Crispy Fried Mushrooms with Cool Ranch Dip (Print version)

Golden fried mushrooms with a crunchy seasoned coating and a chilled, creamy ranch dip for dunking.

# Ingredients:

For the cool ranch dip

01 - 1/2 cup (115 g) mayonnaise
02 - 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
03 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
04 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
05 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the fried mushrooms

11 - 1 lb (450 g) small button or cremini mushrooms
12 - 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
13 - 3/4 cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
14 - 1/4 cup (32 g) cornstarch
15 - 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
16 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
17 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
18 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
19 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for finishing
20 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
21 - 4-6 cups (950 ml-1.4 L) neutral oil, for frying

# Instructions:

01 - Stir mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, parsley, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the mushrooms.
02 - Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp towel, trim the stem ends, and pat very dry. Halve any mushrooms larger than 1 1/2 inches wide.
03 - Pour buttermilk into a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
04 - Dip mushrooms in buttermilk, let the excess drip off, then roll in the seasoned crumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks, then rest on a tray for 5 minutes.
05 - Pour 2 inches of oil into a heavy pot and heat to 350°F. Set a wire rack over a baking sheet for draining.
06 - Fry mushrooms in small batches for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crisp. Keep the oil close to 350°F between batches.
07 - Transfer fried mushrooms to the rack and sprinkle lightly with salt while hot. Serve immediately with the chilled ranch dip.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served hot within 15 minutes of frying.
02 - Keep the ranch dip cold until serving.
03 - Oil temperature should stay near 350°F for the crispest crust.

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