This Quick Crispy Shiitake Bacon is a fantastic plantbased alternative to traditional bacon, perfect for adding a smoky, savory crunch to your dishes. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile—great for topping salads, sandwiches, or pairing with vegan scrambled eggs.
Ingredients:
1/2 teaspoon oil (optional, omit for oilfree)
2 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms (about 1/4 inch thick; remove the tough stems if needed)
23 teaspoons tamari (or coconut aminos for a soyfree version, but add a little extra as it’s less salty)
1 ½ teaspoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
Heat a large, rimmed ovensafe skillet (cast iron works great) over medium heat.
Add the oil (if using), then the sliced shiitake mushrooms. Stir in the tamari, maple syrup, liquid smoke, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix to coat the mushrooms evenly.
Sauté the mixture for about 23 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are browned, slightly dried, and beginning to crisp up.
3. Bake the Mushrooms:
Once the mushrooms are browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 1012 minutes, or until the mushrooms are crispy and have a baconlike texture.
4. Serve:
Serve your crispy shiitake bacon alongside vegan scrambled eggs, or pair it with fried eggs (if not vegan). It’s also great on sandwiches, in salads, or sprinkled over pasta.
5. Storage:
If you have leftovers, store them in a jar with a loose lid in the refrigerator for up to 34 days. Reheat in a 350°F (176°C) oven or on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. Shiitake bacon can also be enjoyed at room temperature or even slightly chilled.
Recipe Details:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 23 servings
Tips for Success:
OilFree Option: For an oilfree version, simply skip the oil and sauté the mushrooms directly in the tamari mixture.
Flavor Variations: You can adjust the level of smokiness by adding more liquid smoke or increase the sweetness with a touch more maple syrup.
Storage: Store the leftovers in the fridge and use them to elevate your meals throughout the week.
This Quick Crispy Shiitake Bacon is an ideal addition to many dishes and can be customized to fit your flavor preferences. Enjoy the smoky, savory goodness with your favorite meals!
