Crispy Enoki Mushrooms with Spicy Gochujang Sauce

My Crispy Enoki Mushrooms with a Spicy Gochujang Sauce are one of those dishes that prove simple ingredients can create something truly addictive.

Enoki mushrooms are naturally delicate, but when you coat them lightly in tapioca starch (or potato starch or cornstarch) and pan-fry until golden, they transform into the most satisfyingly crisp bites. Almost like little clusters of tempura! The thin strands crisp up beautifully, giving you that irresistible crunch with every bite.

The sauce brings all the flavor and heat you’d expect from Korean seasonings. It’s a mix of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, gochugaru, and gochujang, creating a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy.

When the crispy mushrooms meet the glossy, spicy sauce, you get a combination that’s somehow both bold and comforting. Crunchy on the outside, full of umami on the inside. Yum!

I like to eat these mushrooms on top of rice, where the crispy mushrooms soak up just enough of the spicy-sweet sauce to flavor each bite without losing their crunch. The sauce seeps slightly into the rice, giving you a perfect mix of textures: crispy, saucy, and fluffy all at once. If you’re a big sauce person, I recommend doubling the recipe!

You can also serve these mushrooms as a side dish, layer them over noodles, or pile them onto lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held bite. However you eat them, this is the kind of dish that will disappear fast! They’re that good.

What are Enoki Mushrooms?

Enoki mushrooms, or “enokitake” (榎茸) in Japanese, are a type of mushroom prized for their tender, slightly chewy texture and mild flavor. They’re incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways: soups and stews, stir-fries, noodle dishes, and more. You can usually find enoki mushrooms at:

• Asian grocery stores: This where I almost always purchase them. They’re most reliably stocked here.
• Large supermarkets: Many larger chains like Whole Foods or H Mart carry them, especially in the refrigerated produce section.
• Farmers markets or specialty produce stores: Depending on your area, some local growers may sell enoki.

They’re usually sold in small plastic-wrapped bundles and should be firm, white, and not slimy when fresh.

Sauce Ingredients:

• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness.
• Sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
• Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes): Gives a gentle, smoky spice and vibrant color.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty aroma and richness.
• Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): The star ingredient that brings heat, depth, and that signature Korean flavor.

What is Gochujang?

About Tapioca Starch:

Tapioca starch (also known as tapioca flour) is a gluten-free starch extracted from the root of the cassava plant. It’s a fine, white powder that’s incredibly versatile in both savory and sweet cooking. It looks very similar to cornstarch!

You’ll find it used widely in many Asian cuisines, especially for frying or thickening sauces. What makes tapioca starch special is its unique ability to create a light, crispy texture. That’s why it’s often used in batters for deep-fried foods like tempura or popcorn chicken.

Compared to other starches like cornstarch or potato starch, tapioca starch has a slightly more elastic, chewy quality when cooked. It’s also great for thickening sauces or soups without turning them cloudy. That said, here are a few substitutes you can use!:

• Cornstarch: The most common substitute. It gives a similarly crispy finish, though slightly lighter and less craggy than potato starch.
• Potato starch: Creates light, ultra-crispy coating
• Wheat Starch: Less common at home, but sometimes used in commercial kitchens – results are crisp and light.
• Arrowroot Powder: Another gluten-free choice that gives a crisp but slightly lighter and smoother texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Works in a pinch but gives a denser, more bready crust.
• Rice Flour: Offers a light, crisp bite and is a popular choice in many Asian fried dishes.

Love enoki mushrooms?

Try my Crispy Deep-Fried Spicy Enoki Mushrooms!

Print