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
Prepare Baking Surface
Line the baking tray with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Time: PT2M
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
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
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
Pre‑heat the Oven
Set the oven to 200 °C (390 °F) and allow it to come to temperature.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 200°C
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
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Carrot: Parsnip, Sweet potato (thinly sliced)
- Instead of Rapeseed Oil: Olive oil (light), Sunflower oil
- Instead of Tahini: Almond butter (thin), Sunflower seed butter
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Agave nectar, Brown rice syrup
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari, Coconut aminos
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Smoked salt, Liquid smoke (few drops)
Equipment Needed
- Baking Tray
- Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper (optional)
- Y‑Peeler
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Small Whisk
- Cling Film
- Oven
- Tongs or Small Brush (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra smoky punch, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- A pinch of smoked sea salt at the end enhances the bacon flavor.
- Serve the carrot bacon on toasted sourdough with vegan mayo for a hearty sandwich.
Troubleshooting
Carrot strips are too soft after baking.
Increase oven time by 2‑3 minutes and make sure strips are spread apart to allow air circulation.
Strips are burnt on the edges.
Reduce the maple syrup amount or lower the oven temperature to 190 °C and watch closely.
Marinade does not coat evenly.
Tear the carrot strips into smaller pieces or use a small brush to distribute the sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooking.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the carrot strips up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
- Baked carrot bacon can be reheated in a 180 °C oven for 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of carrot bacon in British vegan cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of carrot bacon in British cuisine?
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.
How is carrot bacon traditionally served in the United Kingdom?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is carrot bacon traditionally associated with in British vegan culture?
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.
What makes carrot bacon special or unique in British vegan cuisine?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making carrot bacon?
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.
Why does this carrot bacon recipe use smoked paprika instead of liquid smoke?
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.
Can I make carrot bacon ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making carrot bacon?
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.
How do I know when carrot bacon is done cooking?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Barry Lewis specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Barry Lewis's approach to vegan cooking differ from other British cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
