Deep-Fried Morel Mushrooms

4.3
(3)

These deep-fried morels are breaded in a herby, cracker crust. Morel mushrooms are the prime rib of mushrooms — we hunt them every spring. Deep-fried until crispy, these morels are full of earthy, nutty flavor. You won't be able to stop eating them.

3
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 20 large fresh morel mushrooms

  • 1 ½ cups milk

  • 1 large egg

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup Italian cracker crumbs

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste

  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

  • teaspoon dried thyme

  • teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying, or as needed

Directions

  1. Place morels into a large bowl of warm, salted water and let soak for 30 minutes. Drain and blot dry with paper towels; set aside.

  2. Whisk together milk and egg in a small bowl until well combined. Combine flour, cracker crumbs, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and cumin in a large resealable plastic bag.

  3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  4. While oil is heating, dip mushrooms, a few at a time, into milk mixture. Toss in breading mixture until coated; shake off excess.

  5. Working in batches, fry breaded mushrooms in hot oil until dark brown and crispy, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Cook’s Note

Cut morels in half lengthwise if they are big, but leave them whole if they are small.

I make up to 10 batches of the breading mix and freeze them in 1-gallon resealable plastic bags; I use a Batter Pro bowl instead of a plastic bag.

Editor's Note:

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of breading ingredients. The actual amount of breading consumed will vary. We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

296 Calories
15g Fat
33g Carbs
10g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 296
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 54mg 18%
Sodium 60mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 33g 12%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 10g 19%
Vitamin C 3mg 4%
Calcium 125mg 10%
Iron 3mg 17%
Potassium 209mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.