Carrot Bacon Recipe

 

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 20 mins

Marinate: 30 mins

Total: 55 mins

Servings: 4 to 6 servings

Carrot bacon is a fantastic vegetarian and vegan alternative to traditional bacon, offering a smoky, savory flavor with a crispy texture. This recipe uses a blend of soy sauce, tahini, maple syrup, and paprika to create a delicious marinade for thin carrot strips, which are then baked to perfection. It's perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a topping for various dishes.

Ingredients

• 2 large carrots
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

Steps to Make It

1. Prepare the Carrots

   • Gather the ingredients.
   • Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Using a Y-peeler, peel the carrots from top to bottom with firm pressure to create long, thin strips. Continue until both carrots are fully peeled.

2. Make the Marinade

   • In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, canola oil, tahini, maple syrup, smoked paprika, pepper, and liquid smoke (if using). Whisk until well mixed.

3. Marinate the Carrots

   • Add the carrot strips to the marinade, tossing to coat them evenly. Let the carrots sit in the marinade for 30 minutes at room temperature.

4. Bake the Carrot Bacon

   • Remove the carrot strips from the marinade and place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there's space between each strip. Brush the tops with any remaining marinade.
   • Bake the carrot bacon for 20 to 25 minutes, or until browned but not burned. Monitor closely during the last 5 minutes.

5. Crisp and Serve

   • Let the carrot bacon cool for a few minutes to crisp up. If it isn't as crispy as desired, return it to the oven for a few more minutes.
   • Enjoy your carrot bacon as a snack or use it as a topping or side dish.

How to Store

• Storage: Store leftover carrot bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the strips back in a 300°F oven for a few minutes, being careful not to burn them.

How to Use Carrot Bacon

• Serve with vegan pancakes or waffles for a savory side dish.
• Pair with a tofu scramble or, for non-vegans, with an omelet or frittata.
• Top a veggie burger or patty melt.
• Make a BLT using vegan mayo.
• Crumble onto salads or soups.
• Add to breakfast burritos or tacos.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 83
• Fat: 7g
• Carbs: 5g
• Protein: 1g

Enjoy your delicious and healthy carrot bacon, perfect for any meal or as a tasty snack!