Ingredients:
Mala Spice Seasoning
1 tablespoonSichuan peppercorns
1 teaspoonsweet paprika
1 teaspooncumin seeds
1 teaspooncoriander seeds
Fried Mushrooms
8 ounces(227 grams) enoki mushrooms
1/2 cup(60 grams) all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons(40 grams) cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon(2 grams) baking powder
1/2 teaspoon(3 grams) kosher salt
1/4 teaspoonwhite pepper
1/4 teaspoongarlic powder
Neutral oil (such as vegetable), for deep-frying
1/2 teaspoon(3 grams) fine sea salt
Ketchup, Japanese mayonnaise, or sweet Thai chile sauce, for serving (optional)
Directions:
Make the mala spice seasoning: Place the Sichuan peppercorns, paprika, cumin, and coriander seeds into a medium skillet, and heat on medium-high for 1 to 2 minutes, until the spices start to pop, or when you see the first signs of smoke from the pan. Transfer the spices to a spice grinder (or mortar and pestle) and grind until the mixture becomes a fine powder.
Prepare the mushrooms: Trim off the brownish roots of the enoki mushrooms, then very thinly slice the mushroom bundle lengthwise through the base into thin slabs.
In a wide (preferably flat-bottomed) bowl or pie plate, whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, kosher salt, white pepper, garlic powder, and 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) water into a smooth slurry, with no bits of flour remaining.
Line a sheet pan with paper towels. Pour the oil into a large, high-sided skillet or pot until the oil is 2 inches deep. Place the skillet over medium heat and heat the oil until it reaches 350°F.
Working with 2 to 3 slices of mushroom at a time, coat the mushrooms into the batter, lifting to let any excess batter drip off, and gently drop the mushrooms into the oil. Deep-fry the mushrooms for about 2 minutes, flipping halfway, until the mushrooms are a deep golden color and the tops of the mushrooms turn crisp and crackly (the batter may remain pale or may take on a bit of color). Remove the mushrooms from the oil with a pair of chopsticks or tongs onto the prepared sheet pan. Working in batches, repeat with the remaining mushrooms.
Season the fried mushrooms with fine sea salt and the mala spice seasoning, then serve immediately, with ketchup, mayonnaise, or chile sauce if using.