Meat Free Monday One day a week can make a world of difference

Shiitake Mushroom ‘Bacon’

Leah Vanderveldt
  • Serves: Makes about 150 g/1 cup
  • Preparation: 5
  • Cooking: 7
  • Passive: 5
  • Ready: 17

With smoked paprika and a hint of maple, this almost-meaty vegetable transforms into a smoky plant-based bacon alternative that’s delicious in its own right!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons avocado or other neutral oil
  • 2 teaspoons sweet smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon tamari
  • 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
  • 150 g/5 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • sea salt or smoked sea salt, to taste

Method

Preheat the grill/broiler to high.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the oil, paprika, tamari, maple syrup and a pinch or two of salt together. Add the sliced mushrooms to the mixing bowl and toss to coat them in the spiced oil.

Spread the mushrooms out on a baking sheet and place under the grill/broiler for 4-5 minutes. Rotate the sheet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until crispy around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as grills/broilers can be unpredictable.

Leave to cool on the baking sheet for 2-5 minutes, taste for seasoning, and serve.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, re-crisp in a cast-iron frying pan/skillet for 2 minutes on a medium­high heat.

Additional notes

Recipe taken from Goodness Bowls by Leah Vanderveldt, published by Ryland Peters & Small (£14.99)

Photography by Clare Winfield © Ryland Peters & Small

“I’m not trying to replace bacon, but rather offer a smoky plant-based alternative that’s delicious in its own right. With smoked paprika and a hint of maple, this almost-meaty vegetable gets a breakfast-worthy makeover.”

the front cover of recipe book Goodness Bowls

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