Crispy Smoked Carrot Bacon

Name: Crispy Smoked Carrot Bacon (Vegan)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large carrots; 1 tbsp coarse salt; 1 cup hot water; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp tomato paste; 1 tsp garlic paste; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp soy sauce

Crispy Smoked Carrot Bacon is a vegan bacon alternative made by shaving carrots into ribbons, coating them in a smoky maple-soy glaze, and baking until crispy. It delivers smoky, savory depth without animal products.

🌍American 🏷️Carrot bacon 🏷️Vegan bacon 🏷️Carrots 🏷️Vegan Plant-based

🏷️

🏷️Healthy snack

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TikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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Ingredients

2 large carrots
1 tbsp coarse salt
1 cup hot water
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp tomato paste
1 tsp garlic paste
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp soy sauce

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Instructions

1
Using a vegetable peeler, shave large carrots into thin ribbons and place them in a bowl.
2
Sprinkle coarse salt over the carrot ribbons, then pour hot water over them. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften.
3
Drain the water from the carrots.
4
To the drained carrots, add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, tomato paste, garlic paste, maple syrup, and soy sauce.
5
Use your hands to thoroughly mix and coat the carrot ribbons in the glaze.
6
Arrange the glazed carrot ribbons in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy, flipping halfway through.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat carrot ribbons dry after marinating to remove excess liquid, which helps them crisp rather than steam in the oven.
Arrange ribbons in a single layer on the baking sheet without overlapping for even, crispy browning.
Watch closely in the final minutes—the line between crispy and burnt is narrow; remove when edges are dark but centers still flexible.
For extra smoky depth, add 1/4 tsp liquid smoke to the marinade or dust finished ribbons with a tiny pinch of smoked salt.

Substitutions

Soy sauce → tamari or coconut aminos (for gluten-free or umami boost)
Maple syrup → agave nectar or coconut sugar (same sweetness, slightly different flavor profile)
Smoked paprika → regular paprika + 1/4 tsp liquid smoke (adjusts smokiness level)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled carrot bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; reheat briefly in a 350°F oven to restore crispness.

Equipment

vegetable peeler or mandoline slicer · baking sheet

Common Questions

Can I make this without smoked paprika?

Yes, use regular paprika plus a dash of liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor, though the depth will be slightly different.

How do I know when the carrot bacon is done?

Bake until the edges are darkened and the ribbons feel crispy when cooled. Thinner ribbons crisp faster (8-12 minutes); thicker ones may need 15-18 minutes.