Get ready to have your mind blown with these Lion’s Mane Crab Cakes! No, it’s not crab – these golden brown beauties are crafted from Lion’s Mane (or Hericium Erinaceus), a delicious mushroom that resembles the mane of a lion. (Some also compare them to fluffy clouds or pom poms!) In the wild, they fruit from late summer to early fall on dead and dying hardwood throughout Europe and North America. A surprisingly excellent choice for vegetarian recipes, when shredded into thin pieces, Lion’s Mane mushrooms not only resemble the real thing but also soak up different flavors beautifully.

Why This Lion’s Mane Crab Cake Recipe Works: 

• Quick and Nutritious: It only takes 25 minutes to whip up these scrumptious crab cakes. They’re not only savory and juicy but also packed with health perks, making them an excellent recipe for when you need a brain boost.
• Incredible Texture and Taste: The texture of crab is what makes crab cakes so delightful, and guess what? These Lion’s Mane crab cakes nail it! While it’s not quite a vegan recipe due to the inclusion of egg and mayonnaise, Lion’s Mane crab cakes are a fantastic vegetarian option. The shredded mushroom perfectly mimics the flaky, tender consistency of crab, making it an ideal substitute for those who love the traditional taste but prefer a meatless version.
• Flavorful and Versatile: One of the best parts about cooking with Lion’s Mane mushrooms is their ability to absorb and enhance the flavors of the spices and herbs you add. This means every bite of these crab cakes is richly flavored, savory, and downright decadent. Pan fry them to golden brown perfection, and you’ve got a dish that’s as delicious as it is impressive.
• Brain-Boosting Benefits: Not only do these crab cakes taste amazing, but they also come with a bonus – the brain-boosting benefits of Lion’s Mane. Known for improving memory, boosting concentration, and protecting the nervous system, incorporating these mushrooms into your diet is a tasty AND smart choice.

Ingredients for this Lion’s Mane Crab Cake Recipe 

• Lion’s Mane Mushroom
• Ritz Crackers 
• Egg 
• Mayonnaise 
• Dijon Mustard 
• Old Bay Seasoning
• Fresh Parsley
• Hot Sauce
• Optional: Lemon Wedges

How to Make Lion’s Mane Crab Cakes 

1. With your fingers, shred mushroom into small pieces until they resemble lump crab meat, and add to a large bowl. To the mixing bowl, add crushed Ritz crackers (I find the best way is just use your hands to crumble.) Add the egg, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, Old Bay, parsley, liquid aminos and hot sauce. Mix thoroughly. Divide the into four and use your hands to form mixture into patties.
2. To make the Remoulade Sauce, in a medium sized bowl, combine all ingredients.
3. Heat a nonstick large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the cooking oil. When oil is shimmering, carefully add the patties. Cook and flip periodically, until both sides are browned and crispy, about 8 minutes total.
4. Serve with lemon wedges and Remoulade Sauce.

FAQs 

What are the benefits of Lion’s Mane?

• Lion’s mane has been shown to improve memory, boost concentration and protect the nervous system
• The name lion’s mane comes from the mushroom resembling the cascading mane of a lion, though some varieties look like puffy pom-poms or some say they even resemble a brain — which is totally appropriate, because it has the ability to promote growth and development of new brain cells, regenerate neurons in your body as well as protect existing brain cells. This makes Lion’s Mane a brain-boosting mushroom for learning and memory.
• Lion’s Mane is also exceptionally high in protein and is an incredible source of non-animal essential amino acids!

What does Lion’s Mane taste like? 

Lion’s Mane has a similar resemblance and taste to seafoods like crab and lobster. Once cooked this mushroom is tender, juicy, meaty and delicate. This is why this mushroom is the perfect substitute for crab in this vegetarian version of a crab cake! It also is able to absorb the incredible flavors and spices added into this recipe. 

Can this recipe be modified to make vegan crab cakes?

Absolutely! To make these crab cakes vegan, replace the regular egg with a flax egg and use vegan mayonnaise. These substitutes work wonderfully and maintain the delicious flavor and texture of crab cakes.

Where can I find Lion’s Mane mushrooms?

While you might not yet be able to find them at your big name grocery store, Lion’s Mane mushrooms are often available at local farmer’s markets or from local growers. You might also find them at specialty stores like Whole Foods. They’re becoming more popular and are great way to support local farmers while enjoying unique ingredients.

Can I add lemon zest or lemon juice to this recipe for extra flavor?

Yes, adding lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice can really brighten up the flavors. For best results, be sure not to over-do it!

What is the best way to achieve a crispy exterior when making these crab cakes?

For a perfectly crispy exterior, make sure your frying pan is hot before adding the crab cakes, and don’t overcrowd the pan. A bit of patience is key – let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping. This technique ensures a deliciously golden-brown crust.

More Mushroom Recipes

• The Most Perfect Sauteed Mushrooms 
• Kale Salad With Mushroom Omelette 
• Mushroom Tofu Potstickers 
• Miso Soup with Mushroom and Tofu 
• Japanese Noodles with Shimeji Mushrooms