Eggplant Bacon is a crispy, smoky, and flavorful plant-based alternative to traditional bacon. Made from thin slices of eggplant, this vegan-friendly option works perfectly in sandwiches, salads, or as a crunchy snack. It’s packed with smoky flavor and can easily be baked in the oven.
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (for that smoky bacon flavor)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for added umami flavor)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the eggplant:
- Cut the eggplant lengthwise into thin slices, about â…›-inch thick. You can use a mandoline for even slices or a sharp knife.
- Prepare the marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and nutritional yeast (if using).
- Marinate the eggplant:
- Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with the marinade or dip them in the mixture, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Bake the eggplant:
- Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking to prevent burning.
- Cool and serve:
- Once the eggplant bacon is crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. It will crisp up even more as it cools.
Enjoy your eggplant bacon in a BLT sandwich, as a topping for salads, or as a crunchy snack! It’s a great vegan alternative that delivers that smoky, crispy bite.
