If you’ve dined at Outback Steakhouse, chances are you’ve experienced this scrumptious appetizer firsthand.
With just a few simple ingredients and some frying skills, you could create the same irresistible, crispy, and flavor-packed fried mushrooms that Outback is known for—all in the comfort of your own kitchen.
This recipe is so good, you’ll love making it for your weeknight dinners.
Recreate Outback’s Famous Fried Mushrooms at Home
We’re recreating Outback’s iconic fried mushrooms because of their irresistible crispy exterior and tender, meaty interior. Using simple ingredients like fresh mushrooms, flour, buttermilk, and spices, you can easily achieve this flavorful appetizer at home.
White button mushrooms are the star of this dish, boasting an earthy flavor that intensifies when cooked. While other mushroom varieties like portobello, oyster, or cremini can be used, sticking to button mushrooms and our seasoned flour batter, featuring dry mustard, black pepper, and paprika, will ensure an authentic Outback taste.
Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like garlic or onion powder. These deep-fried delights complement any main dish, making them a perfect addition to your next meal.
Ingredients
Here are the list of ingredients you need to have:
- 8 oz whole fresh button mushrooms
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp dry mustard
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ½ cup buttermilk
- oil for deep frying (recommended: vegetable and canola oil)
How to Make Outback Fried Mushrooms
Making these copycat Outback fried mushrooms is easy. Just follow the steps below:
- In a large ziplock bag, bowl, or paper bag, combine whole-wheat flour, dry mustard, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl. Dip each mushroom into the buttermilk.
- Add the buttermilk-coated mushrooms to the bag with the flour mixture.
- Shake the bag until the mushrooms are evenly coated.
- Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a deep fryer or saucepan to 375 degrees F.
- Fry the mushrooms in batches until golden brown on all sides.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Deep Frying Tips for Fried Mushrooms at Home
For those who love mushrooms, frying is a fantastic way to bring out their earthy, savory flavors. To fry mushrooms like a pro, follow these tips:
- Dry and Clean the Mushrooms: Rinse dirty mushrooms under cold water. Then, make sure they are completely dry and clean before frying to prevent sogginess.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 375°F (190°C). Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. If the oil is too hot, the mushrooms will burn; if it’s too cool, they’ll become soggy.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry the mushrooms in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking.
- Use the Right Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable and canola oil, because they’re laden with good fats and can improve cholesterol levels.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once the mushrooms are golden brown, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Dipping Sauces for Your Fried Mushrooms
No matter which dipping sauce you choose, it’s sure to ramp up your fried mushrooms to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Ranch Dressing: A cool and creamy classic that complements the crispy mushrooms perfectly.
- Marinara Sauce: The tangy sweetness of marinara sauce provides a delicious contrast to the savory mushrooms.
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy dipping sauce that adds another layer of flavor to the dish.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: The bold flavor of blue cheese pairs well with the earthiness of the mushrooms.
- Spicy Mayo: A simple yet addictive sauce made with mayonnaise and your favorite hot sauce.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate this iconic appetizer at home and impress your family and friends. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these crispy, flavorful bites are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Outback Steakhouse Fried Mushrooms
Equipment
- 1 Fryer or saucepan
- 1 Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ziplock bag, bowl or paper bag
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole fresh button mushrooms
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp dry mustard
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ½ cup buttermilk
- oil (vegetable and canola)
Instructions
- In a large ziplock bag, bowl, or paper bag, combine whole-wheat flour, dry mustard, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl. Dip each mushroom into the buttermilk.
- Add the buttermilk-coated mushrooms to the bag with the flour mixture.
- Shake the bag until the mushrooms are evenly coated.
- Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a deep fryer or saucepan to 375 degrees F.
- Fry the mushrooms in batches until golden brown on all sides.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.