Dragon Mushroom
Crispy, batter-fried button mushrooms tossed in a fiery, tangy sauce with onions and bell peppers. This popular Indo-Chinese appetizer is the perfect combination of spicy and savory, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Batter (5 minutes)
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup corn starch, ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp soy sauce, Kashmiri red chili powder, black pepper powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Gradually add 1/2 cup of water while whisking continuously to form a smooth, thick batter. It should be the consistency of pancake batter, thick enough to coat the mushrooms well.
Fry the Mushrooms (10 minutes)
- Heat the vegetable oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a drop of batter sizzles and rises to the surface immediately.
- Dip each mushroom half into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated, and carefully slide it into the hot oil.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers the oil temperature. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried mushrooms and drain them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels.
Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables (5 minutes)
- Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cubed onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. They should still have a slight crunch.
Create the Dragon Sauce (3 minutes)
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, white vinegar, sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt to the wok. Stir everything together.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp of corn starch with 2 tbsp of water to create a lump-free slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the wok, stirring constantly. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Combine and Serve (2 minutes)
- Add the crispy fried mushrooms to the wok with the sauce.
- Gently toss everything together quickly to coat the mushrooms evenly without making them soggy.
- Turn off the heat. Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure mushrooms are completely dry before battering to help the coating stick and prevent oil splattering.
- 2Fry in small batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil's temperature and result in soggy, greasy mushrooms.
- 3For an extra crispy texture, double-fry the mushrooms. Fry once until light golden, remove, and then fry again for 1-2 minutes just before tossing in the sauce.
- 4Prepare all your chopped vegetables and sauces before you start stir-frying, as the cooking process is very fast.
- 5Only toss the fried mushrooms in the sauce right before you plan to serve to maintain their crispiness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This recipe works wonderfully with other proteins. Try substituting the mushrooms with paneer cubes, tofu, baby corn, or even boneless chicken pieces. Adjust frying times accordingly.
Baked VersionBaked Version
For a healthier alternative, bake the battered mushrooms. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray with a little oil, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crisp, flipping halfway through.
Gravy VersionGravy Version
To turn this semi-dry appetizer into a main course with gravy, add 1/2 to 1 cup of vegetable broth or water to the sauce after adding the corn starch slurry. Simmer until it thickens. This version pairs well with fried rice or noodles.
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 and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Source of Antioxidants
Ingredients like bell peppers, garlic, and ginger are packed with antioxidants, which help protect your body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Provides Selenium
Button mushrooms are a notable source of the mineral selenium, which plays a crucial role in immune function and thyroid health.
Frequently asked questions
Dragon Mushroom is a deep-fried appetizer, so it's high in calories and fat, making it more of an indulgent treat than a health food. However, it contains beneficial ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, ginger, and garlic. For a healthier version, you can air-fry or bake the mushrooms.