Posted by The Mushroom Box | Recipes, Lion's Mane, Grow-Your-Own

Watch the recipe video here

Believe it or not, the beautiful char you see in that sandwich is a mushroom!

Living as a vegetarian quickly taught me how much harder cooking became. With veggies, you have to prep, chop, dice, and spice; with a piece of meat, you simply throw it on the pan, and boom—meal done. I honestly missed that simplicity.

That was the struggle until I found Lion's Mane. This incredible mushroom isn't just known for its amazing medicinal properties; it can be just as simple and easy to cook as a steak. It not only resembles the texture of meat but absorbs deep, complex flavours right to its core.

The South African Problem (And Our Solution)

Here in South Africa, we can’t just pop down to Checkers and grab a Lion's Mane off the shelf. That scarcity is precisely why The Mushroom Box exists. I grow my own supply right on my kitchen counter. It’s a wonderful experience that lets me try amazing gourmet varieties I usually wouldn’t have access to. Plus, no load shedding can stop this harvest!

This recipe is simple, fast, and perfect for the South African lifestyle. Whether you’re serving it at a braai or looking for a gourmet Sunday sandwich, this is ready for all occasions.

Give this a go and let me know what you think! Would you try it?

Lion's Mane Steak Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:

Lion's Mane Mushrooms - 1 large cluster (from your Mushroom Box!)

Ciabatta - 1 loaf, sliced

Rocket - Handful

Crispy Onions - a good sprinkle

The Umami Marinade

• Beetroot Juice: 100ml (for colour and moisture)

• Dark Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp

• Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp

• Maple Syrup or Agave: 2 tbsp (for caramelization)

• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp

• Brown Miso Paste: 1 tsp (for depth of flavour)

• Garlic Powder: 1 tsp

• Pinch Salt: 1 pinch

The Creamy Mustard Mayo:

• Wholegrain Mustard: 2 tbsp

• Vegan Mayo: 2 tbsp

• Chopped Parsley: Handful

Method

1. Prep the Marinade: In a large, shallow tray, whisk all the marinade ingredients together. Set aside.

2. The Press (The Secret): In a frying pan over medium-high heat, gently fry the whole Lion's Mane mushroom in a little oil for about 5 minutes per side. After the first sear, place a second heavy pan or weight directly on top and press down firmly until the mushroom is golden brown and flattened.

3. Soak: Place the pressed mushrooms into the marinade. Let them soak for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavour infusion.

4. Final Sear: Fry the marinated mushrooms in a clean pan with a little oil on a medium-high heat until they are charred and the marinade has caramelized into a beautiful crust.

5. Assembly: Slice your ciabatta and toast it. Spread the creamy mayo mix on both sides. Load up the rocket, place the sliced mushroom ‘steaks’ on top, and finish with a generous sprinkle of crispy onions.

Enjoy your homegrown steak!

Ready to Solve Your Own "Meat Problem"?

Stop waiting for the shops to stock up. Start growing your own exotic, meaty mushrooms today.

👉 Visit the Lion's Mane Product Page and order your Mini Mushroom Farm below!