Chilli Mushroom Gravy
Crispy, batter-fried mushrooms tossed in a spicy, tangy, and savory gravy with bell peppers and onions. This popular Indo-Chinese dish is a perfect side for fried rice or noodles.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Batter and Fry Mushrooms
- b.In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, 4 tbsp corn starch, ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper.
- c.Gradually add about 1/2 cup of water, whisking continuously to form a smooth, thick batter (like pancake batter) with no lumps.
- d.Heat oil for deep frying in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat (around 175°C / 350°F).
- e.Dip each mushroom piece into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Carefully slide them into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- f.Fry in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp.
- g.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried mushrooms and drain them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of sesame oil in a separate large wok or pan over high heat.
- c.Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped ginger, garlic, green chilies, and spring onion whites. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the cubed onion and green bell pepper. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be slightly cooked but remain crisp and crunchy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Gravy
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, red chili sauce, rice vinegar, and tomato ketchup to the wok. Stir everything together.
- c.Add sugar and the remaining 1/4 tsp of salt. Stir well to combine.
- d.Pour in 1.5 cups of water and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
- e.In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tbsp of corn starch with 2-3 tbsp of cold water to create a lump-free slurry.
- f.While continuously stirring the boiling gravy, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens and turns glossy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Add the crispy fried mushrooms to the thickened gravy.
- c.Gently toss everything together to coat the mushrooms evenly. Simmer for only 1 minute to allow the mushrooms to absorb the flavors without becoming soggy.
- d.Turn off the heat. Garnish generously with chopped spring onion greens.
- e.Serve immediately while hot with your choice of steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
What to keep in mind.
6 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 for 1-2 minutes until deep golden brown.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan when frying mushrooms; work in batches to maintain the oil's temperature and ensure even crispiness.
- 3Add the fried mushrooms to the gravy just before serving to prevent them from losing their crunch.
- 4The key to authentic Indo-Chinese cooking is to stir-fry the vegetables on high heat for a short time to keep them crunchy.
- 5You can add other vegetables like baby corn, carrots, or different colored bell peppers for more texture and color.
- 6Ensure the gravy is boiling when you add the cornstarch slurry to avoid a raw, starchy taste.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dry Chilli Mushroom
For a dry or semi-dry version, reduce the water for the gravy to 1/4 cup and omit the cornstarch slurry. Toss the fried mushrooms in the concentrated sauce.
Protein BoostProtein Boost
Add fried cubes of paneer or tofu along with the mushrooms for a more substantial dish.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure that the soy sauce, chili sauce, and ketchup used are certified vegan and do not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of red chili sauce and green chilies, or add a teaspoon of schezwan sauce for an extra kick of heat.
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, red blood cell formation, and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Provides Antioxidants
Both mushrooms and bell peppers contain powerful antioxidants. Mushrooms provide selenium and ergothioneine, while bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C and carotenoids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Supports Immunity
The combination of garlic, ginger, and bell peppers (a great source of Vitamin C) can help support a healthy immune system and fight off infections.
Frequently asked questions
Chilli Mushroom Gravy can be part of a balanced diet in moderation. It contains nutritious ingredients like mushrooms and bell peppers. However, because the mushrooms are deep-fried and the sauces contain high levels of sodium and sugar, it is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily meal.