Functional mushrooms have been growing in popularity recently. In fact, in 2023, the global functional mushroom market—which includes everything from reishi to cordyceps—was valued at nearly $32 billion. This is largely because these types of mushrooms are associated with a wide range of health benefits, from improved focus to potentially fighting cancer.
But while one of the most popular ways to reap the benefits of functional mushrooms is to take them in supplement form, like in powders and tinctures, for example, you can also cook with them. In fact, one particular type, called lion’s mane, is juicy, meaty, delicious, and incredibly versatile.
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What are the benefits of cooking with lion’s mane mushrooms?
Lion’s mane mushrooms, which grow on hardwood trees in a number of regions, including Europe, North America, and Asia, are known for their distinctive mane-like shaggy appearance, as well as their potential health benefits.
Research is still ongoing into the attributes of this functional mushroom, but so far, results are looking promising. Per Healthline, lion’s mane, which is a good source of fiber and protein, has been associated with reducing the risk of dementia, easing the symptoms of some mental health conditions (including mild anxiety), improving diabetes symptoms, supporting the immune system, and even reducing the risk of chronic diseases, like heart disease and cancer.
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And on top of this, they’re also becoming more of a staple in the culinary world, too. Lion’s mane is a useful ingredient because of its meaty and fibrous texture and its ability to effectively absorb flavor. In the right context and with the right seasonings, lion’s mane can taste just like steak, for example, and even seafood.
How to cook with lion’s mane: 7 vegan recipes to try
If you want to learn more about how to cook with this intriguing mushroom, find some of our favorite lion’s mane recipes below. From meaty juicy steak to tender fried chicken to creamy pasta, there’s something for everyone.
Carol’s Vegan Kitchen
1 Lion’s Mane Mushroom Steak
Vegan steak is one of the best recipes for lion’s mane, thanks to its naturally juicy, meaty texture. It’s especially delicious when served with a slab of vegan butter. And the best part? It only takes 15 minutes to cook. “This vegan steak recipe is simple but incredibly flavorful,” says recipe developer Carol Clayton of Carol’s Vegan Kitchen. “You don’t even need steak seasoning! This is by far my favorite way to cook mushrooms now. Everyone loves it, including meat eaters.”
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Very Vegan Val
2 Vegan Lion’s Mane Mushroom Sushi
Sweet potatoes and chives pair beautifully with lion’s mane mushrooms in this ultra-flavorful and unique vegan sushi recipe from Very Vegan Val. “This roll shows how vegan sushi can be so much more than a cucumber roll,” says recipe creator Valerie Zemba, who describes the dish as a “bite of umami goodness.”
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Cinnamon Snail
3 Vegan Fajitas With Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Fajitas are often made with grilled steak or chicken, but lion’s mane mushrooms are a great fungi alternative if you want a meaty texture with none of the actual meat. Serve with red peppers, red onions, chipotle, and chili powder for that traditional Tex-Mex flavor and texture.
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Brown Girl Vegan Eats
4 Korean Fried ‘Chicken’
It’s no surprise that Korean fried chicken is popular. It’s the perfect mix of sticky, spicy, saucy, crispy, and tender. Swapping out the chicken for lion’s mane doesn’t mean sacrificing any of this. In fact, it arguably makes it even tastier. Recipe developer Ramya Ramesh of Brown Girl Vegan describes this dish as “a delightful twist on the classic Korean Fried Chicken,” adding that it takes these umami-rich mushrooms to new heights.
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Far Away Kitchen
5 Vietnamese Lion’s Mane Banh Mi Sandwich
Banh mi is one of Vietnam’s most popular dishes, loved all over the world for its satisfying combination of soft baguette bread, meat, and spices. Vegan versions are often made with tofu, but thanks to its juicy, tender texture, lion’s mane works just as well. Load it up with vegan oyster sauce, vegan mayonnaise, and crunchy vegetables for a super tasty lunch or dinner.
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Turnip Vegan
6 Maple Garlic Lion’s Mane Skrimpz
Lion’s mane’s juicy texture means it lends itself well to meaty recipes, but it also works well in seafood dishes, like fried shrimp, just like this recipe from Turnip Vegan demonstrates. “This recipe started my entire journey with lion’s mane mushroom, which has since become a staple ingredient in my kitchen,” says recipe developer Todd Anderson.
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Rabbit and Wolves
7 The Essential Vegan Creamy Mushroom Pasta
The umami in lion’s mane brings a delicious depth of flavor to this ultra-creamy, velvety pasta dish from Rabbit and Wolves. It combines perfectly with the other mushrooms in the dish, including oyster and smallhold trumpet mushrooms, as well as other ingredients like vegan parmesan, lemon zest, garlic, and shallots.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
