Carrot bacon is a delicious vegan alternative to pork. Each strip is smoky, crispy, salty, and meaty. Doubtful? This recipe will make you a believer!
Bacon lovers, both former and current, can rejoice! There’s an exciting twist on those salty strips of goodness that will leave your taste buds in awe. Allow me to introduce you to carrot bacon—an incredible vegan alternative that perfectly captures the smoky, crispy essence of bacon while providing a healthier and more sustainable option. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply seeking something more nutritious, carrot bacon is an absolute must-try.
Why You’ll Love Carrot Bacon
Crispy and flavorful – Carrot slices magically transform into crispy, golden strips with a delightful crunch.
Versatile – Take your breakfast or sandwich game to the next level by adding homemade carrot bacon, or enjoy a few slices when you want a salty, smoky snack.
Vegan and gluten-free – Carrot bacon is entirely plant-based and gluten-free (if you use tamari), making it an ideal choice for individuals with various dietary preferences.
Quick and easy – With only a handful of simple ingredients and minimal preparation required, you’ll have a batch of carrot bacon ready in no time.
Carrot Bacon Ingredients Notes
To make this irresistible carrot bacon, gather the following ingredients:
- Carrots: Opt for firm, medium-sized carrots to achieve the best results. Their natural sweetness and texture are ideal for this recipe.
- Liquid smoke: This ingredient imparts a smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional bacon. Look for liquid smoke in the condiment section of your local grocery store or buy it online.
- Maple syrup: A touch of maple syrup adds sweetness and aids in caramelizing the carrots while they cook.
- Tamari or soy sauce: These savory sauces contribute a depth of flavor and provide a salty kick to the carrot bacon.
- Smoked paprika: The smoky undertones of smoked paprika perfectly complement the liquid smoke, enhancing the bacon-like flavor. It also adds a nice color.
The complete ingredients list with amounts is in the recipe card below!
How to Make Carrot Bacon
- Prepare the carrots: Wash them thoroughly, ensuring a good scrub, and then thinly slice them lengthwise. You can use a mandolin for slicing (remember to use the hand guard) or slice with a sharp knife.
- Make the marinade: Whisk all the ingredients together in a shallow dish large enough to accommodate the length of the carrots.
- Marinate: Place the carrot slices into the dish with the marinade and toss them to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Roast or air fry: Arrange the carrot slices in a single layer, then roast or air fry for approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Enjoy: Once the carrot bacon is ready, allow it to cool briefly, as it will crisp up further during this time. Then, enjoy!
Variations, Substitutions, and Cooking Tips
Go sugar-free – Opt for your favorite sugar-free maple syrup instead of real maple syrup.
Reduce the salt – Choose low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos to lower the sodium content in the marinade.
Add pineapple juice – For a tropical twist, add a tablespoon of pineapple juice to the marinade. Carrots and pineapples complement each other wonderfully. Use 100% pineapple juice for the best results.
Try honey – Honey adds a pleasant floral sweetness to carrot bacon. However, please note that honey is not vegan.
Monitor closely – Whether roasting or air frying, keep a close eye on the carrot slices to prevent them from burning. Your oven or air fryer may run a little hot.
What to Serve with Carrot Bacon
Serve carrot bacon as you would pork bacon: on sandwiches or alongside scrambles, waffles, and toast. I particularly enjoy incorporating carrot bacon into potato hash with diced onion and garlic. Before serving, break the slices into smaller pieces and toss them into the potato hash. The smoky bits elevate the already delicious dish to new heights. Additionally, you can crumble the bacon and add it to a vegan quiche for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Storage and Freezer Tips
Store leftover carrot bacon in an airtight container and leave it at room temperature for 3 days max. Do not refrigerate or freeze, as the cold temperatures will ruin the texture.
How to Reheat
Reheating carrot bacon is easy. To reheat, preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once the oven is hot, reheat for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on the bacon to avoid burning. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer to reheat. For this method, preheat the air fryer to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry the bacon for 2 minutes. Stay nearby and use your sense of smell to determine if the carrot bacon needs to be removed sooner. Again, you don’t want to burn it.
Carrot Bacon
Carrot bacon is a delicious vegan alternative to pork. Each strip is smoky, crispy, salty, and meaty. Doubtful? This recipe will make you a believer!
Ingredients
- 2 medium carrots, preferably organic
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos
- 1 ½ teaspoons real maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven or air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If using an oven, line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the carrots and thinly slice them lengthwise using a mandoline or vegetable peeler. If you are not using organic carrots, peel them before you slice them.
- Whisk the remaining ingredients in a shallow dish and marinate the carrot strips for 5-10 minutes. Work in batches to ensure that all the slices are fully coated.
- Arrange the slices on the baking sheet in a single layer or place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Roast for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air fry for 10 minutes (again, flipping halfway through). Carrot bacon is ready when it is golden brown and crisp at the edges. The middle may not be as crisp, which is fine.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool (they will crisp up as they cool) and enjoy.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 89Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 677mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 1g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
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