Carnivorous fungi are less common than the others, and Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) morphology was actually so well correlated with its happy flavor when suitably prepared thus it brings a myriad of health-promoting effects. With dishevelled white tentacled tentacles hanging like a lion’s mane; this edible fungus has been sold for decades as food that could boost cognitive function and immune response in the body while having a mildly savoury seafood like taste with meaty texture. An amazing and health-promoting mushroom that draws in the home cooks and diners who value their health. Here are some very simple but still delicious ways of cooking lion’s mane mushroom keeping the potent flavour profiles and nutrition density intact.
Why Lion’s Mane Mushrooms?
However, before we jump into that lions mane recipe, a quick recap of some of the benefits responsible for lion’s mane uptake making headlines. Not only are they a great fun food, but they also come with many a health benefit too! Here are a few:
CognitionThe lion’s mane has been promoted as something like a brain superfood for so long that there is going to be very little (or more realistically; nothing) new to teach when it comes the cognition supporting benefits of lion’s mane. So, one of the mushroom compounds has been investigated for this effect and it also increases production of nerve growth factor(NGF) – NGF is critical to maintaining and growing brain cells.
Beneficial for your guts Prebiotic rich, real food nutrition that contributes to a healthy microbiome, which is integral to digestive and overall function.
Lion’s mane is an antioxidant powerhouse like so many medicinal mushrooms and is possibly immune-supportive due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Even better, it is almost completely devoid of calories, so a lion’s mane serves up healthy fats and all the components (raw foods and fibres) needed to complement any new vegetable plate.
Next to the Dish: Lion’s Mane Fritters with Garlic & Herb
Two or three simple ingredients will ensure that the lion’s mane mushroom gets to show off in all its armored glory. Sautéed Lion’s Mane Mushroom: A brilliant way to prepare such a delicate thing Best as a side or serve this with quinoa or hearty farro.
Ingredients For The Best Lion’s Mane Mushroom Recipe
Two cups of fresh lion’s mane (but prepared ) Cut into strips approximately ½ inch wide crosswise (like firpy tree trunks)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter (or kind of)
3 cloves garlic, minced
One teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary (or half a teaspoon if dried)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed, not bottled)
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish – optional, fresh parsley, chopped
Italian Seasoning (Dried, Place on Overdrive) 3 Ingredients to Greatness A Few Pinches Red Paper Flakes (If You Want Warmth
Instructions For The Best Lion’s Mane Mushroom Recipe
Prepare the Mushrooms:
Your first step should be to wipe any dirt on your lion’s mane mushroom with a damp cloth or paper towel. The thing most other mushrooms have in common however is this: with lion’s mane, you do not want to drown them in a ton of water (like you would do with (most) all others). They will drink it all right away. Once they are cleaned very well, mushrooms can be cut to strips of approximately 1/2 inch wide. Remove any woody, thick stems.
Heat the Pan:
In a big skillet (sauté pan), over medium-high warmth, add the olive oil (or butter or each) Let the oil shimmer (if utilizing oil) or soften absolutely and bubble little (if utilizing butter).
Sauté the Mushrooms:
Add lion’s mane mushrooms, gill-side down in a single layer to the pan. Give them a 2-minute to 3-minute sit so you have some nice browning on the bottom. You only need to threaten mushrooms to sniff when they are (the one exception, stir them until they are lightly golden bake.) No need to worry, the mushrooms will start to sweat but will retain all their natural juices once they caramelise beautifully golden brown and become really tender.
The Best Lion’s Mane Mushroom Recipe
Add Garlic and Herbs:
Once mushrooms browned & softened (5 – 7 mins), stir in garlic + herbs. Mix to combine. Striking with a savoury richness, complimentary the lion’s main subtle yet slightly through sweet flavour along fresh herbs with an earthiness fragrance.
Season to Taste:
Salt and pepper, to taste + a bit of red pepper flakes (optional) Then we add in the mushrooms and continue cooking for a further 3-5 minutes or until the mushrooms are soft and fragrant with garlic aroma and the oil has been infused with herbs flavor.
Finish with Lemon Juice:
A little lemon juice will balance all the savory deliciousness from the mushrooms! So they add this kind of fruity zesty citrusy bite which makes it a really nice contrast to the richness of the sautéed mushrooms.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat once the mushrooms are golden, cooked through and seasoned appropriately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, for freshness and color Serve as soon as cooked.
Some Tips On How To Saute The Best Lion’s Mane mushrooms Recipe With Reasoning
Don’t crowd the pan (three to a batch is the max you need at any given farm-to-table moment) as the lion’s mane releases steam while they cook. If using lots of shrooms, you need to batch cook them until browned.
Add your own twist: This recipe is as straightforward and simple as can be, but that’s the beauty of it, so go on and experiment with flavour combinations! Or even soy sauce or balsamic vinegar! Top with some toasted sesame oil and sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds to give it an Asian twist.
Upgrade: To turn this side into a fully protein loaded meal, serve the cooked lion’s mane on top of herbed quinoa or brown rice (or atop greens). Perfect as a side; top with grilled chicken or tofu and it becomes a full meal.
Conclusion
If you incorporate lion’s mane mushroom in to your diet; lemon myrtle is going to be judging the blandness of your health benefits. This lion’s mane mushroom sauté savior recipe is a quick, delicious godsend to get this super nutrient-dense food in your belly. Whatever the reason lion’s mane has much to offer whether it’s brain health supporting benefits, a rare immune supportive ingredient or simply another type of mushroom to sample. The most basic of garlic/herb/lemon combo works just as it would for a mushroom, producing a dish so beautifully monochromatic and out-of-season that you will find yourself uncontrollably knolling classics with friends — more or less like the blue balls equivalent to an incredibly complex (and certainly seasonal) tray.
