CARROT 'BACON' RECIPE

CARROT 'BACON' RECIPE is a easy British recipe that serves 2. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Barry Lewis on YouTube.

Prep: 45 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $1.30 total, $0.65 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 Carrot (large, washed, tops removed)
  • 1 tablespoon Rapeseed Oil (also called canola oil, neutral flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Tahini (smooth, unsweetened)
  • 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup (pure, not pancake syrup)
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (regular or low‑sodium; use tamari for gluten‑free)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (adds smoky flavor; can use smoked salt or liquid smoke as alternative)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Surface

    Line the baking tray with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Peel and Slice Carrots

    Trim the tops and bottoms off each carrot. Using a Y‑peeler, peel the carrot lengthwise, creating long thin ribbons. Aim for strips about 2‑3 mm thick and of even width.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Make the Marinade

    In the mixing bowl combine 1 Tbsp rapeseed oil, 1 Tbsp tahini, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, 1 Tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Whisk until smooth and glossy.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Marinate the Carrot Strips

    Add all carrot ribbons to the bowl, toss gently until each piece is fully coated. Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish, cover tightly with cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT32M

  5. Pre‑heat the Oven

    Set the oven to 200 °C (390 °F) and allow it to come to temperature.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 200°C

  6. Arrange and Brush

    Remove the carrots from the fridge. Lay the strips in a single layer on the prepared tray. Brush any remaining cold marinade over the tops for extra flavor.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Bake the Carrot Bacon

    Place the tray in the pre‑heated oven and bake for 15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the edges are caramelised and slightly crisp.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 200°C

  8. Cool and Serve

    Remove the tray, let the carrot bacon rest for 2 minutes, then serve warm on its own or in a sandwich.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
9 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑free (use tamari), Dairy‑free

Allergens: Sesame, Soy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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CARROT 'BACON' RECIPE

Recipe by Barry Lewis

A quick, plant‑based take on classic bacon made from thin carrot strips marinated in a smoky‑sweet sauce and baked until crisp. Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone craving a salty‑sweet snack.

EasyBritishServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 1m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 26m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.30
Total cost
$0.65
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Peel carrots into uniformly thin strips using a Y‑peeler.
  • Ensure each strip is fully coated with the smoky‑sweet marinade.
  • Do not over‑bake; watch for caramelisation to avoid bitterness.

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot tray.
  • The Y‑peeler is sharp; peel away from your body.
  • Hot oil can splatter when whisking the marinade; whisk slowly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of carrot bacon in British vegan cuisine?

A

Carrot bacon is a modern British vegan invention that mimics the smoky, salty flavor of traditional pork bacon using plant ingredients. It reflects the UK's growing plant‑based movement and the desire for familiar comfort foods without animal products.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of carrot bacon in British cuisine?

A

While carrot bacon itself is a recent creation, British vegans often experiment with different flavorings such as smoked tea, liquid smoke, or maple‑mustard glazes. Some regions add a touch of malt vinegar for a tangy twist, echoing the classic English bacon breakfast.

cultural
Q

How is carrot bacon traditionally served in the United Kingdom?

A

In the UK, carrot bacon is commonly served alongside a full English breakfast, used in vegan bacon sandwiches, or crumbled over salads and baked potatoes as a smoky garnish.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is carrot bacon traditionally associated with in British vegan culture?

A

Carrot bacon often appears at vegan brunches, holiday breakfasts, and as a party snack during events like Veganuary or plant‑based festivals, where familiar comfort foods are re‑imagined.

cultural
Q

What makes carrot bacon special or unique in British vegan cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in turning a humble root vegetable into a crispy, smoky snack that visually resembles bacon, offering a low‑fat, high‑fiber alternative while retaining the beloved bacon aroma.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making carrot bacon?

A

Common errors include cutting the carrot strips too thick, which prevents crisping; under‑marinating, leading to bland flavor; and over‑baking, which can cause bitterness from burnt maple syrup.

technical
Q

Why does this carrot bacon recipe use smoked paprika instead of liquid smoke?

A

Smoked paprika provides both color and a subtle smoky flavor without the intense, sometimes artificial taste of liquid smoke. It also blends well with the maple‑tahini base, creating a balanced glaze.

technical
Q

Can I make carrot bacon ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can marinate the strips up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. After baking, store the carrot bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat briefly before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making carrot bacon?

A

The strips should be glossy, caramelised at the edges, and slightly crisp but still flexible—much like traditional bacon that’s just cooked through. They should retain a deep orange‑brown hue.

technical
Q

How do I know when carrot bacon is done cooking?

A

When the edges turn a rich caramel colour and the strips feel firm to the touch but still have a slight give, they are done. A quick taste should reveal a smoky, slightly sweet flavor without any raw carrot taste.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Barry Lewis specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Barry Lewis focuses on approachable home cooking, often featuring British comfort foods, quick recipes, and playful twists on classic dishes, all presented with humor and clear step‑by‑step guidance.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Barry Lewis's approach to vegan cooking differ from other British cooking channels?

A

Barry Lewis blends his traditional British cooking background with a light‑hearted, experimental attitude, often creating vegan versions of beloved meat dishes—like carrot bacon—while keeping the recipes simple, affordable, and suitable for everyday home cooks.

channel

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