Vegetarian Candied Bacon
Indulge in the irresistible sweet-and-smoky flavors of Vegetarian Candied Bacon, a plant-based twist on a classic favorite that's sure to elevate your cooking game. This creative recipe transforms thinly sliced eggplant into crispy, caramelized perfection using a bold marinade of maple syrup, brown sugar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and a touch of liquid smoke. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this smoky-sweet snack bakes to golden goodness, offering a vegan-friendly alternative that's perfect for topping salads, sandwiches, or simply enjoying on its own. Whether you're catering to veggie-lovers or looking for a unique appetizer, this meat-free candied bacon delivers big flavor with none of the guilt. Perfect for anyone seeking vegan bacon recipes, sweet and savory snacks, or eggplant-based delights!
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Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
Slice the large eggplant into very thin strips, approximately 1/8-inch thick, mimicking the size and shape of bacon strips.
Step 3
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved to create a marinade.
Step 4
Lay the eggplant strips into a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top, ensuring each strip is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Step 5
Arrange the marinated eggplant strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 6
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Flip the strips halfway through to ensure even baking.
Step 7
After 20 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the strips are crispy and caramelized, checking frequently to prevent burning.
Step 8
Remove from the oven and let the vegetarian candied bacon strips cool for a few minutes. They will become crispier as they cool.
Step 9
Serve the candied bacon as a sweet and savory snack or use it as a topping for salads and sandwiches.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1067.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1920.2 |
| Total Fat 43.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 6.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.5g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1986.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 396.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 20.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 375.8g | |
| Protein 9.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 201.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1858.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories