This shiitake bacon is the best vegan shiitake mushroom recipe, and its job is simple: to make everything it touches taste better. Crispy, smoky, and packed with bold umami, it adds the perfect crunch to avocado toast, levels up brunch, and takes roasted Brussels sprouts to the next level.
Vegans will turn anything into bacon, and for good reason. That crispy, smoky, salty magic isn’t about the meat—it’s about the method. And when it comes to plant-based bacon, shiitake mushrooms might just be the GOAT.
Shiitakes bring the perfect balance of meaty texture, deep umami, and crispability (yep, we’re making that a word). With just a handful of ingredients and a little time in the oven, they transform into crackly, savory bites that are just as good piled onto a sandwich as they are eaten straight off the pan.
This shiitake bacon brings big, bold, smoky flavor to everything it touches—whether it’s adding crunch to a tofu scramble, lending depth to a creamy pasta, or stealing the show in a grain bowl. However you use it, expect an extra hit of crispy, umami-packed deliciousness. For more on how to cook shiitakes, check out our comprehensive guide on shiitakes!
Why You’ll Love This Shiitake Bacon Recipe
Shiitake mushrooms were practically made for this. Their naturally rich, umami-packed flavor and crisp-up potential make them a dream ingredient for plant-based bacon. With just a few pantry staples and a little time in the oven, they transform into smoky, crispy perfection—no fancy ingredients, no fuss, just straight-up deliciousness. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- It’s ridiculously crispy. Some plant-based bacon recipes lean chewy, others go brittle—this one hits the sweet spot. Shiitakes naturally crisp along the edges while staying slightly tender in the center, giving you that satisfying crunch in every bite.
- It soaks up smoky flavor like a dream. Shiitakes are flavor sponges in the best way possible. A quick marinade in a blend of liquid smoke, toasted sesame oil, and smoked paprika works its magic, infusing them with deep, savory layers that rival anything store-bought.
- No complicated steps, no frying mess. Just a simple oven bake that does all the heavy lifting. Toss everything together, spread them out, and crispy, smoky perfection awaits. Bonus: your kitchen will smell incredible while they bake.
- It makes everything taste more interesting. Avocado toast? Next level. Tofu scramble? Instant upgrade. Grain bowls, pasta, soup, sandwiches? Shiitake bacon brings an extra hit of crunch and umami magic that turns any dish into a showstopper.
- Big flavor, minimal ingredients. No long ingredient lists, no complicated techniques—just a few simple seasonings and a foolproof oven method to bring out deep, smoky, umami-packed goodness.
Key Ingredients
This is a simple recipe with just a handful of ingredients, but each one works together to turn humble shiitake mushrooms into something wildly flavorful. From deep, smoky richness to crisp, golden edges, each element is here for a specific reason. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shiitake Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms are the star of this recipe, and for good reason. Known for their deep umami richness, they have a naturally firm bite that crisps up beautifully in the oven. You’ll typically find two main types: flower mushrooms (花菇), which are thicker and more structured, and winter mushrooms (冬菇), which are lighter and more delicate. Both work, but the larger, meatier flower mushrooms hold up best for that perfect crisp-chewy balance.
Why shiitakes? Unlike other mushrooms, they naturally dehydrate as they cook, intensifying their flavor while developing golden, crispy edges—making them an unbeatable base for plant-based bacon. - Olive Oil: A little fat = a lot of flavor. It helps shiitakes caramelize instead of drying out, creating crispy edges with a rich, golden finish. You could swap in avocado oil for a higher smoke point, but olive oil’s subtle fruitiness plays especially well here.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: This isn’t just about fat—it’s about depth. Toasted sesame oil brings a rich, nutty, slightly smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with the shiitakes’ natural umami. A little goes a long way!
- Liquid Smoke: The secret weapon. This adds that just-off-the-grill depth without needing a smoker. It’s literally condensed smoke from burning wood that’s pure flavor magic. If you’re skeptical, just use a little extra smoked paprika instead, but liquid smoke delivers the most authentic, bacon-y punch.
- Salt: Seems basic, but it’s doing a lot of heavy lifting. Salt draws out moisture, intensifies umami, and balances all that deep smokiness. If you want an extra punch, swap in smoked sea salt for even more depth.
- Smoked Paprika (Optional, But Recommended): A double dose of smokiness never hurt anyone. Smoked paprika boosts the bacon-like flavor, adds subtle sweetness, and gives the mushrooms a deep, golden hue as they crisp up.
Why This Works (A Little Food Science)
How to Make Shiitake Mushroom Bacon (Step-by-Step)
Making shiitake bacon is as easy as slice, season, and bake—no fancy techniques required, just a little patience while they crisp to perfection. The mushrooms soak up smoky, savory goodness, then transform into crispy, cravable bites in the oven. Here’s what you’ll do. For full recipe instructions, scroll to the end of this post!
- Step 1: Slice ‘Em Right – Thin, even slices = maximum crispiness. Slice the shiitake caps about ⅛-inch thick so they crisp up evenly. Too thick, and they stay chewy; too thin, and they can burn before developing that perfect crisp-chewy balance.
- Step 2: Build the Flavor – A quick marinade = deep, smoky layers. Toss the shiitake slices with olive oil, toasted sesame oil, liquid smoke, and a pinch of salt. Shiitakes naturally absorb flavor like a sponge, so even a short soak gives them major depth.
- Step 3: Spread ‘Em Out – No crowding = better crisping. Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they have space. Overlapping leads to steaming instead of crisping—we want that golden, crackly goodness.
- Step 4: Bake Low & Slow – A two-temperature bake = the ultimate texture. Start at 350°F to slowly dehydrate the mushrooms and lock in flavor, then crank it up to 375°F for that final crisp. The gradual heat change mimics the way traditional bacon crisps and deepens in flavor.
- Step 5: Let ‘Em Rest (If You Can Wait!) – Cool = even crispier. Fresh from the oven, shiitake bacon will still be a little soft. Letting them rest for 5 minutes helps them crisp up as they cool—kind of like cookies fresh from the oven.
How to Use this Vegan Shiitake Mushroom Recipe
Think of shiitake bacon as that one friend who makes every situation more fun—it just works everywhere. It adds crispy, smoky depth to breakfast plates, crunch to salads and soups, and a little something extra to sandwiches, bowls, and pasta. Whether you want it as the star of the show or just a supporting act that makes everything taste a little more interesting, here’s how to put it to work.
Breakfast & Brunch Upgrades
Mornings just got better. Shiitake bacon brings a bold, savory crunch to all your breakfast favorites:
- Tofu scramble with an upgrade: Fluffy tofu scramble is great, but with crispy shiitake bacon mixed in? That’s a next-level move.
- Avocado toast, but fancy: Pile it on with some chili flakes and a drizzle of hot maple syrup for a chef’s kiss moment.
- The ultimate breakfast sandwich: A toasted English muffin or fresh homemade biscuit, tofu egg, melty vegan cheese, and a big handful of crispy shiitakes. That’s it. That’s the sandwich.
- Savory waffles & pancakes: A little salty, a little sweet—because syrup + smoky bacon is a top-tier combo.
Salads & Soups, Elevated
Tossing in shiitake bacon is the easiest way to add crunch, depth, and that little wow moment to salads and soups:
- Vegan Caesar with a smoky twist: Who needs croutons when you have crispy shiitake magic?
- Loaded baked potato soup:The smoky, crispy topping that makes creamy potato soup a full-on experience.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts & bacon vibes: The ultimate holiday side: crispy sprouts, crispy shiitakes, and maybe a little balsamic glaze if you’re feeling extra.
Sandwiches, Burgers & Wraps, Oh My!
The key to a truly great sandwich? Texture. Shiitake bacon brings the crunch and the flavor boost:
- Vegan BLT: Smoky shiitakes, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a swipe of vegan mayo on toasted sourdough. Classic.
- Plant-based burger topper: Layer it onto your favorite vegan burger for an extra pop of flavor and crunch.
- Wraps that don’t taste sad: Toss it into a hummus and veggie wrap for a little salty, smoky contrast.
Bowls, Pasta & Other Big-Flavored Dishes
A handful of shiitake bacon takes these from good to unforgettable:
- Indulgent pasta & carbonara: Sprinkle crispy bits over a creamy vegan pasta to add texture and depth.
- Grain bowls that don’t feel like a chore: Toss shiitake bacon into a bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and tahini dressing = a meal you’ll actually be excited about.
- Vegan mac & cheese topper: That creamy, cheesy bite + a little smoky crunch? Yes.
Or Just Eat It Straight Off the Pan
Not gonna lie—this stuff is hard to resist. Crispy, smoky, and packed with flavor, it somehow disappears straight from the baking sheet before it ever reaches a plate. Perfect excuse to make a second batch!
FAQs
Shiitake bacon is a crispy, smoky, umami-packed vegan bacon alternative made by marinating thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms in olive oil, liquid smoke, and seasonings before baking them to perfection.
It doesn’t taste exactly like traditional bacon, but it nails the crispy, salty, smoky magic that makes bacon so irresistible. The real star here is the deep umami flavor and satisfying crunch, making it a perfect swap in any dish that needs a little extra punch.
Shiitake mushroom stems are often too tough to eat on their own, but they can be saved and used to add flavor to homemade vegetable broth. Simply store them in a freezer bag until you’re ready to make broth.
More Mushroom Recipes To Try Next!
- Vegan Mushroom Reuben Sandwich
- Teriyaki Mushrooms
- Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
- Oyster Mushroom Tacos with Chipotle-Lime Sauce
- Crispy Air-Fried Mushrooms
Did you make this shiitake bacon recipe? Drop a comment and leave a star rating—it helps others find the recipe, and I love hearing what you think!
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Shiitake Bacon
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Shiitake bacon is where crispy meets smoky in the best possible way. These little umami bombs soak up just the right amount of seasoning, crisp to golden perfection, and somehow disappear straight from the pan before they ever hit a plate. Give your tofu scrambles and sandwiches and instant upgrade with this vegan bacon alternative!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 cups shiitake mushroom caps, sliced thinly
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper and set aside.
- Make the Marinade: In a shallow glass bowl or dish, whisk together olive oil, toasted sesame oil, liquid smoke, salt, and smoked paprika (if using) until combined.
- Marinate the Shiitakes: Add the thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps to the marinade, stirring gently to coat. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour for deeper flavor.
- Bake & Flip: Arrange the marinated shiitakes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip each piece and bake for another 15 minutes.*
- Final Crisping: Increase the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for 10 more minutes. Flip once more and finish baking for another 10 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Cool & Crisp: Transfer the shiitake bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. As they cool, the edges will crisp up. Serve immediately or store for later!
Notes
*Baking times will differ based on the thickness and type of shiitake you are using. After baking for 15-20 minutes, just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
How to Store Shiitake Bacon
- Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, store it in a paper towel-lined container to help absorb excess moisture and maintain crispiness.
How to Reheat for Maximum Crispiness
- Oven or Air Fryer (Best Method!): Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until crispy again. If using an air fryer, check at the 3-minute mark.
- Skillet: Toss it in a dry pan over medium heat for a quick re-crisp, stirring occasionally.
Additional tips:
- Avoid Washing Mushrooms: Instead of rinsing shiitake mushrooms, which can make them absorb water and hinder crispiness, gently wipe them with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt.
- Single Layer Arrangement: When placing the mushrooms on the baking sheet, ensure they are in a single layer without overlapping to promote even crisping.
- Storage Considerations: For best results, consume the shiitake bacon immediately. If storing, keep in mind that they may lose some crispiness over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
- Method: Marinated, Baked
- Cuisine: American
This post was originally published in 2013, and updated in 2025.
