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Mushroom Pepper Fry

Mushroom Pepper Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish where earthy mushrooms are sautéed with freshly cracked black pepper, creating a fragrant and slightly smoky bite. The dish highlights the natural umami of mushrooms, enhanced by the pungency of pepper and the crisp texture achieved through quick frying. It comes together quickly, with tender mushrooms coated in aromatic spices and finished with a hint of freshness.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, Southeast Asian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g cremini mushrooms cleaned and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper coarsely ground
  • 1 clove garlic minced, optional
  • Salt to taste salt
  • a pinch chili powder optional
  • Fresh herbs for garnish cilantro or parsley optional

Equipment

  • Wide skillet
  • Spatula
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wide skillet over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant.
  2. Add the minced garlic, if using, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, watching to prevent burning. The oil should smell warm and pungent.
    200 g cremini mushrooms
  3. Gently place the sliced mushrooms into the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. Let them sit undisturbed for about 2 minutes until they start to develop a golden-brown color on the bottom.
    200 g cremini mushrooms
  4. Stir the mushrooms gently with a spatula, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they release their juices and become tender, with edges turning crispy and caramelized.
    200 g cremini mushrooms
  5. Add the freshly cracked black pepper and chili powder, if using, and stir well to coat the mushrooms evenly. Let the pepper crackle and release its aroma for about 1-2 minutes.
    200 g cremini mushrooms
  6. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, allowing the pepper to crackle and deepen the aroma. Taste and sprinkle with salt as needed, then stir again to distribute evenly.
    200 g cremini mushrooms
  7. Remove the skillet from heat, and let the mushrooms rest for a minute to allow flavors to meld and aroma to settle.
  8. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired, and serve hot, ideally straight from the pan for maximum aroma and flavor.
    200 g cremini mushrooms

Notes

Use coarsely cracked black pepper for the best aroma and crunch. For a richer flavor, try coconut oil, which adds a subtle sweetness to complement the earthy mushrooms. Adjust salt and spice levels to taste, and serve immediately for the best texture and aroma.