6. Serve:
- Serve the crispy fried mushrooms warm with the Cool Ranch dip on the side for dipping.
Tips:
- Frying tips: To maintain crispy mushrooms, make sure the oil is at the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the batter may burn before the mushrooms cook through. If it’s too cold, the mushrooms may become soggy.
- For a spicier dip: Add a little hot sauce or chili flakes to the Cool Ranch dip for an extra kick.
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.
These Crispy Fried Mushrooms with Cool Ranch Dip are perfect for parties, game days, or as a satisfying snack. Enjoy the crispy, golden mushrooms paired with the cool, tangy ranch dip!