If you’re on the lookout for a unique and flavorful dish that brings out the best of smoky, earthy goodness, the Traeger Smoked Lion’s Mane Mushroom Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe transforms the fascinating Lion’s Mane mushroom, known for its meaty texture and subtle seafood notes, into a rich, tender, and beautifully smoked delicacy. Using the Traeger grill to infuse that unmistakable wood-fired character, you get a dish that’s simple yet truly impressive — perfect for a cozy night in or whenever you want to wow your guests with something both vegetarian and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a distinct role, whether adding smokiness, enhancing the natural mushroom flavors, or providing just the right touch of seasoning to create a well-rounded dish with vibrant textures and colors.
- 1 pound lion’s mane mushrooms: The star of the dish, offering a unique spongy, crab-like texture and mild flavor that absorbs smoke beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps coat the mushrooms for even cooking and adds a silky richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a gentle warmth and savory depth without overpowering the delicate mushroom taste.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds color and a subtle smoky sweetness to complement the grill’s natural smoke.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors and enhancing the mushrooms’ natural umami.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari: Introduces a salty, tangy layer that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, bright contrast and a pop of green color.
How to Make Traeger Smoked Lion’s Mane Mushroom Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Traeger Grill
Start by setting your Traeger to 225°F (107°C), choosing hickory or oak pellets for a balanced, smoky flavor. Preheating is essential to ensure the mushrooms cook slowly and pick up that delicious wood smoke evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Mushrooms
In a large bowl, gently toss the torn lion’s mane mushrooms with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and soy sauce. This marinade lets each piece soak up flavor while still preserving its unique texture.
Step 3: Arrange for Smoking
Spread the mushrooms out on a grill-safe baking tray or a grill mat in a single, even layer. Crowding will prevent proper cooking, so make sure each piece has room for the smoke and heat to circulate.
Step 4: Smoke Low and Slow
Place the tray on the grill and smoke for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir the mushrooms about halfway through to allow even cooking and that irresistible slightly crispy edge. You’ll know they’re done when the mushrooms are tender and lightly caramelized.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the mushrooms from the grill and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh touch. Serve the mushrooms warm to truly enjoy that perfect smoky aroma combined with their luscious texture.
How to Serve Traeger Smoked Lion’s Mane Mushroom Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic option for this dish, giving a splash of color and a fresh, herbaceous note. You might also try a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you crave a touch of heat. These simple touches can elevate the experience beautifully.
Side Dishes
This smoky mushroom pairs wonderfully with a range of sides. Creamy polenta, garlic mashed potatoes, or a lightly dressed mixed green salad all complement the mushrooms perfectly. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside grilled vegetables or a quinoa pilaf for texture contrast and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to really impress? Serve the smoked lion’s mane atop toasted sourdough or as a rich filling in a vegan slider bun. You can also incorporate it into tacos with fresh avocado and a tangy slaw, making a perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and crunchy elements that will delight every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the cooled mushrooms in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay flavorful and safe to eat for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick meals or snacks later in the week.
Freezing
To keep your smoked lion’s mane mushrooms longer, they freeze well. Spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen mushrooms retain their texture nicely for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy that Traeger magic any time.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep that crispy edge intact and prevent sogginess. A quick warm-up will bring back the smoky aroma and tender texture like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of mushroom for this recipe?
While this recipe highlights lion’s mane for its unique texture, you can use other meaty mushrooms like oyster or maitake, but the flavor and texture will change slightly. Lion’s mane really shines with the Traeger’s smoke.
Do I need to soak the lion’s mane mushrooms before cooking?
No need to soak them. Just tear into bite-sized pieces and toss with the seasoning and oil directly. Soaking can make them soggy and dilute their natural flavor.
What kind of wood pellets work best?
Hickory and oak pellets are ideal as they provide a bold but balanced smoke flavor that complements the mild mushroom perfectly. You can experiment with fruit woods for lighter, sweeter notes.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
It’s naturally vegan, and if you use tamari instead of soy sauce, it also becomes gluten-free, making it accessible to many dietary preferences.
How can I tell when the mushrooms are done smoking?
They become tender to the touch and develop slightly crispy edges. The smoky aroma will be pronounced, and the pieces will have shrunk slightly as moisture cooks out.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Traeger Smoked Lion’s Mane Mushroom Recipe enough if you want to explore new textures and smoky flavors. It’s an easy yet impressive dish full of personality, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a nourishing treat. Once you try it, I’m confident you’ll find yourself coming back for more of that irresistible smoky, satisfying goodness.
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Traeger Smoked Lion’s Mane Mushroom Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Traeger Lion’s Mane Mushroom recipe features smoky, tender, and flavorful mushrooms perfect as a savory side or unique main dish. Smoked low and slow on a Traeger grill with aromatic hickory or oak pellets, these mushrooms develop a delightful crispy edge and rich umami flavor enhanced by garlic, smoked paprika, and soy sauce.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound lion’s mane mushrooms, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F (107°C) using hickory or oak pellets to infuse the mushrooms with a rich smoky flavor.
- Prepare the Mushrooms: In a large bowl, combine the torn lion’s mane mushrooms with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and soy sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the marinade.
- Arrange for Smoking: Spread the seasoned mushrooms in a single layer on a grill-safe baking tray or grill mat. This ensures even smoking and cooking.
- Smoke the Mushrooms: Place the tray on the preheated grill and smoke the mushrooms for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir them halfway through the cooking time to promote even tenderness and ensure slightly crispy edges develop.
- Serve: Remove the smoked mushrooms from the grill, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm as a delicious savory side or vegetarian main.
Notes
- Use either soy sauce or tamari depending on your preference or dietary restrictions; tamari is gluten-free.
- Adjust seasoning and smoking time based on your grill and personal taste preference for smokiness and texture.
- If you don’t have a Traeger, a pellet grill or smoker set to a similar temperature can be used as an alternative.
- Pair well with grilled vegetables, rice, or incorporate into vegan dishes for hearty umami flavor.
