Shitake Bacon

Shiitake bacon, inspired by Marie Brennan from Hedonist in Moderation, is a simple yet deeply flavorful plant-based alternative to traditional bacon, offering a rich umami taste and satisfyingly crisp texture. It starts with fresh shiitake mushrooms, which are stemmed and thinly sliced to maximize surface area and encourage even crisping.

The sliced mushrooms are tossed with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then spread out in a single layer on a baking sheet. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan—giving the mushrooms space helps them roast properly instead of steaming.

They’re then baked in a 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes, stirred once or twice during cooking to ensure even browning. As they roast, the mushrooms shrink, crisp up, and develop a deep, savory flavor with just a hint of smokiness—remarkably similar to bacon.

Once out of the oven, let the mushrooms cool slightly on the baking sheet. They’ll continue to crisp up as they rest. Shiitake bacon makes a delicious topping for salads, soups, grain bowls, or avocado toast, and it’s just as good eaten straight from the pan as a snack.