Description
Learn how to make flavorful Vegan Bacon using thin carrot strips soaked in a smoky maple marinade and baked or air fried to crispy perfection. This easy, plant-based alternative uses simple pantry ingredients to create a delicious smoky, sweet, and savory bacon substitute perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Carrot Strips
- 2 medium carrots
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Few shakes black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Wash the carrots thoroughly, peel them, and cut off the ends. Using a wide vegetable peeler, shave long, thick strips from the carrots to create your bacon strips. The first few strips may be thin; save those for salads or snacking.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium-small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, liquid smoke, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Marinate the Carrot Strips: Add the carrot strips to the marinade bowl and toss to coat every piece evenly with the sauce. Transfer the bowl to the refrigerator and let the strips marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat and Prepare Oven: Line a large baking pan with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Bake the Carrot Bacon: Arrange the marinated carrot strips in a single layer on the parchment-lined pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes until browned but not burned, checking frequently to prevent burning.
- Cool and Crisp: Transfer the baked carrot bacon to a cooling rack and allow them to cool for a few minutes; they will crisp up further as they cool. Serve as desired and enjoy.
- Alternative Air Fryer Method: To air fry, place the carrot strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (204°C) for 5-8 minutes until crisp and golden. Work in batches if necessary.
Notes
- For gluten-free carrot bacon, substitute tamari for soy sauce.
- If the carrot bacon is still soft upon removal from the oven, return it to bake for a few more minutes to achieve desired crispiness.
- The carrot bacon crisps up more as it cools, so allow it to rest briefly after cooking before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan