Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood at my kitchen counter, the scents of garlic and spices wafted through the air, transporting me to a Southern diner filled with warmth and laughter. That’s when I knew I had to share my beloved recipe for Chicken-Fried Oyster Mushrooms & Gravy. This vegetarian twist on a classic comfort food not only captures the satisfying crunch of fried chicken but also takes just 30 minutes to whip up—perfect for those hectic weeknights when you crave something indulgent yet quick. Each bite is a delightful embrace of flavors and textures, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Curious how you can bring this nostalgic dish to your table? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why Make Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy? Crispiness that rivals any fried chicken: The oyster mushrooms become wonderfully crunchy, satisfying your cravings for texture. Comforting gravy: This rich, creamy sauce is the perfect complement, enveloping each mushroom with savory goodness. Quick prep and cook time: In just 30 minutes, you can serve a meal that feels indulgent, making it ideal for busy evenings. Versatile variations: Swap in other mushrooms like portobello in this recipe or try Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms for a fun twist! Vegetarian-friendly and flavorful: Enjoy a delightful meat-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it a hit with everyone at the table. Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy Ingredients For the Mushrooms • Oyster mushrooms (12 ounces) – Best when large and meaty, they mimic fried chicken’s texture beautifully. • All-purpose flour (2 cups) – This forms the crispy breading; swap with gluten-free flour if needed. • Cornstarch (2 Tbsp) – Adds an extra layer of crunch; no need for substitutions here. • Sweet paprika (2 tsp) – Provides vibrant flavor and color; try using smoked paprika for a deeper taste. • Garlic powder (1 tsp) – Boosts flavor; fresh garlic can be used for a punchier profile. • Onion powder (1 tsp) – Complements garlic; feel free to leave it out if you’re avoiding onions. • Turmeric (1/2 tsp) – Gives a warm hue; optional for those sensitive to its flavor. • Kosher salt – Enhances overall taste; adjust according to preference. • Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a peppery kick; freshly ground offers the best flavor. • Unsweetened almond milk (1 cup) – This acts as the base for buttermilk; any plant-based milk works well. • Apple cider vinegar (1 Tbsp) – Crucial for creating the buttermilk; substitute with lemon juice if needed. • Vegetable oil (for frying) – Essential for the frying process; choose oils like canola or peanut for high smoke points. • Flaky sea salt – A finishing touch for added flavor; optional, but highly recommended. For the Gravy • Vegan butter (2 Tbsp) – Provides richness to the gravy; regular butter can be used for non-vegan options. • Cremini mushrooms (3 large, chopped) – Enhances the gravy’s depth with their earthy flavor. • Clove of garlic (minced) – Adds a lovely garlic essence; use more for an intensified flavor. • Chopped chives – For garnish; optional, but adds a fresh finish to the dish. Enjoy whipping up this indulgent recipe for Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy, where comfort food meets vegetarian delight! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk Start by creating your buttermilk for the Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Whisk well and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens and curdles slightly, mimicking traditional buttermilk. This step is crucial for a flavorful coating on our mushrooms. Step 2: Bread the Mushrooms In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 2 teaspoons of sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of turmeric, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Dip each oyster mushroom into the prepared buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Then coat each mushroom in the dry mixture, pressing lightly to ensure they’re fully covered. Step 3: Heat the Oil In a large skillet, pour in vegetable oil, ensuring it’s at least 1 inch deep for frying. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of about 350°F. To test the readiness, drop a small piece of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately. This ensures your Chicken-Fried Mushrooms will cook evenly and become crispy. Step 4: Fry the Mushrooms Carefully place the coated oyster mushrooms into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them gently, ensuring they cook evenly. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Step 5: Make the Gravy In another pan, melt 2 tablespoons of vegan butter over medium heat. Add 3 large chopped cremini mushrooms and 1 minced clove of garlic, stirring occasionally, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and the garlic is fragrant. This will form the flavorful base of your gravy, adding depth to your Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy. Step 6: Thicken the Gravy Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the sautéed mushrooms and stir for 1-2 minutes until the flour is well incorporated. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of almond milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep stirring until the gravy starts to thicken, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once it reaches a creamy consistency, season with salt and pepper to taste. Step 7: Serve the Dish To serve, place the crispy Chicken-Fried Mushrooms on a plate and generously drizzle with the creamy gravy. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle with chopped chives. This indulgent Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy dish is rich, savory, and irresistibly comforting, making it perfect for those cozy nights! Make Ahead Options These Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy are ideal for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the buttermilk (almond milk and apple cider vinegar) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until needed. Additionally, bread the oyster mushrooms and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days; this keeps them crispy when fried! When you’re ready to serve, simply fry the mushrooms straight from the fridge and make the gravy just before serving to ensure it’s hot and creamy. This way, you’ll enjoy a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort, bringing comfort and joy to your table! What to Serve with Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy? Elevate your dining experience by pairing these crispy delights with complementary sides that enhance every savory bite. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery clouds provide a rich, smooth contrast to the crunchy mushrooms, soaking up every bit of gravy. Sautéed greens: Quickly cooked spinach or kale adds vibrant color and nutrition, balancing the dish with freshness and a slight bitterness. Coleslaw: A zesty slaw brings a refreshing crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness, creating a delightful harmony of textures. Biscuits: Fluffy, warm biscuits are perfect for mopping up the savory gravy, adding a comforting Southern touch that’s impossible to resist. Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges: Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and crispy exterior, creating an exciting flavor contrast with the savory mushrooms and gravy. Pickled Jalapeños: A spicy kick from pickled jalapeños can add a fun layer of heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish. Iced Tea or Lemonade: Cool, refreshing beverages like iced tea or tangy lemonade round out the meal, keeping your palate refreshed between bites. Chocolate Cake: For dessert, a rich chocolate cake delivers a sweet finish that complements the savory, indulgent nature of the meal, creating a well-rounded dining experience. Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy Variations Feel free to get creative and tailor this comforting dish to fit your cravings and dietary needs! Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for the breading to keep it celiac-friendly. The flavors remain intact, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic treat. Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper to the breading mix for an extra layer of heat. This provides a nice contrast to the creamy gravy, giving the dish a delightful zing that will wake up your taste buds! Different Mushrooms: Swap in portobello or button mushrooms for a unique twist on the texture. Each variety brings its own flavor profile, making this dish versatile and exciting for mushroom lovers. Creamy Gravy: For a richer gravy, stir in a splash of coconut cream as you thicken your gravy for a touch of sweetness. This adds an indulgent creaminess reminiscent of Southern style while keeping it plant-based. Herby Flavors: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the gravy for a fragrant touch. This adds an aromatic freshness that brightens each bite, giving your comfort dish a gourmet feel. Texture Variety: For added crunch, consider including panko breadcrumbs in your breading mixture. This additional layer creates a super crispy outside while keeping the insides tender. Lemon Zest: Adding lemon zest to your gravy brings a pop of brightness and freshness. It brilliantly contrasts the rich, creamy elements and adds an unexpected twist that elevates the dish to new heights. Sautéed Greens: Serve alongside a side of sautéed greens like kale or spinach, which not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a lovely color contrast to the crispy mushrooms. Remember, the heart of cooking lies in experimentation, so enjoy these variations or create your own! If you’re after some more mushroom inspiration, you can try these Potsticker Soup Mushrooms or add a twist with Chicken Thighs Mushrooms. Happy cooking! How to Store and Freeze Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy Room Temperature: Chicken-Fried Mushrooms can be left at room temperature for up to 2 hours if serving right away. However, for longer storage, it’s best to refrigerate them. Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the crispy texture, reheat them in the oven instead of the microwave. Freezer: If you want to freeze Chicken-Fried Mushrooms, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating. Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through and crispy, about 10–15 minutes. Drizzle a little extra gravy once warmed to enhance its richness before serving. Expert Tips for Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy Mushroom Selection: Choose large, meaty oyster mushrooms for the best texture; smaller mushrooms may not mimic fried chicken effectively. Breading Technique: Ensure each mushroom is thoroughly coated in the dry mixture after dipping in buttermilk; this enhances the crispiness of your Chicken-Fried Mushrooms. Oil Temperature: Heat the oil to around 350°F before frying; if it’s not hot enough, the mushrooms may become greasy instead of crispy. Avoid Crowding: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking; overcrowding can lead to soggy mushrooms. Gravy Consistency: Whisk the almond milk into the gravy gradually, ensuring a smooth texture without lumps; a properly thickened gravy adds richness to your dish. Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy Recipe FAQs What mushrooms are best for this recipe? Absolutely! For the best results, choose large and meaty oyster mushrooms to mimic the texture of fried chicken beautifully. They become wonderfully crunchy and deliver that satisfying bite. You can also experiment with portobello or button mushrooms if you desire a different experience. How should I store leftovers? Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain that crispy texture, I recommend reheating them in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes. This will help restore their crunchiness rather than making them soggy in the microwave. Can I freeze Chicken-Fried Mushrooms? Yes! To freeze, let’s ensure they’re well-prepared. First, arrange the fried mushrooms in a single layer on a baking sheet, then place in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and label with the date. They can be kept for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw thoroughly and reheat in the oven for the best texture. What if my gravy is too thin? If your gravy doesn’t thicken as desired, no worries! Simply create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold almond milk, then whisk it into your gravy while it’s simmering. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes, stirring until you achieve your preferred consistency. Remember, patience is key! Is this dish suitable for vegans? Yes, indeed! This Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy is entirely vegan-friendly, especially with the use of almond milk and vegan butter. Just be sure to use plant-based options for all ingredients and enjoy this rich, indulgent comfort food without any animal products. Can I modify the spices for different flavor profiles? Very much! If you’re adventurous, try adding cayenne pepper for a little heat or swap out the sweet paprika for smoked paprika to deepen the flavors. Feel free to explore different herbs and spices that may appeal to your palate; cooking is all about personalization! Savory Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy for Cozy Nights A quick, delightful recipe for Chicken-Fried Mushrooms & Gravy that's vegetarian-friendly and perfect for cozy nights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: SouthernCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Mushrooms12 ounces Oyster mushrooms Best when large and meaty2 cups All-purpose flour Swap with gluten-free flour if needed2 Tbsp Cornstarch Adds an extra layer of crunch2 tsp Sweet paprika Try using smoked paprika for deeper taste1 tsp Garlic powder Fresh garlic can be used for a punchier profile1 tsp Onion powder Feel free to leave out if avoiding onions1/2 tsp Turmeric Optional for those sensitive to its flavorKosher salt Enhances overall taste; adjust according to preferenceFreshly ground black pepper Freshly ground offers the best flavor1 cup Unsweetened almond milk Any plant-based milk works well1 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar Crucial for creating the buttermilkVegetable oil Choose oils like canola or peanut for fryingFlaky sea salt Optional but highly recommendedFor the Gravy2 Tbsp Vegan butter Regular butter can be used for non-vegan options3 large Cremini mushrooms Chopped1 Clove of garlic MincedChopped chives For garnish; optional Equipment Mixing bowlSkilletWhiskTongs Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrepare the Buttermilk: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Whisk well and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens and curdles slightly.Bread the Mushrooms: In another bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 2 teaspoons of sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper. Dip each oyster mushroom into the prepared buttermilk and coat in the dry mixture.Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour in vegetable oil to reach 1 inch deep. Heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F, testing with a small piece of batter.Fry the Mushrooms: Carefully place coated mushrooms into the hot oil, frying in batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel.Make the Gravy: In another pan, melt 2 tablespoons of vegan butter over medium heat. Add 3 large chopped cremini mushrooms and 1 minced clove of garlic, sautéing for 4-5 minutes.Thicken the Gravy: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the sautéed mushrooms and stir. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of almond milk until thickened.Serve the Dish: Place crispy Chicken-Fried Mushrooms on a plate and drizzle with the creamy gravy. Sprinkle with chopped chives. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesChoose large, meaty oyster mushrooms for the best texture. Ensure thorough coating in the dry mix for crispiness. Maintain oil temperature while frying, and avoid overcrowding the pan for better results. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
