Foodily

May 21, 2021
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Meaty oyster mushrooms stand in for steak in our indulgent take on this Southern classic. Buttermilk is a must for fried chicken, so we made our own with almond milk and vinegar. When first mixed, the milk may appear to separate, but a good whisking will bring it back together.

Ingredients

FOR CHICKEN-FRIED MUSHROOMS

2large bunches oyster mushrooms (about 12 ounces)
2 c.all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp.cornstarch
2 tsp.sweet paprika
1 tsp.garlic powder
1 tsp.onion powder
1/2 tsp.turmeric
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 c.unsweetened almond milk
1 Tbsp.apple cider vinegar
Vegetable oil, for frying
Flaky sea salt

FOR MUSHROOM GRAVY

2 Tbsp.vegan butter
2 oz.cremini mushrooms (about 3 large), chopped into small pieces
1clove garlic, minced
2 Tbsp.all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil, for frying
2 c.unsweetened almond milk
Chopped chives, for garnish

Directions

1. Step 1Make the chicken-fried mushrooms: Trim any tough woody ends from oyster mushrooms, making sure to keep root intact. Slice bunches lengthwise through the root into 1/2-inch thick planks. Keep any pieces of mushroom that fall off of planks to batter separately.
2. Step 2In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk together almond milk and vinegar.
3. Step 3Working with one at a time, toss mushroom steaks into flour mixture, making sure to coat the nooks and crannies. Dip in almond milk. Repeat, tossing in flour, dipping in almond milk, and tossing again in flour and transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining mushrooms, arranging them in a single layer on plate. Repeat with any extra mushroom bits.
4. Step 4Pour oil into a large cast-iron skillet until it comes ½ inch up side of skillet and place over medium-high heat. When oil is hot and just starts to shimmer, reduce heat to medium. Fry mushrooms in 2 batches, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, about 8 minutes per side for large planks and 4 minutes per side for smaller planks and mushroom bits. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain and sprinkle with sea salt.
5. Step 5Meanwhile, make gravy: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add cremini mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring until fragrant, 1 minute.
6. Step 6Add flour to mushroom mixture and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Whisking constantly, slowly pour almond milk into mushroom mixture. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring often, until gravy thickens, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Step 7Serve mushrooms topped with gravy, chives, and more pepper.