Recipes

Spicy Cumin Fried Lions Mane Tacos

By Zaky J on 10/08/2023

Spicy Cumin Fried Lion's Mane Tacos: A Vegan Flavor Explosion! Forget Meat! These Spicy Lion's Mane Tacos Will Rock Your World

Taco Food

Lion's Mane and Taco

In the world of mushrooms, Lion's Mane is an exciting option for those looking to infuse their diet with a unique, nutritious, and versatile ingredient. Lion's Mane, known for its shaggy, white appearance and surprising seafood-like texture, has become an increasingly popular choice for meatless dishes. The rise in plant-based diets and the quest for flavorful variety has made this peculiar fungi a staple in many health-conscious meals, including our delicious, satisfying, Spicy Cumin Fried Lion's Mane Tacos. This recipe proves that a meal can be composed of just one primary vegetable ingredient, yet remain hearty and delightful to the palate.

These days, Lion's Mane mushrooms are easier to find than you might think. Grocery stores like Central Market and Whole Foods often carry them fresh in their produce sections. But even if you can't find them fresh, don't fret. Dehydrated Lion's Mane mushrooms are also readily available and can be easily rehydrated for use in this recipe. Just soak them in warm water until they regain their original shape and texture, and you'll be ready to embark on this culinary adventure. With Lion's Mane in your kitchen, the possibilities for creative, healthful, and flavorful dishes are nearly endless.

Spicy Cumin Fried Lion's Mane Tacos

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  1. 16 oz fresh lion’s mane mushrooms
  2. Sugar
  3. Water
  4. Cooking oil
  5. 2 tablespoons flour
  6. 3 tablespoons water
  7. ½ tablespoons cumin seeds
  8. 1 tablespoon cumin powder plus extra for topping
  9. 1 tablespoon chili powder plus extra for topping
  10. 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  11. ½ teaspoon salt plus extra for topping
  12. ½ teaspoon mushrooms seasoning
  13. 8 small-sized corn tortillas
  14. Freshly made salsa, for serving
  15. Freshly chopped cilantro, for serving
  16. Freshly chopped red cabbage

Instructions:

  1. Clean the lion’s mane mushrooms with a brush, cut off any tough parts from the stems, if any, then tear mushrooms into larger than bite-sized pieces.
  2. Fill a large pot or pan with water and bring it to a boil. Then, add a ½ teaspoon of sugar into the hot water.
  3. Add mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes until slightly tender. Cooking time may be shorter for smaller mushroom pieces.
  4. Drain out the water. Once cooled, gently squeeze mushrooms to remove all the liquid and transfer to a bowl.
  5. Meanwhile, whisk together flour and water into a thin paste, set aside.
  6. Rub mushrooms with cumin seeds, cumin powder, chili powder, salt, and mushroom seasoning until all mushrooms are coated.
  7. Add the batter and sesame seeds, then use your fingers to coat the mushrooms until well combined.
  8. Heat a large iron or non-stick skillet with a thin layer of oil over medium heat. Add the mushroom pieces and cook until they're golden brown and a thin crust forms, turning occasionally. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
  9. To prepare another spice mix for topping, combine 1 tablespoon of cumin powder and chili powder with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Sprinkle onto the cooked mushrooms before serving.
  10. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until they're pliable.
  11. Assemble the tacos by placing a generous amount of the fried, spiced lion's mane mushrooms on each tortilla. Top with the extra cumin and chili powder mix, freshly made salsa, freshly chopped cilantro and red cabbage.
  12. Serve hot and enjoy your Spicy Cumin Fried Lion’s Mane Tacos!

Notes: If you like it spicier, you can serve the tacos with chili oil for a spicier kick. The time needed to cook the mushrooms solely depends on how large the pieces are. The larger the pieces, the longer it takes to brown and fully cook through.

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References


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  • Population aging has led to an increased interest in various dietary supplements in order to preserve cognitive function. The aim of our study was to examine the effects of Hericium erinaceus supplementation (HE) on cognitive function and serum levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Neuropeptide Y (NPY). An 8-week double-blind comparative study involved 33 subjects, randomly assigned to a HE group and a placebo (P) group.

    2024

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  • Fungal phytochemicals derived from higher fungi, particularly those found in the culinary-medicinal fungi Hericium, have gained importance in drug discovery and healthcare. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the chemical structures, biosynthesis, biological activities, and pharmacological properties of monomer compounds derived from Hericium.

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  • Neuroprotective Effects of Erinacine A on an Experimental Model of Traumatic Optic Neuropathy

  • Erinacine A (EA), a natural neuroprotectant, is isolated from a Chinese herbal medicine, Hericium erinaceus. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of EA in a rat model of traumatic optic neuropathy. The optic nerves (ONs) of adult male Wistar rats were crushed using a standardized method and divided into three experimental groups: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS control)-treated group, standard EA dose-treated group (2.64 mg/kg in 0.5 mL of PBS), and double EA dose-treated group (5.28 mg/kg in 0.5 mL of PBS). After ON crush, each group was fed orally every day for 14 days before being euthanized.

    2023

  • Hericerin derivatives activates a pan-neurotrophic pathway in central hippocampal neurons converging to ERK1/2 signaling enhancing spatial memory

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    2023

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    2023

  • Acute Effects of Naturally Occurring Guayusa Tea and Nordic Lion’s Mane Extracts on Cognitive Performance

  • The aim of this study was to assess the effects of guayusa extract and Nordic Lion’s Mane (LM) on cognition. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, we examined the effects of a single dose of 650 mg guayusa extract (AMT: AmaTea® Max) vs. 1 g Nordic-grown Lion’s Mane (LM) vs. placebo (PL). Participants attended three testing visits consisting of neuropsychological tests (Go/No-go, N-Back, and Serial 7 s tasks) assessing performance, subjective assessments of cognitive perception, and vital signs. Each assessment was measured at baseline (pre-ingestion) and 1 and 2 h post ingestion.

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