Oyster Mushroom Fried with Lemongrass and Chili – Simple Recipe for a Flavorful Family Meal

Are you looking for a dish that’s both unique and easy to make, yet can “awaken” the taste buds of your entire family? Let oyster mushroom fried with lemongrass and chili be the “star” of your meal. With the aromatic scent of lemongrass and the mild heat of chili blending with the crispy texture of oyster mushrooms, this dish is sure to earn praise from everyone. Let’s dive into the detailed recipe below!

The Origin and Special Appeal of Oyster Mushroom Fried with Lemongrass and Chili

The dish oyster mushroom fried with lemongrass and chili is not just a simple combination of familiar ingredients but also a symbol of the beauty of Vietnamese cuisine. Oyster mushrooms – a common, nutrient-rich type of mushroom – when combined with lemongrass and chili, create a dish that is rich in traditional flavor yet very modern.

The strength of this dish lies in its simplicity, quick preparation, and undeniable appeal. In today’s busy life, dishes like oyster mushroom fried with lemongrass and chili become the ideal choice for family meals. Not only do they save time, but they also offer high nutritional value, helping to balance daily meals.

Crispy oyster mushrooms with lemongrass and chili

Secrets to Choosing Fresh Oyster Mushrooms for the Perfect Fried Dish

The quality of the dish largely depends on the main ingredient – oyster mushrooms. To choose fresh oyster mushrooms, keep the following points in mind:

• Shape: Choose mushrooms with evenly round caps, white or slightly yellow in color, with a smooth surface, and no bruising.
• Moisture: Fresh oyster mushrooms usually have natural moisture but are not overly wet. Avoid mushrooms that are slimy or dripping.
• Aroma: Fresh oyster mushrooms have a mild, characteristic scent. If you detect a sour or foul smell, do not buy them.
• Source: Buy mushrooms from reputable stores, supermarkets, or wholesale markets that ensure food safety.

According to culinary expert Nguyen Van An, choosing fresh oyster mushrooms and preparing them correctly is crucial for achieving the maximum crispiness of the dish.

Preparing Ingredients: Step-by-Step to Perfection

To make oyster mushroom fried with lemongrass and chili, you will need the following ingredients:

• Oyster mushrooms: 300g (you can choose white oyster mushrooms or Japanese oyster mushrooms according to your preference)
• Lemongrass: 4 stalks
• Fresh chili: 2-3 pieces (adjust according to desired spiciness)
• Tempura flour: 100g
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
• Seasonings: Cooking oil, fish sauce, sugar, seasoning powder, ground pepper, chili sauce (for serving)

Note that you can adjust the amount of ingredients based on the number of people eating and your family’s taste.

Ingredients for oyster mushroom fried with lemongrass and chili

Steps to Make Crispy Oyster Mushroom Fried with Lemongrass and Chili

Step 1: Preparing the Oyster Mushrooms

• Rinse the oyster mushrooms under a gentle stream of water, remove the stems if present. Then let them drain or pat dry with paper towels.
• If the mushrooms are large, you can tear them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Marinating the Mushrooms

• Place the mushrooms in a large bowl, add 1 teaspoon of fish sauce, ½ teaspoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon of seasoning powder, and ¼ teaspoon of ground pepper.
• Mix well and marinate for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors penetrate.

Step 3: Mixing the Batter and Frying the Mushrooms

• Mix the tempura flour and cornstarch in a separate bowl.
• Coat each piece of mushroom evenly with the flour mixture.
• Heat the cooking oil in a pan, then fry the mushrooms over medium heat until they are golden and crispy.

Step 4: Sautéing Lemongrass and Chili and Finishing the Dish

• Finely chop the lemongrass and chili, then sauté them in a pan until fragrant.
• Add the fried mushrooms and quickly stir to coat them evenly with the lemongrass and chili.
• Turn off the heat and serve the dish on a plate.

Finished oyster mushroom fried with lemongrass and chili

Tips for Keeping Oyster Mushrooms Crispy and Not Soggy

To keep oyster mushroom fried with lemongrass and chili crispy, don’t miss these tips:

• Thorough Preparation: Remove as much moisture from the mushrooms as possible before coating them with flour.
• Double Frying: Fry the mushrooms once initially, then fry them again over high heat to increase crispiness.
• Sautéing Lemongrass and Chili to Golden Fragrance: Sauté the lemongrass and chili until they release their aroma but do not burn.

Creative Variations for Oyster Mushroom Fried with Lemongrass and Chili

If you want to try new and exciting versions, you can:

• Coating with Salted Egg Yolk: Add mashed salted egg yolk to the flour mixture for a rich flavor.
• Sweet and Sour Tamarind Sauce: Combine the fried mushrooms with tamarind sauce for a unique taste.
• Vegan Version: Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or vegan seasoning powder.

Nutritional Value of Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are not only delicious but also rich in plant-based protein, fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, iron, and zinc. They are an ideal choice for those on a diet, vegetarians, or anyone looking to add healthy nutrients to their diet.

How to Enjoy Oyster Mushroom Fried with Lemongrass and Chili Properly

Enjoy this dish while it’s hot with white rice, fresh noodles, or bread. You can also pair it with side dishes like vegetable soup or salad to create a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Oyster Mushroom Fried with Lemongrass and Chili Be Vegan?

Yes, you can replace fish sauce with soy sauce or vegan seasoning powder to suit a vegan diet.

How to Keep the Mushrooms Crispy?

Use the double-frying technique and enjoy the dish while it’s still hot.

How to Store the Dish?

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. When reheating, briefly fry it in hot oil or heat it in the microwave.

Conclusion

With the simple recipe for oyster mushroom fried with lemongrass and chili above, you can confidently head to the kitchen and create an appealing dish for your family. Save the recipe and start cooking today! Don’t forget to share your results to spread the joy of cooking!