Fried Oyster Mushrooms

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup lime-flavored seltzer water
• 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup fine dry breadcrumb
• 18 oyster mushroom caps
• vegetable oil (for frying)
• salt
• 1/2 cup red pepper jelly
• 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce or soy sauce

Instructions

1. 1

   In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, salt, ginger, pepper and seltzer until smooth.

2. 2

   Combine coconut and breadcrumbs in a large zippered bag.

3. 3

   Dip each mushroom in batter letting excess drip back into bowl.

4. 4

   Drop mushroom into bag and gently shake to coat with coconut crumbs. (At this point the mushrooms can be placed on a rack in the refrigerator until ready to serve.)

5. 5

   Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches in a deep skillet or Dutch oven; heat to 350°.

6. 6

   Fry mushrooms, in batches, 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown.

7. 7

   Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Serve with dipping sauce.

8. 8

   To make the dipping sauce, in small saucepan over low heat, stir all the ingredients together until jelly is melted and blended.