Vegan Shiitake Bacon Recipe

This easy, 3-ingredient shiitake bacon recipe is a total game-changer. You’re going to add it to all your favorite savory breakfast and lunch dishes, I just know it!

Laden with all its umami-goodness, shiitakes are incredible little seasoning sponges and are a beautiful flavoring addition.

I love them loaded onto my crispy baked hash browns or this simple vegetable stir-fry. I think you will, too!

Why you’ll love this shiitake bacon

• Health benefits: Shiitake mushrooms are an immune booster and supporter of heart health. Compared to traditional bacon, shiitake bacon has much less fat, cholesterol, and sodium, making it a healthier choice.

• Versatility: Shiitake bacon can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast scrambles to sandwiches to salads. Its smoky, savory flavor adds depth and complexity to any dish.

• Taste: While it may not taste exactly like traditional bacon, shiitake bacon has its own unique, savory flavor that many people enjoy. It can be seasoned and prepared to your liking, making it a tasty and satisfying alternative to meat-based bacon.

• 3 ingredient recipe: You can add other seasonings if you like but the 3 key ingredients are all you actually need for this “bacon”. 

Ingredients and substitution notes

• Shiitake mushrooms: These are the star ingredient in shiitake bacon. They are meaty and have a rich, smoky flavor when cooked. Use fresh shiitake mushrooms for the best results.
• Olive oil: Use a high-quality olive oil for best flavor. You may need to add more olive oil if the mushrooms are not fully coated. 
• Salt: Use salt to taste. A little bit goes a long way, so start with a small amount and add more if needed. You can use sea salt, kosher salt, or any other type of salt you prefer.
• Optional seasonings: If you want to add more flavor to your shiitake bacon, you can try adding garlic powder, smoked paprika or other spices. Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite combination.
• Optional sweetener: Some people like to add a little bit of maple syrup or brown sugar to their shiitake bacon to give it a slightly sweet flavor. This is optional but can be a nice addition if you like a sweet-savory flavor combination.

Recipe variations and add-ins

• Soy sauce or tamari: Add a splash of soy sauce or tamari to the olive oil mixture before tossing the shiitake mushrooms in it. This will give the shiitake bacon a salty umami flavor.
• Liquid smoke: For an even smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the olive oil mixture.
• Agave or maple syrup: If you like your bacon a little sweet, drizzle some agave or maple syrup over the shiitake mushrooms before baking.
• Red pepper flakes or cayenne: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne to the olive oil mixture before tossing the shiitake mushrooms in it.
• Vegan ranch or aioli: Serve the shiitake bacon with a vegan ranch or aioli dipping sauce for added flavor.

Top tips

• Use fresh shiitake mushrooms: Fresh shiitake mushrooms have a meaty texture and a delicious, smoky flavor that make them perfect for bacon. Avoid using canned or dried mushrooms, as they will not have the same texture or flavor.
• Slice the mushrooms thinly: To get crispy shiitake bacon, slice the mushrooms thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. This will help them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
• Coat the mushrooms well: Toss the sliced mushrooms in the olive oil mixture until they are well-coated. This will help the mushrooms crisp up in the oven.
• Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the mushrooms from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
• Spread the mushrooms out in a single layer: Make sure to spread the mushrooms out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This will help them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.

Make ahead of instructions and storage

Make-ahead instructions: 

You can prepare the shiitake bacon in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the shiitake bacon in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until it’s crispy again.

Storage instructions: 

Store leftover shiitake bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftover uncooked shiitake mushrooms, store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not store them in a plastic bag, as this can cause them to become slimy.

To reheat:

Bake the shiitake bacon in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy again.

Serving suggestions 

The first type thing that comes to mind is topping a favorite pasta with these gorgeous mushrooms, try it up top my one-pot pesto pasta or this pasta with summer squash.

Try this alongside my vegan eggs benedict or any other savory breakfast options that you love.

Its lovely as a topping for an appetizer or as a pretty garnish with soup.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms to make vegan bacon? 

Yes, you can use other types of mushrooms to make vegan bacon, but keep in mind that shiitake mushrooms are the most popular choice for their meaty texture and rich flavor. You can experiment with other types of mushrooms, such as portobello, oyster, or king trumpet, but the end result may be slightly different.

Can I make vegan shiitake bacon without oil? 

While oil is not absolutely necessary for making vegan shiitake bacon, it does help the mushrooms crisp up in the oven and adds flavor. If you prefer to avoid oil, you can omit it or use a non-stick cooking spray instead. Keep in mind that the shiitake bacon may not be as crispy without the oil.

Wrapping it up 

I hope you love these mouth-watering slivers of vegan bacon as much as I do. Use them to elevate your savory dishes and let me know what you think of the recipe!

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