Emily Johnson
Lion's mane mushrooms (Hieracium erinaceus) are large, shaggy, white puffballs with an outer texture that resembles a lion's mane. They are native to North America, Asia, and Europe and are used both medicinally and for culinary purposes. They can be eaten raw or cooked and are said to have a subtle sweetness, with a texture similar to crab meat. When cooked, lion's mane mushrooms are versatile and can be grilled, baked, stir-fried, or sautéed. They can be used as a meat substitute or as a topping for dishes like polenta, mashed potatoes, risotto, and pasta.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Fluffy, shaggy, meaty, hearty, chewy |
| Taste | Sweet, savoury, umami, like crab meat or seafood |
| Colour | White |
| Storage | Paper bag at room temperature for 1-2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days |
| Preparation | Sliced, grilled, baked, sautéed, stir-fried, pan-fried, deep-fried |
| Pairings | Butter, ghee, olive oil, garlic, parsley, poultry fat, salt, pepper, tamari, soy sauce, polenta, mashed potatoes, risotto, pasta, bread, rice |
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What You'll Learn
Storing lion's mane mushrooms
Lion's mane mushrooms are highly sensitive to moisture and can quickly turn slimy if exposed to excess water. Therefore, it is important to keep them dry and store them in a well-ventilated container. If you've purchased your mushrooms from a farm, they may come in a ventilated bag—in which case, you can keep them in there. Otherwise, transfer them to a paper bag or a loosely closed container lined with a paper towel. Avoid using plastic bags or filling the bag more than halfway, as this can trap moisture and lead to a shorter shelf life.
Refrigerate your Lion's mane mushrooms promptly and keep them away from direct airflow. The ideal storage temperature for Lion's mane mushrooms is between 32°F and 34°F (0-1°C). Consume them within a few days to a week for the best flavour and texture.
If you want to store Lion's mane mushrooms for longer, you can try canning, pickling, or freezing them. To can Lion's mane mushrooms, thoroughly clean and blanch them before packing them into sterilized jars. Use a pressure canner to achieve the necessary temperature for safe preservation. Properly canned Lion's mane mushrooms can last for up to a year if stored in a cool, dark place.
Pickling Lion's mane mushrooms offers a tangy, flavorful preservation method. To pickle Lion's mane mushrooms, create a brine by dissolving salt, sugar, and vinegar in water. This creates an acidic environment that inhibits bacterial growth. Experiment with different spices and herbs to create unique flavours. Once your brine is ready, clean the Lion's mane mushrooms thoroughly before packing them into jars.
Freezing Lion's mane mushrooms is another option, but some people warn against it due to potential changes in texture. To freeze Lion's mane mushrooms, cut them into small or thin pieces and dehydrate them. Once dehydrated, grind the mushrooms and store them in an airtight container in the freezer.
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Slicing and cooking methods
Lion's mane mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are some slicing and cooking methods to get you started:
Slicing
When slicing lion's mane mushrooms, you can opt for thicker cuts or thinner slices, depending on your preference and the dish you are preparing. Thicker slices can be treated like steak cuts, while thinner slices work well for stir-fries or as toppings. Remember to clean the mushrooms before slicing, gently dusting off any dirt without exposing them to excess moisture, which can spoil their texture.
Cooking Methods
Sautéing
Sautéing is a quick and easy way to cook lion's mane mushrooms. Start by heating some butter, ghee, or oil in a pan. You can also deglaze the pan with butter for added flavour. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and season with salt and pepper, and garlic (either fresh cloves or powder). You can also add soy sauce or tamari for an extra savoury boost. Sauté until the mushrooms develop a golden brown crispiness and serve as a side dish or topping.
Grilling
Grilling is another excellent option for cooking lion's mane mushrooms. Brush the sliced mushrooms with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the mushrooms over medium heat until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Grilled lion's mane mushrooms can be served as a main course over mashed potatoes, polenta, or risotto, or used in sandwiches, tacos, or burgers as a meat substitute.
Baking and Frying
Lion's mane mushrooms can also be baked or fried. For a simple side dish, try baking the mushrooms with herbs and spices of your choice. Alternatively, for a heartier option, bread the mushrooms and deep-fry them for a crispy texture. Fried lion's mane "crab" cakes are a popular option and make a great meat substitute.
With their meaty texture and savoury flavour, lion's mane mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be adapted to various dishes and cooking methods. Experiment with different slicing techniques and cooking styles to find your favourite way to prepare these unique fungi!
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Seasoning and flavour combinations
Lion's mane mushrooms have a subtle sweetness and an earthy flavour, with some people also detecting a seafood undertone. Their dense, meaty texture and rich, savoury taste make them a great meat substitute.
When it comes to seasoning and flavour combinations, salt and pepper are a simple yet effective way to season lion's mane mushrooms. You can also try grilling the mushroom slices with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
For a more complex flavour profile, deglaze some butter in a medium-high pan, then add salt and pepper before adding the mushrooms. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can sauté the mushrooms with butter, tamari, and garlic to bring out their umami flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some parsley and garlic to the butter or duck fat and serving with rice.
If you're looking for a meat-free option, lion's mane mushrooms are a perfect choice. Their texture and taste make them a great stand-alone feature in a dish. You can also bread them and deep fry for a lion's mane "crab" cake, or slice them thickly and serve as a steak alternative.
With their versatility and unique flavour, lion's mane mushrooms are a great addition to any dish.
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Lion's mane as a meat substitute
Lions mane mushrooms are a great meat substitute, especially for vegetarians and vegans. Their dense, meaty texture and high protein and fibre content make them a satisfying alternative to meat. They are also very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from "pulled pork" to "crab cakes".
When preparing Lions Mane mushrooms as a meat substitute, it is important to first clean them with a brush or damp cloth to remove any dirt. Avoid rinsing them in water as they are very absorbent, and too much water can ruin your dish. You can then trim the tough bottom off the mushrooms and cut them into slices, shreds, or leave them whole depending on your recipe.
One popular way to cook Lions Mane mushrooms as a meat substitute is to make "steaks". To do this, you can press and cook the mushrooms in a hot skillet to give them a dense and meaty texture. You can also sear them in a hot pan with a combination of rapeseed (canola) oil and olive oil, before finishing them in the oven for 10 minutes.
Another popular recipe is Lions Mane "crab cakes". The stringy texture of the mushrooms when shredded into small pieces resembles crab meat, making them a great substitute for shellfish in fishcakes. A simple recipe for Lions Mane "crab cakes" includes just three ingredients: Lions Mane mushrooms, butter, and garlic.
Lions Mane mushrooms can also be used to make "pulled pork" or "shredded chicken" for use in dishes like tacos, sandwiches, or pasta. To make this, you can sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then add the Lions Mane mushrooms and cook until they are tender. Add vegetable broth or water, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and simmer until the mushrooms have a shredded texture.
With their unique texture and flavour, Lions Mane mushrooms are a delicious and versatile meat substitute that can be used in a variety of dishes to elevate your meals.
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Health benefits
Lion's mane mushrooms are believed to have several health benefits, which have been supported by lab and animal studies. However, it is important to note that research involving humans is still limited. Here are some of the potential health benefits of lion's mane mushrooms:
Brain Health
Lion's mane mushrooms contain two unique compounds, hericenones and erinacines, which have been found to stimulate the growth of brain cells and protect neurons and nerves. These compounds may also help protect against Alzheimer's disease and reduce symptoms of memory loss.
Heart Health
The mushrooms contain a compound called hericenone B, which can decrease the rate of blood clotting and lower the risk of heart attack or stroke. They may also help manage diabetes by improving blood sugar control, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease, which is often a complication of diabetes.
Immune System
Lion's mane mushrooms have immune-boosting properties and can increase the activity of the intestinal immune system, protecting the body from pathogens that enter through the mouth or nose. They may also help reduce inflammation, which contributes to many medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases.
Gut Health
Animal studies have shown that lion's mane supplementation promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reduces harmful bacteria, indicating a potential prebiotic effect. This may help improve gastrointestinal health and manage disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD).
Anxiety and Stress
Extracts from lion's mane mushrooms may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress. They can stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein associated with mood regulation, and increase dopamine levels, which play a key role in mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
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Frequently asked questions
First, clean and slice the mushrooms, cutting off the bottoms and then slicing them into 1/4 to 1/2-inch pieces.
In a dry, medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook the mushrooms for a couple of minutes on each side. Add butter or olive oil, and cook until browned, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until golden brown on each side.
Lion's mane mushrooms are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a side dish to any chicken, fish, pork or steak dinner, or used as a meat substitute in sandwiches, stir-fries, pasta, and risotto.
When you get the mushrooms home, store them in a paper bag either at room temperature for a day or two or up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Once cooked, store lion's mane mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
