1-First Step: Prepare the Mushrooms Start by cutting off the brown base of the 8 oz fresh enoki mushrooms. Then, separate or slice them into thin bunches about 1-inch long and ½-inch wide at the base, aiming for smaller bunches to help them crisp well. This preparation step takes about 5 minutes and ensures even frying.

2-Second Step: Mix the Batter In a shallow flat container, whisk together ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup cornstarch, ½ to ¾ teaspoon table salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Add ¾ cup cold water and mix until smooth and lump-free. This should take 2-3 minutes and creates a thin batter for optimal crispiness.

3-Third Step: Heat the Oil Heat 2 to 3 cups vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat until it reaches at least 1.5 inches depth. The oil is ready when it bubbles upon inserting the tip of a toothpick, which usually takes 5-7 minutes. Maintain the temperature around 350-375°F for the best results.

4-Fourth Step: Coat and Fry the Mushrooms Using tongs, dip the enoki mushroom bunches into the batter, coating both sides and bottom, and allow excess batter to drip off. Carefully place the battered mushrooms into the hot oil. Fry for 1 minute, flip gently, and fry for another minute until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and repeat for all mushrooms, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.

5-Fifth Step: Prepare the Chili Aioli While the mushrooms cool briefly, mix ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 to 2 teaspoons Thai red chili paste, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon or lime juice, 1 small garlic clove finely minced or grated, an optional pinch of salt, and 1 to 2 teaspoons water if needed. Stir until you reach your desired consistency, which takes about 2 minutes. Adjust flavors as preferred for the perfect dip.

6-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Let the fried mushrooms cool for a minute or two, then serve warm with flaky sea salt, diced chives or scallions, a squeeze of lemon juice, and the chili aioli on the side. This recipe makes about 4 appetizer servings, ready in roughly 25 minutes total. For more snack ideas, check out our easy appetizer recipes.