Eat Well Recipe: Lion’s Mane Mushroom "Scallops" [Dinner]

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are a remarkable plant-based alternative to scallops, offering a tender, "meaty" texture that pairs beautifully with the crisp, zesty bite of asparagus.¹ This dish is naturally low-carb and nutrient-dense.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom "Scallops" with Garlic-Lemon Asparagus

Ingredients

• 8 oz Lion’s Mane mushrooms, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil²
  
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice + 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for color)
• Salt and cracked black pepper to taste³
  
• Fresh parsley for garnish⁴
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the "Scallops": Gently wipe the mushrooms clean.⁵ Slice them into rounds to resemble scallops.⁶ Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
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2. Sear: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the mushroom rounds in the pan.⁷ Press down slightly with a spatula to ensure a good sear. Cook for 3–5 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.⁸ Remove and set aside.
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3. Sauté Asparagus: In the same pan, add the remaining oil and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, then add the asparagus. Cook for 4–6 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Finish: Return the "scallops" to the pan. Drizzle with lemon juice and zest, tossing gently to coat. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.⁹
   

Tips for Success (Diabetes Prevention & Management)

To maximise the health benefits of this meal, focusing on blood sugar stability is key.¹⁰ Both Lion’s Mane mushrooms and asparagus are low-glycemic index (GI) foods, meaning they cause minimal impact on blood glucose. Lion’s Mane contains beta-glucans, a type of soluble fibre that slows the absorption of sugars in the digestive tract, preventing sharp insulin spikes.¹¹ Furthermore, animal studies suggest these mushrooms may inhibit alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme that breaks down carbs into glucose.¹²

Asparagus is equally powerful; it is rich in chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the effectiveness of insulin. By using extra virgin olive oil instead of butter, you provide healthy monounsaturated fats that improve heart health—a critical consideration since diabetes often increases cardiovascular risk. To keep this dish as healthy as possible, avoid heavy cream or sugary balsamic glazes. The combination of high fibre from the asparagus and the unique protein-like structure of the mushrooms promotes long-lasting satiety, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight and prevent metabolic strain.

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The content published under the "Eat Well" section, including all recipes, tips, nutritional information, and general health commentary, is provided for informational purposes only.

This content is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

• Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Always seek the advice of a qualified physician, registered dietitian, or other health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diet plan, or before starting any new eating regimen.
• Individual Needs: Dietary needs, caloric requirements, and carbohydrate tolerances vary greatly from person to person, especially for those managing illnesses like diabetes. Our general recommendations may not be suitable for your specific health situation.
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