Smoked Lion’s Mane

Hello food lovers! I hope you are all doing well. I’m thrilled to be connecting with you again this week. During my research, I discovered that the national Day of the Mushroom falls on April 16th – not to be confused with National Mushroom Day on October 15th. To celebrate this special occasion and National Barbecue Month in May, I want to share my Lion’s Mane Barbecue recipe with you.

Mushrooms are among my favorite ingredients due to their nutritional value, availability, and great taste. They have gained popularity in the culinary world, moving from a mere side dish to the star of the show. At Pink’s Barbecue, the demand for vegetarian and vegan options has risen, leading me to incorporate mushrooms, particularly Lion’s Mane, known for its health benefits and excellent flavor and texture for barbecue dishes. These mushrooms are increasingly accessible through various farms, farmer’s markets, and even big box stores in Metro Atlanta.

Lion’s Mane barbecue is a dish that you’ll enjoy more than you should, with its meaty texture complementing the wood-smoked flavor and sweet savory notes. Now, let’s dive into the Lion’s Mane Barbecue recipe:

Ingredients:
– Smoked Lion’s Mane: 8 oz
– Pink’s barbecue sauce: 4–6 oz (can substitute with preferred BBQ sauce)
– Vidalia Onion: ½ large onion (julienned)
– Sandwich Bread: 2–4 slices
– Cooking Fat: 2 Tbsp
– Salt: to taste

Instructions:
1. Smoke lion’s mane for 30 minutes to an hour at 225 degrees until tender and smoky.
2. Slice the smoked lion’s mane into strips.

Grilled Sandwich:
– Heat skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add cooking fat and onions, cooking until caramelized.
– Toast buns if desired.
– Add smoked lion’s mane and cook until golden brown.
– Mix in sauce and season with salt.
– Make sandwiches and serve.

This recipe offers a vegetarian or vegan BBQ option and is versatile enough to be enjoyed in various ways, such as in lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice or paired with grits, polenta, or rice for a heartier meal. You can also mix it with ground meat for flavorful Lion’s Mane burger patties. Celebrate the Day of the Mushroom this week by trying out this recipe, and I’m sure it will become a valuable addition to your culinary repertoire. I look forward to our next meeting next week. Feel free to visit me and my team at the Peachtree City Farmer’s market every Saturday.