10 Minute Lion’s Main Mushroom Recipe

What are Lion’s Mane Mushrooms?

Lion’s mane mushrooms are large, white-ish mushrooms that grow hair like tentacles that resemble a lion’s mane, hence the name, and have been used in East Asian medicine for many years

Where Can I Buy Lion’s Mane Mushrooms?

They are not easy to come by in supermarkets, so if you see them at your local farmers market, or can get them online, give them a try

How Do Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Grow?

They grow on hardwood trees, but an easy alternative is to grow your own in your home

I grew my lion’s mane mushrooms featured in this post by purchasing a Mushroom Man kit on Amazon, but you can order this and other mushroom kits directly from the Mushroom Man himself here

What are Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms?

-Studies have shown that these mushrooms contain compounds called erinacines and hericenones that stimulate the growth of brain cells, so it is thought that lion’s mane mushrooms can help to protect against cognitive decline as we age

-Animal studies have shown improvement in brain hippocampus function, and anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, although this has yet to be replicated in human studies

-Lion’s mane supports gut health, protects against overgrowth of h.pylori (the bacteria responsible for ulcers), and research has shown the anti-inflammatory effects are protective against inflammatory bowel disease

-Animal and in vitro (test tube) studies have shown lion’s mane mushrooms to be cardioprotective in many ways, including preserving integrity of artery walls, reducing oxidation of cholesterol in the arteries, decreasing triglycerides, plus lowering blood sugar and protecting against weight gain, so they can potentially be a tool to support glucose control in diabetes management

-More studies and human studies are needed

-Lion’s mane can also be taken as a supplement to achieve therapeutic doses under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner

How Do I Cook Lion’s Mane Mushrooms?

Lion’s mane mushrooms are easy to prepare, and very delicious!

Sautéing on the stove top, roasting in the oven or air fryer are good choices if this is the first time you are preparing them

Some people like to shred lion’s mane mushrooms and use them as a substitute for crab to make vegetarian or vegan crab cakes because of their mildly sweet flavor and tender texture that mimics shellfish

Using a sharp paring knife, trim any area that looks dirty

(Avoid washing/submerging in water, or they may absorb water and get soggy)

In a heavy skillet, heat some grass-fed butter or extra virgin olive oil, and add some chopped garlic

Slice your lion’s mane mushrooms in ½ inch slices, add to the pan along with a handful of fresh parsley leaves, and allow to roast, adding more butter or olive oil if needed

Allow to brown, flip, and allow other side to turn golden brown, then add a generous pinch of sea salt or a few sprinkles of tamari or soy sauce

I like to wait to add salt until the end because salt draws water out of veggies, and they have a propensity to steam instead of roast

Once the mushrooms are cooked to your liking, you can eat them as a side, or chop and add to stir fries, soups, or pasta

I served these as a side with marinated skirt steak and grilled asparagus (shown above)

They are delicate and sweet, but meaty at the same time, and could be used as a meat substitute

No lion’s mane mushrooms? No problem! Swap you favorite type like baby bella, white button, or shitake

If you make this recipe, let me know!

Tag me on Instagram at tina_integrative_dietitian HERE and send pics of your creations