Grilled Lion's Mane Steak Ciabatta Sandwiches
Marinated meaty mushrooms are grilled to perfection with crispy onion straws, peppery arugula, creamy garlic aioli, and a tangy barbeque sauce served on a charred ciabatta bun. It's the perfect meaty and filling meal for meat eaters and vegans alike. Serve with potato wedges or a Summer salad for your next BBQ and get ready to wow your guests!
Ingredients
Mushroom Steaks
- 2 large lion's mane mushrooms
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
- 2 tbsp barbeque sauce
Mushroom Steak Marinade
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
- 1/2 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Crispy Onion Straws
- 1/2 medium yellow onion-thinly sliced
- 1 cup vegan buttermilk or high-fat milk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Assembly
- 2 ciabatta buns
- 1/2 cup arugula
- 2 tbsp vegan garlic aioli
- 2 tbsp barbeque sauce
- oil for frying
Instructions
Crispy Onion Straws
- Thinly slice the onion and place the slices in a bowl or jar with the buttermilk. Let them soak for 10-20 minutes.
- Mix the flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish or bowl. Drain the onion slices and toss them in the flour mixture until well coated.
- Heat up frying oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When a small amount of flour tossed in the oil sizzles, it is hot enough to add the onions.
- Fry the onion slices in a single layer until golden brown or about 5-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Mushroom Steaks
- Heat up a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the pan and add one mushroom to the pan and get it used to the heat. Lightly salt the mushroom.
- Using a heavy dish or another skillet, begin pushing down on the mushroom and gradually increasing the pressure until it resembles a steak. You will want to push pretty hard to compact it down to a meat-like thickness. Sear the mushroom on both sides and remove from heat. Repeat with the other mushroom.
- In a small bowl or tupperware, add the marinade ingredients and set your seared mushrooms in it. Cover and let sit for 10-20 minutes.
- While they are marinating, heat a grill to medium high heat.
- Remove the mushrooms from the marinade and sear them on the grill over medium-high heat for a couple of minutes on each side until charred. Alternatively, you can return them back to a hot skillet and sear them that way. Add the mushrooms back to a hot pan and sear for a couple of minutes on each side until slightly charred.
- Baste with the BBQ sauce on each side and grill for another minute or two.
- Throw the ciabatta buns on the grill for the last few minutes to get a nice char. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble
- On the bottom of the bun smear some vegan garlic aioli. Top with some fresh arugula.
- Place the mushroom steak on top of the arugula. Add some crispy onion straws.
- Spread some BBQ sauce on the top bun and set on top of the onion straws. Serve warm with some potato wedges, cauliflower mac and cheese, or a fresh Summer salad.