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Crispy Golden Fried Morel Mushrooms Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 50 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This recipe for Crispy Golden Fried Morel Mushrooms delivers a delightful crunchy texture with a rich, savory flavor. The morels are soaked overnight, coated in a seasoned egg wash, breaded with crushed saltine crackers and flour, then fried to crispy perfection. This southern-inspired appetizer or side is best served hot and is perfect for showcasing these wild, flavorful mushrooms.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Morel Mushrooms

  • 3/4 to 1 lb Fresh Morel Mushrooms
  • Water + table salt for soaking

Breading and Coating

  • 3 Large eggs
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper
  • 2 Sleeves Saltine Crackers
  • 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour

For Frying

  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil
  • 4 Tbsp Salted Butter
  • Additional Salt for sprinkling after frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare Morels: Rinse the fresh morel mushrooms thoroughly, slice them in half, and soak them overnight in salted water to remove any dirt or insects.
  2. Dry Mushrooms: Rinse the soaked morels again and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to dry completely.
  3. Make Egg Wash: In a bowl, beat the 3 large eggs with 1/2 cup milk and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the dried mushrooms to this mixture to coat evenly.
  4. Prepare Breading Mixture: Crush the saltine crackers inside a gallon-sized ziplock bag until finely crumbled. Mix the crushed crackers with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour to create the breading mixture.
  5. Bread the Mushrooms: Remove mushrooms from the egg wash in small batches and dredge them thoroughly in the cracker and flour mixture. Place the breaded mushrooms on a plate and let them rest for 10 minutes to help the coating adhere better.
  6. Heat Oil and Butter: In a skillet or frying pan, heat 2 cups vegetable oil with 4 tablespoons salted butter over medium-high heat. Monitor carefully to avoid the oil getting too hot and burning.
  7. Fry the Mushrooms: Fry the breaded morel mushrooms in batches, cooking each side for 4–5 minutes or until they turn a golden brown and crispy.
  8. Drain and Season: Remove fried mushrooms with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with additional salt while still hot.
  9. Serve: Serve the crispy golden fried morel mushrooms immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy!

Notes

  • If you find enough morels to freeze, prepare them through the breading stage, then place in a single layer in a freezer bag and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw before frying as directed.
  • For leftovers, store cooled mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat using an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
  • Avoid overheating the oil to prevent burning the butter and coating.
  • Adjust seasoning in the egg wash to taste for added flavor variations.