Hey there, fellow food lovers! Ever crave the satisfying crunch of calamari but want a kinder, gentler option? Look no further! This vegan calamari recipe will rock your world. Forget rubbery disappointments – we’re talking oyster mushrooms transformed into crispy, flavorful bites that rival the real deal (and dare I say, surpass it?).
This recipe is perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you need a delicious, cruelty-free snack. So, grab your aprons, and let’s dive into this fun and easy culinary adventure!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Mushrooms:
- 3-4 king oyster mushrooms (reserve the tops for another recipe – waste not, want not!)
Garnish:
- 2 lemon wedges
- Finely chopped parsley (optional)
Dipping Sauce:
- Your favorite vegan tartar sauce ( I highly recommend the recipe from my cookbook, “Vegan Comfort Classics”!)
- Alternatively, use vegan shrimp cocktail sauce, or mix ketchup and horseradish for a simple DIY version.
Batter:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Up to 1 cup club soda
Let’s Get Cooking!
Preparing the Mushrooms:
- Slice and Shape: Slice the oyster mushroom stems widthwise into ⅛-inch and ¼-inch rounds.
- Create the Rings: Using a ½-inch round cookie cutter or the round end of a metal piping tip, punch holes into the center of each mushroom round. Keep the punched-out circles – we’ll be frying those up too!
Batter Up:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the Liquid: Gradually whisk in the club soda until you achieve a pancake batter consistency. The batter should cling to the mushrooms without being overly thick.
Frying Time!
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to have at least 2 inches of depth. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) before frying.
- Coat the Mushrooms: Working in batches, toss half the mushroom pieces in the batter, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Carefully add a few battered mushroom pieces to the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot! Fry for 2 minutes, then flip and fry for another 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Repeat: Remove the fried calamari with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain. Repeat the process with the remaining mushroom pieces.
Serving Your Vegan Calamari:
- Plate and Garnish: Arrange the crispy calamari on a serving platter.
- Add a Squeeze of Lemon: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the calamari for an extra burst of flavor.
- Dip and Enjoy: Serve with your favorite vegan tartar sauce, shrimp cocktail sauce, or a simple ketchup and horseradish mixture.
Tips for Crispy Calamari Success:
- Mushroom Selection: King oyster mushrooms are ideal for this recipe due to their size and texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Frying in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping and ensures even cooking.
- Temperature Control: Investing in a cooking thermometer helps maintain the ideal frying temperature.
- Get Creative with Dipping Sauces: Experiment with different flavor profiles to find your perfect match.
Conclusion:
There you have it – a delicious and compassionate twist on a classic appetizer! This vegan calamari is sure to impress your guests. They’ll be amazed by the crispy texture and savory flavor. So gather your ingredients, and prepare for a culinary adventure that’s kind to animals and your taste buds!
Don’t forget to share your culinary creations and tag Robert Kline Art on social media. We love seeing your plant-based masterpieces!
Ready for more handmade inspiration? Explore our website for unique DIY gift ideas and unleash your inner artist!
vegan calamari_hot for food
“Crispy golden vegan calamari served with a side of tartar sauce.”