Lion's mane pulls apart into strands with a texture close to crab, but it holds a lot of water, so tear it and dry-saute it hard before it meets the binder. Chill the shaped cakes so they set and hold in the pan. This is a mushroom cake on its own terms, not a fake meant to fool anyone.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep25 min
Cook15 min
Makes8 cakes
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
VegetarianDairy-free
Contains eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for8cakes
Lion's mane mushroom
Torn into shreds for a crab-like pull; buy it firm, white, and dry.
Shred and dry-sauteTear the lion's mane into strands and cook in a dry pan over medium-high until they shrink and the moisture cooks off, about 8 minutes. Wet mushrooms make cakes that fall apart.
Mix gentlyCool the mushrooms, then fold with egg, mayonnaise, panko, herbs, lemon, and Old Bay. Keep it loose and do not compact it.
Shape and chillForm into cakes and chill at least 30 minutes so they firm up and stay together in the pan.
Sear crispPan-fry in a little oil over medium-high for 3 to 4 minutes a side until a deep crust forms. Flip once, gently, with a thin spatula.
Can you make Lion's Mane Crab Cakes in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.
Can you freeze Lion's Mane Crab Cakes? — Not ideal
Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.
Can you make Lion's Mane Crab Cakes ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.
Is Lion's Mane Crab Cakes gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is Lion's Mane Crab Cakes vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has egg. Make it vegan: a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
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