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Vegan Fried Chicken

Vegan Fried Chicken - Grandma's Tasty Recipes

Let me take you on a journey into the world of vegan fried chicken. It's a dish that has garnered attention and admiration from both vegans and non-vegans alike. If you’re skeptical about plant-based alternatives, you’re not alone. 
I was once a die-hard meat lover, but the flavors and textures of vegan fried chicken have completely turned me around. It’s crispy, savory, and utterly satisfying without any animal products.
This piece isn't just a recipe; it’s an exploration. We're diving into the taste, the process, and the many ways you can enjoy this dish. Don’t worry, I promise you’ll leave with a new culinary arsenal to impress your friends or simply enjoy on a quiet evening at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients:
  • Vegetable oil for frying I recommend rapeseed oil
  • 300 - g 10.6 oz
Dry Ingredients:
  • 2.5 - tbsp peri-peri seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1.5 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 cup plain flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Wet Ingredients:
  • 1/2 Juice from lemon
  • 1 cup soya milk
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar this adds depth
  • - ½ tsp onion powder

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
  1. Start by prepping your oyster mushrooms. Clean them gently with a damp cloth and slice them into chunks. You want that bite, right? In a bowl, mix the soya milk, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. This is your marinade.
  2. Add the mushroom pieces to the bowl, ensuring they’re coated well. Let them soak up all that goodness for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial for flavor infusion.
Step 2: Create the Coating
  1. In another bowl, mix all your dry ingredients: flour, peri-peri seasoning, garlic powder, baking powder, paprika, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk these together until well combined. This helps ensure an even flavor throughout your fried chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Mushrooms
  1. Once the mushrooms have marinated sufficiently, take them out. Let the excess liquid drip off for a moment. Then, carefully dredge each piece in the dry mixture. You want a good coating, so press gently to make sure the flour sticks.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
  1. In a large pan, heat up your vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it's ready when you drop a small piece of batter in, and it bubbles up immediately. It usually takes about 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying.
Step 5: Fry to Perfection
  1. Gently place your coated mushrooms into the oil in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they turn golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat to ensure even cooking.
  2. Once fried, remove them and let them rest on a plate lined with paper towels. This step absorbs any excess oil.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
  1. And… voilà! Your crispy vegan fried chicken is ready. Serve it hot, alongside your favorite dips or sauces. Perhaps some vegan ranch or a zesty hot sauce? Go crazy!

Notes

- Watch the Temperature: Keeping oil at the right temperature is key. Too hot, and it burns; too cool, and they absorb more oil.
- Let Them Marinate: Don’t rush this step. The longer mushrooms soak, the more flavor they absorb.
- Double Dipping: For an extra crunch, you can dip in the marinade again and coat once more in the flour mix.
- Fresh Spices: Whenever possible, use fresh spices for better flavor. They make a noticeable difference.
- Experiment with Coating: Feel free to try out different types of flour or breadcrumb mixes for varied textures.