What is shiitake bacon?

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.

Does shiitake bacon actually taste like bacon?

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.

What can I do with shiitake mushroom stems?

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.

Shiitake Bacon | Olives for Dinner

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

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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