Lion's Mane 'Crab' Cakes Recipe

Lion’s mane mushrooms, also known as hou tou gu or yamabushitake, are large, white, shaggy mushrooms that resemble a lion’s mane as they grow.

They have both culinary and medical uses. Lion’s mane mushrooms can be enjoyed raw, cooked, dried or steeped as a tea. Their extracts often used in over-the-counter health supplements. Their have a “seafood-like” flavor, often compared to crab or lobster.

Lion’s Mane Health Benefits

• Lion’s mane mushrooms contain bioactive substances that have beneficial effects on the body, especially the brain, heart and gut.

• Lion’s mane mushrooms contain compounds that stimulate the growth of brain cells and protect them from damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

• Animal studies have found that lion’s mane extract can also help regenerate brain cells and improve the functioning of the hippocampus, a region of the brain responsible for processing memories and emotional responses. Researchers believe that improved functioning of the hippocampus may explain the reductions in anxious and depressive behaviors in mice given these extracts.

• Studies have found that lion’s mane extract can speed up recovery time from nervous system injuries.

• Ulcers are capable of forming anywhere along the digestive tract, including the stomach, small intestine and large intestine. Stomach ulcers are often caused by two major factors: overgrowth of a bacteria called H. pylori and damage to the mucous layer of the stomach that’s often due to long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Lion’s mane extract may protect against the development of stomach ulcers by inhibiting the growth of H. pylori and protecting the stomach lining from damage.

• Major risk factors for heart disease include obesity, high triglycerides, large amounts of oxidized cholesterol and an increased tendency to get blood clots. Research shows that lion’s mane extract can influence some of these factors and reduce the risk of heart disease. Animal studies have found that lion’s mane mushroom extract improves fat metabolism and lowers triglyceride levels

• Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the body loses the ability to control blood sugar levels. As a result, levels are consistently elevated. Chronically high blood sugar levels eventually cause complications like kidney disease, nerve damage in the hands and feet and vision loss. Lion’s mane mushroom may be beneficial for diabetes management by improving blood sugar control and reducing some of these side effects.

• Cancer occurs when DNA becomes damaged and causes cells to divide and replicate out of control. Some research suggests that lion’s mane mushroom has cancer-fighting abilities, thanks to several of its unique compounds .

• A strong immune system protects the body from bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing pathogens. Animal research shows that lion’s mane mushroom can boost immunity by increasing the activity of the intestinal immune system, which protects the body from pathogens that enter the gut through the mouth or nose.

Lion's Mane Mushroom Recipe: Crab Cakes

This Lion’s Mane Mushroom Recipe will blow your mind, featuring a Lion’s Mane Mushroom Crab Cake so delicious you won’t believe it is meatless!

Diet Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 4 minutes

Total Time 14 minutes

Servings 3 cakes

Calories 206kcal

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz Lion's Mane mushroom

• 1 egg (or flax egg)

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup onion (finely diced)

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 3/4 tsp old bay seasoning

• 1 tsp dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp parsley (finely chopped)

• 1/4 tsp salt (to your taste)

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 2-3 tbsp oil (to fry cakes)

• 2 optimal garnish: lemon wedges

QUICK TARTAR SAUCE

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp dill pickle relish

• 1/4 tsp old bay seasoning

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Hand shred Lion's Mane Mushroom into small pieces resembling texture of flakey crab.

2. In large bowl, combine egg, mayonnaise, onion, Worcestershire sauce, old bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, parsley (finely chopped), salt and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.

3. Mix in Lion's Mane Mushroom until fully incorporated.

4. Mix in Panko breadcrumbs until fully incorporated.

5. Form mixture into 3-4 equal size round flat patties (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick).

6. Heat oil in sauté pan on medium/high heat.

7. Cook patties for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Should be golden brown and cooked throughout.

8. Add optional garnish, squeeze of lemon and enjoy!

Notes

Leftovers and Storage: Transfer to airtight container or dish. Refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Can reheat and serve.

Vegan/Vegetarian Substitutions or Omission: You can use vegan mayonnaise and flax egg in place of regular mayonnaise and egg in this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 221mg | Potassium: 316mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg