How do you make a Vegan Lobster Roll? I know you’re thinking the key component to a lobster roll is well…lobster. And that just doesn’t work if you eat plant based. How do we get around that? With mushrooms! Specifically lion’s mane mushrooms. These mushrooms replicate both the taste & texture of lobster & are super simple to prepare.
But where can I find lion’s mane mushrooms? Dependent upon where you live this could take a little more effort than the corner store. Check specialty grocery stores in your area, such as Whole Foods or your local Asian market. Check online for wholesalers in your area that may supply to local restaurants. There are a number of retail sellers on Etsy as well. You can even order a mushroom growing kit online & grow our own mushrooms at home, which might be a fun activity if you have kids. Last but not least, mushroom foraging is always an option, but that sounds like a lot more work than I want to devote to a sandwich, but go for it if you want.
When creating this recipe I really wanted to try to replicate a similar lobster roll to one I had in Portland, Maine years ago at Eventide Oyster Co. (back when I would allow myself one non-vegan meal per vacation if the need arose). While I wasn’t able to completely replicate their James Beard Award winning dish, this version is damn good. I wanted to get the luxurious, decadent taste of lobster with just a bit of that salt water taste & miso paste helped to do just that. A perfect umami packed bite!
Let’s talk fungi. What’s so special about these mushrooms? They are not a common species of mushrooms & grow up in trees as opposed to along the ground making them more difficult to harvest. They also do not have that traditional mushroom cap look. As you can see, they have a shaggy fur-like texture, hence the name. Like many types of fungi, lion’s mane appears to have some significant potential health benefits. To date, there has not been enough research done regarding human consumption so definitive scientific data is not possible, but there is some indication that it may protect against dementia, help repair nerve damage & lower the risk of heart disease, cancer & diabetes due to its strong anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting abilities.
Like finding interesting ways to turn a dish vegan? Here are some other recipes you may want to try…
Vegan Lobster Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 baguette see notes for substitutions
- 2-3 cups lion's mane mushrooms
- 2-3 tbsp vegan butter
- 1 tsp miso paste
- 1 tbsp chives, chopped
- 1 scallion, sliced optional
- old bay seasoning optional garnish to taste
- 1 lemon optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° Slice the baguette into 2-3 inch thick slices. Make a cut through each slice, without cutting all the way through (think hot dog bun).
- Melt 1 tbsp of butter & lightly brush the melted butter on the outside and inside of each slice.Place on a baking tray & bake for about 10 minutes until it gets golden & toasted. Remove from heat & set aside until you are ready to assemble.
- Tear apart the lion's mane mushroom into large bite-size chunks. The mushroom shrinks a bit as it cooks.
- In a cast-iron pan over medium heat melt the remaining butter & miso paste, stirring to combine & dissolve. Add the mushrooms to the pan & saute for 5-6 minutes stirring occasionally, until you get a golden crisp to the mushrooms. Remove from heat.
- While the mushrooms are cooking prepare any optional garnish by slicing the chives, scallion & lemon wedges.
- Assemble by stuffing the mushrooms into the rolls. Top with some of the chives, scallion & a pinch of Old Bay seasoning. Serve with a wedge of lemon.
