Taiwanese Popcorn Mushroom (CRISPY & JUICY!)

Are you ready for this game-changer? My Vegetarian Taiwanese Popcorn “Chicken”, or Taiwanese Popcorn Mushrooms might beat traditional chicken for me! These crispy mushroom will BLOW YOUR MIND! Super crispy, juicy, and flavourful deep-fried Oyster mushroom is easy to make at home and the perfect party snack that your guest will love. They’ll forget they’re not eating meat! These mushrooms are Gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and INSANELY delicious (this is coming from a meat lover too!) 

Crispy Fried Oyster Mushroos

• Vegetarian Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
• Ingredients For Authentic Popcorn Mushrooms
  • Best Mushroom For Deep Frying
  • Taiwanese Seasoning Salt
• How To Make Vegetarian Popcorn Chicken
• Do you want more Taiwanese VEGETARIAN street food recipes? Here are some of my go-to secret recipes that you will L OVE!

Vegetarian Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

I had a dream about these Taiwanese Popcorn Mushrooms, and the next day, I woke up and instantly started recipe testing in my kitchen. There is a similar deep-fried mushroom dish in Taiwan street food, but I wanted to make the recipe comparable to Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken. After a few trials and errors, this recipe will be my new go-to party recipe to serve. 

Ingredients For Authentic Popcorn Mushrooms

Seasoning Mix – chili powder, paprika, five-spice powder, white pepper, garlic powder, and salt

Best Mushroom For Deep Frying

After deep frying Oyster Mushroom, Enoki Mushroom, Shiitake Mushroom, King Oyster Mushroom, and Shemiji Mushroom, I can confirm the winner for Taiwanese Popcorn Mushroom is for sure Oyster Mushroom. It has the most “meat-like” texture, and after squeezing out all the excess water, it leaves the mushroom with both juicy and crispy textures.

For that perfect popcorn chicken flavor, I use traditional Popcorn Chicken condiments such as soy sauce, minced garlic, five-spice powder, and white pepper to marinate. Then, I use rice flour and tapioca starch batter for the perfect light and crunchy outer layer. 

Taiwanese Seasoning Salt

The key to a delicious Taiwanese Popcorn Mushroom is the seasoning salt! This is the classic Taiwanese seasoning salt that you’ll get at any Taiwanese fried chicken place, with a slight spicy kick at the end. It’s a mixture of chili powder, paprika, five-spice powder, white pepper, garlic powder, and salt. I use equal amounts of everything. But, depending on how spicy, salty, and garlic you want, you can adjust these seasonings to your liking.

How To Make Vegetarian Popcorn Chicken

1. Wash the Oyster Mushroom and squeeze out all the excess water. The mushroom should have a rough texture after squeezing. 
2. Marinate the mushroom with soy sauce, minced garlic, and Five Spice Powder for 10 minutes. 
3. After 10 minutes, add in 3.5 tbsp of rice flour and one egg and mix. You want a wet batter consistency.
4. Coat the mushroom with Tapioca Starch and let it sit for 5-7 minutes to prevent the coating from falling off. 
5. In a pan, add in oil and turn the heat to medium-high. Once the oil is hot, add in the mushroom and fry for 3-4 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.  
6. Add in the Thai basil and try for another 1-2 minutes on high heat. Remove and rest on paper towel. 
7. Sprinkle a generous amount of seasoning mix, toss and enjoy! 

Do you want more Taiwanese VEGETARIAN street food recipes? Here are some of my go-to secret recipes that you will LOVE!

• Vegetarian Dumplings (EASY & Healthy!)
• BIG Green Onion Pancake (5 Ingredients ONLY!)
• Cold Sesame Noodles (10 Minutes only!)
• Crispy Fried Tofu with Garlic Sauce

Taiwanese Popcorn Mushroom

By Tiffy Cooks

5 from 1 vote

Are you ready for this game-changer? My Vegetarian Taiwanese Popcorn “Chicken” might beat traditional chicken for me! Attention all Taiwanese Food lovers, you NEED to try this CRISPY Taiwanese Popcorn Mushroom because it will blow your mind. Super crispy, juicy, and flavourful deep-fried mushroom oyster is easy to make at home and the perfect party snack that your guest will love. Taiwanese Popcorn Mushroom is Gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and INSANELY delicious (this is coming from a meat lover too!)

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Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:20 minutes mins

Total Time:30 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Asian, Taiwanese

Diet: Vegetarian

Keyword: Asian Recipe Easy, asian snack, Deep Fried, easy snack, Mushroom, snack, Street Food, Taiwanese Food, Taiwanese Recipes, VEGETARIAN

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 276kcal

Ingredients

• 0.5 lb Fresh Oyster Mushroom
• 2.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp Garlic Minced
• 1 Tbsp Five Spice Powder
• 1 Egg Large
• 3.5 Tbsp Rice Flour
• 1.5 Cup Thai Basil
• 2 Cup Tapioca Starch

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Wash the Oyster Mushroom and squeeze out all the excess water. The mushroom should have a rough texture after squeezing.
• Marinate the mushroom with soy sauce, minced garlic, and Five Spice Powder for 10 minutes.
  
• After 10 minutes, add in 3.5 tbsp of rice flour and one egg and mix. You want a wet batter consistency.
• Coat the mushroom with Tapioca Starch and let it sit for 5-7 minutes to prevent the coating from falling off.
• In a pan, add in oil and turn the heat to medium-high. Once the oil is hot, add in the mushroom and fry for 3-4 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
• Add in the Thai basil and try for another 1-2 minutes on high heat. Remove and rest on paper towel.
  
• Sprinkle a generous amount of seasoning mix, toss and enjoy!
  

Video

Notes

Seasoning Mix – chili powder, paprika, five-spice powder, white pepper, garlic powder, and salt

I use equal parts everything, but you can adjust spiciness or savoriness to your liking

Nutrition

Calories: 276kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 6gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 655mgPotassium: 354mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 567IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 3mg