"Cupid Is A Woman" Vegan Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Have you ever tried a vegan fried chicken sandwich? No, I'm not talking about that whack version from the grocery store frozen food section. I'm talking about a delicious, made-from-scratch vegan fried chicken sandwich with that classic fried chicken vibe.

Vegetables make for good fried foods too! Our deep fried vegan chicken sandwich is crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this sandwich will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

This sandwich is packed with all the flavor and crunch of traditional fried chicken, strictly vegan. The recipe is simple to follow and yields a sandwich that is crispy, juicy, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this sandwich will quickly become a new favorite.

Beats and Eats (music pairing with this chicken sandwich)

This vegan crispy chicken sandwich is funky, classic, new school, etc. all rolled into one. It requires music that encompasses all that and then some. Nick Grant's "Cupid Is A Woman" brings it and fits the bill completely.

Ingredients Needed To Make A Vegan Fried Chicken Sandwich

No reason why strictly vegetarian sandwiches shouldn't mimic classic fried chicken closely. All the ingredients are the same, but to make this fried chicken vegan, you'll have to replace the chicken with oyster mushrooms.

For the Sandwich

• Oyster Mushrooms
• Buns
• Pickles
• Vegan Mayonnaise
• Hot Sauce
• Cole Slaw

For the Breading

• All-Purpose Flour
• Corn Starch
• Smoked Paprika
• Cayenne Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Dried Thyme
• Ground Sage (optional)

For the Wash

• Vodka
• Water

How To Make Extra Crispy Fried Vegan Chicken (step by step)

This recipe calls for the same approach used to cook traditional Southern fried chicken.

Prepare the Mushrooms

Cut mushrooms into the desired size and shape for patties. Set aside.

Make the Fried Chicken Seasoning Blend

Mix all the dry spices together in a small bowl or ramekin.

Make The Breading

Mix the flour, starch, and 2 tablespoon of the spice mix together in a large shallow bowl. Set aside.

Make the Wash

In a separate medium bowl mix together the vodka, water, and a ¼ cup of the dry breading mix. Set aside.

Fry the Mushrooms

Pre-heat deep fryer to 375 degrees F.

Dip the mushrooms in the vodka wash and cover all sides well.

Add the wet mushrooms to the flour mixture and cover all sides.

Add the mushrooms to the hot oil and fry the coated mushrooms in batches for 3-4 minutes per side. Mushrooms will float when they are done.

Remove mushrooms and drain the excess oil either on a paper towel-lined plate or wire-rack lined baking sheet.

Assemble the Sandwich

Spread mayonnaise generously on the bottom bun. Top with pickles, slaw, and fried mushroom patty. Serve and enjoy!

Cooking Tips and Considerations For Making Vegan Fried Chicken

Adjust the wash to the desired level of consistency. Add more water/vodka or flour to thin/thicken the wash as preferred.

Seasoned breading and wash makes for maximum flavor

Fry the mushrooms until they are golden brown and floating in the oil.

My preferred oil is peanut oil. It's high heat and has both a cleaner and neutral taste. Canola oil is a solid choice. Vegetable oil can also work.

Doctor up some vegan mayo with your favorite hot sauce for additional flavor and a spicy kick. Chipotle mayo makes for a great compliment.

Serve this sandwich with french fries, regular mashed potatoes or creole mashed potatoes, and red beans and rice. A cup of gumbo as a side isn't a bad idea either.

There are some decent to very good vegan mayonnaise options out there. If you prefer a non-vegan mayo then you'll have to settle for a vegetarian fried chicken sandwich. You can also make a homemade sauce using soy milk and apple cider vinegar with spicy chipotle peppers.

For more of a spicy chicken sandwich recipe you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a spicy hot sauce to the mayonnaise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making Vegan Fried Chicken)

What type of protein is used to replace real chicken meat?

I'm not one to use fake meats like seitan chicken or even marinated tofu in my vegan chicken recipe or vegan recipes in general. I prefer to use oyster mushrooms as they produce great flavor and replicate the chicken chewy experience pretty well.

Is this chicken recipe gluten free?

All-purpose flour has gluten, so no. For a gluten free fried chicken sandwich use an alternative flour like chickpea flour or almond flour. They both make for a quality gluten free flour to use in your flour mixture.

Can I Use Any Liquor Type?

Theoretically yes, you can. Liquor adds an extra level of crispiness when you deep fry foods vegetable or not. Liquor evaporates faster and more violently than most liquids so you get that extra crunch.

Does Vegan Buttermilk Work As A Marinade Or Part of Wash?

You can, but the sandwich won't have that same crispy breading.

Where Can You Find Oyster Mushrooms?

Oyster mushrooms aren't likely to be in traditional mainstream grocery stores. You'll need to go to a Whole Foods or Specialty type grocery store. My local Central Market has them. They ain't cheap and will run you around $10 per pound.

Are There Alternatives to Oyster Mushrooms?

Not really in terms of making this recipe. Portobello mushrooms are likely your best bet given its shape and meatiness, but even still, portobello mushrooms work better with grilling and sauteing vs. fryers. Oysters are optimal if you can find them. They are indeed worth the effort.

For Similar Recipes Try These:

Nashville Hot Shrimp Sandwich

Vegan BLT

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Smoked Ribs Sandwich

Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich

Jerk Fried Chicken

Smoked and Fried Chicken Thighs

Make Vegan Fried Chicken

If you’re looking for an amazing vegan fried chicken recipe, look no further! This dish is crispy, flavorful, and sure to please even the most die-hard meat eaters. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking!

If you make this super crispy vegan fried chicken recipe or other tasty recipes on the site, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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