Thinking about trying dried Lion’s Mane mushrooms? These shaggy, cloud-like mushrooms have a striking look and, once rehydrated, take on a meaty texture with a rich, seafood-style flavour. They’re easy to store, last for months, and take just minutes to prepare. This makes them great for busy cooks or anyone keen to bring something new to their midweek meals.
While you can often find them fresh online or grow them yourself, dried Lion’s Mane mushrooms are also a super convenient option to have on hand. But to really enjoy their full potential, you need to know how to rehydrate them properly.
In this guide, we’ll show you the simplest way to rehydrate them so you can bring back their deep umami flavour and signature chew. Perfect for everything from pasta dishes to slow-cooked stews, rehydrated Lion’s Mane adds richness and texture that really stands out.
Key Takeaways:-
- How to rehydrate dried Lion’s Mane mushrooms
- Why should you rehydrate dried Lion’s Mane?
- How to use rehydrated Lion’s Mane in cooking
- How to keep your rehydrated Lion’s Mane fresh
- Get your dried Lion’s Mane from Urban Farm-It now!
How to rehydrate dried Lion’s Mane mushrooms
Rehydrating your Lion’s Mane mushrooms is simple, but getting it right makes all the difference. Here’s how to bring out the best flavour and texture.
1. Choose your water temperature
Start by placing your dried mushrooms in a bowl of water, making sure they’re fully covered. But before you do, you’ll need to decide: hot, warm, or cold? Each option has its own benefits:
- Hot water – This is the fastest, taking around 20 minutes, and is great if you’re in a rush, though it may remove some of the subtle flavours
- Cold water – A longer process (roughly up to 2 hours) but protects the more delicate flavours
- Warm water – A good middle ground that slightly speeds up the process without compromising too much of the mushroom’s flavour
Tip: Place a small plate or weight on top to keep the mushrooms from floating up and out of the water.
2. Check and squeeze out excess water
Once they’ve plumped up, give them a squeeze to remove any excess water. This stops your dish from becoming too soggy and helps the mushrooms absorb marinades or cooking sauces later on. Be gentle, you want to keep that meaty texture intact, not turn it into mush.
3. Pat dry
Lay the mushrooms on a paper towel or clean cloth, and pat them dry. This helps prep them for searing or sautéing without producing excess steam, letting them brown up nicely in the pan.
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SAVE ON DRIED LIONS MANEBonus: Save that soaking liquid
Don’t throw out that leftover soaking water! It’s got plenty of umami flavour and is perfect for adding depth to broths, gravies, or sauces. Just strain it and store it in the fridge or freezer.
Why not take it a step further and grow your own delicious mushrooms from home? Check out our easy-to-use mushroom growing kits now!
Why should you rehydrate dried Lion’s Mane?
When rehydrated properly, dried Lion’s Mane bounces back beautifully, keeping a tender bite that makes for an excellent meat substitute. Think: pulled crab meat texture, but fully plant-based. You’ll also get a deeper, earthy taste that adds richness to soups, stir-fries, and more.
How to use rehydrated Lion’s Mane in cooking
Once rehydrated, they are ready for just about anything. Here are a few favourites:
- Pan-fried in butter and garlic, served over crusty bread
- Shredded like crab meat, tossed into risotto
- Sauteed for a creamy, garlicy pasta dish
- Baked in filo pastries or dumplings
How to keep your rehydrated Lion’s Mane fresh
Whether you're saving them for later or storing leftovers after soaking, a few simple storage tips will help keep your dried Lion’s Mane at its best.
For unused dried Lion’s Mane
Store in a cool, dark place inside an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag. If stored properly, dried Lion’s Mane can last for several months.
After rehydrating
If you’ve soaked more than you need, just:
- Pat dry thoroughly
- Store in the fridge in a sealed container
- Use within 1–2 days
Get your dried Lion’s Mane from Urban Farm-It now!
Whether you're experimenting, meal prepping, or looking for your next plant-based go-to, this is the mushroom that does it all. And unlike fresh mushrooms, dried Lion’s Mane stores well for months in a cupboard or jar, ready whenever you need a protein-rich addition, a meat-free main, or a boost of umami in your favourite dishes.
So, next time you're planning your weekday meals, think about what a bowl of dried mushrooms and a little water can do. You might just discover your new kitchen favourite! Ready to get started? Grab a pack of our dried Lion’s Mane mushrooms today!
