Crispy Vegan Chicken Tenders featuring Fried Oyster Mushrooms

Righteously Spiced and Crispy Vegan Fried Oyster Mushrooms 

Experience a delightful crunch and burst of flavor with these vegan fried oyster mushrooms. Seasoned thrice and coated with a unique blend of flours and spices, these mushrooms are a vegan twist on the classic chicken tenders.

Ingredients:

• 150g oyster mushrooms, cleaned and cut into "chicken tender" sizes
• White rice flour (or a suitable substitute)
• Corn starch
• Corn meal
• Spices: Smoked paprika, paprika powder, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper
• Salt and cracked pepper
• Canola oil, for frying
• Oat milk (approximately 2 cups)
• 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (hot sauce optional)

Spice Mix:

• 4 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• 4 ½ teaspoons paprika powder
• 4 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 4 ½ teaspoons onion powder
• 3 teaspoons turmeric powder
• ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 3 teaspoons salt
• Cracked pepper (to taste)

Wet Rub:

• 2 cups oat milk
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ⅓ of the spice mix

Dry Rub:

• ¾ cup white rice flour (or substitute)
• ¼ cup corn starch
• ¼ cup corn meal
• ⅓ of the spice mix

Instructions:

1. Season Mushrooms: After cleaning, season the mushrooms generously with ⅓ of the spice mix and let them sit for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare Wet Rub: In a bowl, mix the oat milk and apple cider vinegar with ⅓ of the spice mix. Adjust the consistency as needed.

3. Prepare Dry Rub: In another bowl, combine the white rice flour, corn starch, and corn meal with the remaining ⅓ of the spice mix.

4. Coating: Dip each mushroom piece first in the wet rub, then in the dry rub. For a crispier texture, repeat the process for a double coat.

5. Frying: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the mushrooms in batches until golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite vegan dipping sauces.