Step 1

Pour oil into a large saucepan or deep fryer to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. Heat the oil to 350 degrees.

Step 2

Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel. If these stems are very large (greater than 3/4 inch), trim off the stem, as they may be woody. If the mushrooms are small, there is no need to trim off the stem.

Step 3

Combine the flour with the salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir to combine the flour mixture.

Step 4

Combine buttermilk and water in another bowl

Step 5

Dredge the mushrooms in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess, and then dip them in the buttermilk.

Step 6

Dredge them in the flour again. Knock off the excess flour.

Step 7

Lower the mushrooms gently into the hot oil, cook them until they are golden brown. It will take about 2 to 3 minutes for the mushrooms to cook. Drain on a wire rack. Serve with your favorite sauce.