Crispy Fried Mushrooms with Cool Ranch Dip (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Fried Mushrooms:

01 - 1 lb mushrooms (button, cremini, or oyster - cleaned & stems trimmed)
02 - 1 cup buttermilk
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
05 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
06 - 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
10 - Vegetable oil (for frying)

→ For the Cool Ranch Dip:

11 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
12 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
15 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
16 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
17 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
18 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
19 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Clean mushrooms by wiping with a damp paper towel or lightly rinsing and patting dry. Trim stems if needed, keep whole.
02 - In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add mushrooms, coat fully. Cover and soak for 30 minutes.
03 - In one shallow bowl, mix flour and cornstarch. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
04 - Remove mushrooms, shake off excess liquid. Dredge in flour mixture, dip back in buttermilk, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. Let sit 5 minutes.
05 - Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry in batches, 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt while hot.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in parsley or chives. Chill 15 minutes.

# Notes:

01 - Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the fried mushrooms.
02 - Button, cremini, and oyster mushrooms work best for frying.
03 - Soak in buttermilk to tenderize and help the coating stick.