How to Use Lion's Mane Mushrooms: Recipes and Tips for Cooking with Them

If you're looking for a unique and delicious ingredient to incorporate into your cooking, look no further than lion's mane mushrooms. These funky-looking fungi are a true treasure of the forest, with a mild, nutty flavor and a chewy, meaty texture that makes them perfect for a wide range of dishes. As a brand that values sustainable food practices and supports small-scale food purveyors, we at Foraged are excited to share our knowledge of lion's mane mushrooms and how to use them in your cooking.

At Foraged, we pride ourselves on offering hard-to-find ingredients that are sourced directly from foragers, farmers, and artisans. Lion's mane mushrooms are a great example of a specialty food that we believe more people should have access to. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a range of health benefits, including improved cognitive function and reduced inflammation.

When it comes to how to use lion's mane mushrooms when cooking, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to clean the mushrooms thoroughly before using them. They can be a bit dirty from their time in the forest, so give them a rinse and pat them dry before cooking. Second, be mindful of their texture. Unlike other mushrooms, lion's mane mushrooms have a chewy, almost meaty texture, so they pair well with heartier ingredients like pasta, grains, and meats.

One of the simplest ways to enjoy lion's mane mushrooms is to sauté them with garlic and butter. Heat up a pan over medium-high heat and add some butter and minced garlic. Once the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant, add the sliced lion's mane mushrooms to the pan. Cook for a few minutes on each side until they're browned and crispy. Serve as a side dish or on top of toast for a delicious and satisfying snack.

Another great way to use lion's mane mushrooms is in stir-fries. They hold up well to high heat and add a unique texture to the dish. Start by cooking your protein of choice in a hot pan, then set it aside. Add some sliced bell peppers, onions, and carrots to the same pan and cook until they're tender. Next, add the sliced lion's mane mushrooms and cook for a few minutes until they're browned and crispy. Finally, add the protein back to the pan along with some soy sauce and sesame oil. Serve over rice or noodles for a delicious and filling meal.

If you're feeling adventurous, try making a lion's mane mushroom risotto. This dish takes a bit more time and effort, but the results are well worth it. Start by sautéing some diced onions and minced garlic in a large pot until they're translucent. Add the Arborio rice and cook for a few minutes until it's coated in the onion mixture. Next, start adding ladlefuls of hot vegetable or chicken broth to the pot, stirring constantly until each ladleful is absorbed before adding the next. Once the rice is tender and creamy, add some grated parmesan cheese and the sautéed lion's mane mushrooms. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of nutty rice and meaty mushrooms.

At Foraged, we believe that using specialty foods like lion's mane mushrooms in your cooking is a great way to reconnect with your food and appreciate all that it has to offer. By supporting small-scale food purveyors and practicing sustainable food practices, we can create a more vibrant and diverse food system that benefits us all. So why not try incorporating lion's mane mushrooms into your next meal and discover a new world of flavors and textures?

Buy Lion's Mane Mushrooms

At Foraged, we’re on a mission to empower small-scale food purveyors to grow healthy, sustainable businesses while nourishing everyday people by providing easy access to unique foods.

By supporting Foraged vendors, you're helping to build a better, more sustainable food system for everyone.

Plus, we're committed to doing things the right way - our platform puts the power back in the knowledgeable hands of those who grow, harvest, and create foods most responsibly. 

And we don't just stop there, we also want to make sure you know how to cook and preserve the specialty foods you source from Foraged, which is why we provide educational resources and delicious recipes for you to try.