Imagine crispy, smoky, and utterly irresistible "bacon" that's completely plant-based and ready in under 30 minutes. Our Quick Crispy Shiitake Bacon is about to revolutionize your vegan cooking game, transforming humble mushrooms into a mind-blowing alternative that will make even meat lovers do a double-take. Whether you're a committed vegan, a health-conscious foodie, or just someone looking to add some exciting flavors to your meals, this recipe is your ticket to culinary adventure!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz shiitake mushrooms
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Clean the shiitake mushrooms gently with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Remove the stems and slice the caps into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. This will help them crisp up nicely during cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and olive oil. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended. This mixture will serve as the marinade for the shiitake mushrooms.
- Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss the mushrooms in the mixture until they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the mushrooms are marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- After the mushrooms have marinated, spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the mushrooms are not overlapping to ensure they crisp up properly.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the mushrooms are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through baking, give the mushrooms a gentle stir to promote even cooking.
- Once the shiitake bacon is crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. The mushrooms will continue to crisp up as they cool.
- Serve the crispy shiitake bacon as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or as a delicious snack on its own. Enjoy your quick and easy vegan treat!
Tips
- • Use fresh, high-quality shiitake mushrooms for the best texture and flavor • Slice mushrooms uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each mushroom slice breathing room • Watch carefully during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning • Let the "bacon" cool slightly to achieve maximum crispiness • Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness • Experiment with different spice combinations like adding garlic powder or cayenne for variety • Use as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or enjoy as a standalone snack
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
