Spicy Cumin Lion's Mane Mushrooms
When you combine cumin and chili powder into a dish, it creates a wonderfully spicy and savory flavor that makes these lion's mane mushrooms a delight as appetizers or snacks.
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 16 oz fresh lion's mane mushrooms
- sugar
- water
- cooking oil
Batter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons water
Spice Mix
- ½ tablespoons cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder plus extra for topping
- 1 tablespoon chili powder plus extra for topping
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon salt plus extra for topping
- ½ teaspoon mushrooms seasoning
Instructions
- Gently clean mushrooms with a brush, then cut off any tough parts from the stems, if any. Next, use your fingers to tear mushrooms into larger than bite-sized pieces.
- Fill a large pot or pan with water (about 6-8 cups depending on the pan size) and bring it to a boil. Then, add ½ teaspoon of sugar into the hot water.
- Add mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes until slightly tender. Cooking time may be shorter for smaller mushrooms pieces.
- Drain out the water. Once cooled, using your palms, gently squeeze mushrooms to remove all the liquid and transfer to a bowl.
- Meanwhile, whisk together flour and water into a thin paste, set aside.
- Rub mushrooms with cumin seeds, cumin powder, chili powder, salt, and mushrooms seasoning until all mushrooms are coated. [Increase the salt if you plan to serve this as-is]
- Add the batter and sesame seeds, then use your fingers to coat the mushrooms until well combined.
- Thread a few pieces of mushrooms (about 4) onto the skewer. Repeat until all mushrooms are done. (I got about 9 skewers)
- Set a large shallow pan (big enough to fit the skewer) over medium-low heat. Cover the bottom with a thin layer of oil (see video or picture above for reference).
- Carefully lower the skewer onto the hot oil.
- Cook until all sides turn golden brown and a thin crust forms, turning occasionally. Please make sure to maintain a light sizzle over medium-low heat and fully cook through the mushrooms.
- To prepare another spice mix for topping, combine 1 tablespoon of cumin powder and chili powder with ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- Sprinkle onto the cooked mushrooms before serving. Alternatively, serve the skewers with chili oil and sediment for a spicier kick.
Video
Notes
- Chili powder - I used Sichuan chili powder.