Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the water and agave. Slice each of the chillis in half length-ways and add to the saucepan. Place over a medium heat and bring to the boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium/low and allow to simmer for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the mixture has reduced in volume by around ¾.

Step 2

Once reduced, remove from the heat and sieve out the chillis and any loose seeds. Allow the agave to cool completely to room temperature.

Step 3

Remove the tops and bottoms of the king oyster mushrooms. Reserve for another recipe.

Step 4

Score a cross into the bottom of each mushroom stem and use it to pull the mushroom apart into four lengths. Repeat with all the mushrooms. Set aside.

Step 5

In a medium bowl mix together the soy milk and the apple cider vinegar. Set aside to thicken.

Step 6

In a second medium bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, Oold Bbay seasoning and dried thyme. Set aside.

Step 7

Fill a medium, high-sided saucepan about 2-3 inches full with the vegetable oil. Place over a medium heat and, using a probe thermometer, bring the oil to around 170c. If you don’t have a probe thermometer, just test with a small amount of batter. If the batter sizzles immediately when it hits the oil, then you’re ready to fry.

Step 8

Working with one strip at a time, coat the mushrooms in the flour mixture, followed by the soy milk mixture and back to the flour mixture. Once well coated, carefully place the mushroom into the hot oil. Fry the mushrooms in batches of no more than three.

Step 9

Once browned and crispy (around 3 minutes) remove the mushrooms from the oil using a spider or slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with kitchen towel. Repeat with all of the mushrooms.

Step 10

In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the House Sauce. Set aside.

Step 11

While still hot, use a pastry brush to glaze each chick’n strip with the hot agave.

Step 12

Split open the bread rolls and spread a little house sauce on each side.

Step 13

Fill each bread roll with fried chick’n strips and sliced gherkins, before sprinkling with salt and fresh thyme.

Step 14

Top with a little more house sauce before serving.