Lion’s Mane mushrooms are a delicious and unique ingredient known for their meaty texture and subtle seafood-like flavor. Smoking them on a Traeger infuses them with rich, wood-fired goodness, making them perfect as a main dish, side, or meat substitute. Whether you serve them as steaks, in tacos, or as a topping for pasta, this recipe brings out the best in these incredible mushrooms.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smoky and flavorful – The Traeger adds a deep, wood-smoked taste.
- Meaty texture – Lion’s Mane mushrooms have a tender, crab-like consistency.
- Simple ingredients – A few seasonings enhance the natural flavor.
- Great meat substitute – Perfect for vegetarians and plant-based diets.
- Versatile serving options – Use them in tacos, sandwiches, or as a steak alternative.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh Lion’s Mane mushrooms
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Lemon juice
- Fresh thyme (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Traeger
- Set the smoker temperature – Preheat your Traeger to 225°F and allow it to heat for about 15 minutes. Use hickory, oak, or applewood pellets for the best flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Mushrooms
- Clean the mushrooms – Gently brush off any dirt with a damp paper towel. Avoid washing them under water, as they absorb moisture.
- Tear or slice – For a steak-like presentation, slice into thick pieces. For shredded texture, pull apart into smaller sections.
- Season well – In a bowl, toss the mushrooms with olive oil (or melted butter), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Smoke the Mushrooms
- Place on the grill – Arrange the mushrooms directly on the Traeger grates or on a perforated grill pan.
- Smoke for 45–60 minutes – Let them absorb the smoky flavor while softening.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Increase heat to 375°F – If you want a crispier exterior, raise the temperature and cook for another 10–15 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and herbs – Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the mushrooms and sprinkle with thyme for extra flavor.
- Serve hot – Enjoy as a main dish, in tacos, or over pasta.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Lion’s Mane Mushrooms – Add cayenne or chili flakes.
- Garlic Butter Style – Toss with melted butter and minced garlic before smoking.
- BBQ Glazed – Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 15 minutes.
- Asian-Inspired – Toss with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Herb-Crusted – Coat with fresh rosemary and thyme before smoking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture changes when frozen.
FAQs
What does Lion’s Mane mushroom taste like?
It has a mild, slightly sweet, seafood-like flavor, similar to crab or lobster.
Can I smoke these at a higher temperature?
Yes, but low and slow at 225°F gives the best smoky flavor and tender texture.
Do I need to marinate them?
Not necessary, but you can marinate them in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.
Can I cook these without a Traeger?
Yes! Roast them in a 375°F oven for 20–25 minutes or sauté them in a skillet.
What should I serve with smoked Lion’s Mane mushrooms?
They pair well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, pasta, or as a meat substitute in tacos.
Can I use frozen Lion’s Mane mushrooms?
Fresh is best, as freezing alters their texture.
What’s the best wood pellet for smoking mushrooms?
Hickory, oak, apple, or cherry wood provide a great balance of smoky and mild flavors.
How do I keep them from drying out?
Coating them with oil or butter helps retain moisture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter.
How do I get a crispier texture?
Increase the heat to 375°F for the last 10–15 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
Traeger Smoked Lion’s Mane Mushrooms are a delicious, smoky, and meaty plant-based dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether served as a main course, side dish, or taco filling, this recipe is a must-try for mushroom lovers and grilling enthusiasts alike. Fire up your Traeger and enjoy this unique, smoky delight!
PrintTraeger Lion’s Mane Mushroom Recipe
Lion’s Mane mushrooms have a meaty, almost crab-like texture, making them perfect for smoking on a Traeger grill. This recipe enhances their natural umami flavor with a simple seasoning blend and light wood smoke. Serve them as a side dish, in tacos, or as a meat substitute for sandwiches!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian, BBQ
Ingredients
- 1 lb Lion’s Mane mushrooms (whole or torn into large pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (optional for extra umami)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (for finishing)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Traeger Grill:
- Set your Traeger to 225°F and load it with cherry, maple, or hickory wood pellets for a mild, smoky flavor.
- Let it preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Gently clean the Lion’s Mane mushrooms with a damp towel (avoid soaking them in water).
- Tear or slice them into large chunks.
- In a bowl, toss the mushrooms with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and soy sauce.
3. Smoke the Mushrooms:
- Place the mushrooms directly on the grill grates.
- Smoke for 45-60 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the mushrooms are golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
4. Finish & Serve:
- Remove from the grill and drizzle with lemon juice for a fresh pop of flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Serving Ideas:
- As a main dish: Serve with grilled veggies and a side of rice or quinoa.
- In tacos: Chop and stuff into tortillas with avocado, salsa, and slaw.
- In a sandwich: Layer on a toasted bun with garlic aioli and arugula.
Notes
- Want a smoky butter finish? Toss the mushrooms in melted butter right before serving.
- For a heartier meal, add these smoked mushrooms to pasta or risotto.
- Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.