EST. 2011 BY LIZ RUEVEN
Lion’s Mane Mushroom “Crab” Cakes
Photo: Liz Rueven

Lion’s Mane Mushroom “Crab” Cakes

Is it off-putting to see the word CRAB in this title? I debated whether to use it but I simply have to.

I’ve been hankering to make these vegetarian and kosher faux crab cakes with Lion’s Mane mushrooms since I first saw these friendly looking fungi at Westport Farmers’ Market in CT. My curiosity was peaked when I read that when they are cooked, they taste remarkably similar to crab and lobster.

CT organic mushrooms
Photo: Liz Rueven

 Sea Coast Mushrooms gathers an enthusiastic and curious crowd each week as folks gather around a simple table with cardboard boxes holding eight or ten different varieties of locally grown organic mushrooms. The air around their set-up smells like the forest after a rainfall. Nicki is infinitely patient and enthusiastic as she takes her time helping mushroom lovers understand how to use each variety in optimal ways.

kosher vegetarian faux "crab" cakes
Photo: Liz Rueven

When I read that cooked Lion’s Mane mushrooms have the texture and flavor of lobster, it was a quick leap to imagining these faux crab cakes. Most cooks use butter or ghee with this variety but I stuck with Sun Coco organic blend of sunflower and coconut oil, which withstands high temperature cooking and has a neutral flavor. Dairy-free is always a big bonus in my book, too.

CT organic mushrooms
Photo: Liz Rueven

If you’ve ever tasted lobster or crab, I guarantee that you will be blown away by the essence of this beautiful Lion’s Mane variety. If you have not, I hope you’ll find these flavors wholly unfamiliar and delightful.

I’m not yearning for shellfish anymore (yes, there was a time when I really missed those Maine lobsters) but these faux crab cakes are charmingly similar.

CT organic mushrooms
Photo: Liz Rueven

I’ve made a couple of suggestions for accompaniments but if spicy is your thang, consider mixing up a simple remoulade with sriracha by blending one cup lowfat mayo, two chopped scallions, two tablespoons chopped parsley and one tablespoon sriracha chili sauce in a pretty lil bowl.

ALSO, if Sea Coast Mushrooms sounds familiar or if using less common mushrooms peaks your curiosity, take a look at our post for Trumpet Mushrooms with Linguini here.

organic CT mushrooms
Photo: Liz Rueven; Trumpet Mushrooms

4 Comments

    • Try John Madura Farm stand at the Union Square Greenmarket or Eataly (call first). Also, Seacoast Mushrooms in Mystic (the vendor at my local market) says that Wallingfield Farm grows and sells them at the Brooklyn market (spring opening). Good luck!

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