Many vegetarians and vegans will say carrot bacon is the food they miss the most. The savory smell, crispy texture, and salty, smoky taste make it hard to resist. While there are vegetarian bacon options made from tempeh or soy, carrots can surprisingly come very close to the real thing. Yes, carrots!

Thinly sliced carrots (a Y-peeler works great for this) are marinated in a mix of tahini, soy sauce, paprika, and maple syrup. Then, they are baked until crispy. The strips taste and feel similar to bacon—without the fatty chew—and even look like bacon. Liquid smoke is added to give it a more authentic smell and flavor, but you can skip it if you want.

You can also cook carrot bacon in an air fryer, but make sure to cook it in batches to keep the strips in one layer. If you’re making vegan bacon for 2 people, you can cut the recipe in half. For a larger group, double the recipe and spread it over two baking sheets. Enjoy your carrot bacon with classic vegan breakfast or brunch dishes, on a vegan burger or sandwich, or just as a tasty snack.

Ingredients:

Steps to Make It

01

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start.

02

Set the oven to 300°F and cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a Y-peeler to make long, thin strips from the carrots. Keep peeling until both carrots are used up as much as possible.

03

Put the soy sauce, oil, tahini, maple syrup, paprika, pepper, and liquid smoke (if using) into a medium bowl. Mix well with a whisk until combined.

04

Place the carrot strips in the marinade and toss them to coat evenly. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

05

Take the carrot strips out of the marinade and lay them on the baking sheet in a single layer with some space between each strip. Brush the tops with the leftover marinade from the bowl.

06

Bake the carrot bacon for 20 to 25 minutes, until it turns brown but doesn’t burn. Watch closely during the last 5 minutes.

07

Allow the carrot bacon to cool for a few minutes so it can crisp up before serving. If it’s not as crispy as you want, you can put it back in the oven for a few extra minutes. Once it’s ready, enjoy your delicious carrot bacon!

FAQs:

1. What is carrot bacon?

Carrot bacon is a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional bacon. It’s made by slicing carrots into thin strips, marinating them in a savory mixture, and then baking or air frying until crispy. The final result mimics the salty, smoky flavor and crispy texture of bacon, but it’s completely meat-free! It’s perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to try something new.

2. Can I make carrot bacon without liquid smoke?

Yes, you can! Liquid smoke adds a great smoky depth to carrot bacon, but if you don’t have it, don’t worry. You can substitute with extra smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. Alternatively, smoked pepper also works well to enhance the flavor. If you don’t have any smoked spices on hand, regular paprika can still give the bacon a nice touch, though it won’t be as smoky.

3. How do I store leftover carrot bacon?

Leftover carrot bacon should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can reheat it in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This will help restore its crispiness. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

4. Can I make carrot bacon in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Using an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make carrot bacon. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F, and then place the marinated carrot strips in the basket, making sure they are in a single layer. You’ll need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping the strips halfway through. Watch them closely to make sure they don’t burn, and you’ll have crispy, smoky carrot bacon in no time!

5. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?

Yes, you can substitute regular soy sauce for tamari. However, if you need a gluten-free version of carrot bacon, tamari or liquid aminos are great alternatives. They provide the same rich umami flavor but are free from gluten. It’s a perfect option for anyone with dietary restrictions or preferences.

6. How can I make carrot bacon less salty?

If you’re looking to reduce the saltiness of your carrot bacon, try using low-sodium soy sauce instead of the regular kind. This will cut back on the salt while still maintaining that savory flavor. You can also adjust the amount of soy sauce to your liking for a more balanced taste.

7. What dishes can I serve carrot bacon with?

Carrot bacon is incredibly versatile! You can serve it as a savory side dish with vegan pancakes or waffles for a unique breakfast experience. It’s also a great topping for veggie burgers, sandwiches, or even patty melts. Crumble it over salads or soups for added texture and flavor. If you’re in the mood for a classic, make a vegan BLT using carrot bacon and vegan mayo. And don’t forget to add it to breakfast burritos or tacos for a smoky, crispy twist.

8. Can I freeze carrot bacon?

While carrot bacon is best enjoyed fresh for the best texture, you can freeze it for up to a month. To freeze, place the cooled carrot bacon in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply bake or air fry the frozen strips again until they’re crispy. Keep in mind, the texture may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious!