Name: Vegan Smoked Carrot Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 95 min
Ingredients: 5-6 large carrots cut into ribbons; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari; 2 nori snack sheets, finely diced; 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice; 2 tsp liquid smoke; 1 dash garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp pure maple syrup

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Get ready to elevate your vegan cooking game with this delicious and easy recipe for Vegan Smoked Carrot Salmon. Carrot smoked salmon is the perfect replacement in any dish where you would find the original. Throw it onto a lox bagel and you have yourself the perfect vegan weekend brunch!

Unleash the chef within and elevate your vegan culinary skills with this mouthwatering recipe for Vegan Smoked Carrot Salmon. Impress your taste buds and guests with the perfect plant-based substitution for traditional salmon dishes.

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Ingredients and Substitutions

This vegan lox recipe is a fantastic salmon alternative that captures the essence of traditional lox while being completely plant-based. Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need and some possible substitutions:

Olive Oil:

Helps in roasting the carrots and infusing them with flavor. For a lighter option, you can use avocado oil or less oil if you prefer. The oil helps achieve that tender, silky texture that makes this great recipe a hit.

Large Carrots:

The star of this vegan salmon recipe. You’ll want to use whole carrots to create carrot slices or ribbons of carrot that mimic the texture of smoked salmon. The best way to achieve the right thickness is by using a mandoline slicer or a vegetable peeler. You want thin strips for this so that they cook evenly and absorb the marinade. Unpeeled carrots provide a rustic look, while peeled carrots offer a smoother texture. Make sure the carrots are at room temperature before slicing to ensure even roast carrots.

Soy Sauce or Tamari:

Essential for adding umami flavor to the smoky marinade. Tamari is a gluten-free option, and coconut aminos can be used if you’re looking to avoid soy. The cup of coarse sea salt in the recipe helps to enhance the flavors, but you can reduce it if you’re watching your sodium intake.

Nori Sheets:

These provide the ocean-like taste that’s critical in this vegan lox recipe. If you don’t have nori sheets, kelp granules or nori flakes work well as substitutes. They add that unmistakable seaweed flavor that makes this dish truly reminiscent of traditional lox. Typically these are found in the international isle of your local grocery store or at Asian grocery stores.

Liquid Smoke:

The tablespoon liquid smoke in this recipe gives the carrot salmon lox its smokey flavor. If you prefer a more subtle smokiness, reduce the amount slightly. You can also use smoked paprika as an alternative, but the liquid smoke is what truly captures that authentic smoked salmon essence.

Fresh Lemon Juice:

This adds a bright, acidic note that cuts through the richness of the marinated carrot lox. If you don’t have fresh lemons, apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or even coconut vinegar can be used. For an extra pop of flavor, add some lemon zest along with the juice.

Maple Syrup:

Provides a hint of sweetness to balance the savory elements. If you’re out of maple syrup, agave nectar or brown sugar can be used instead. The sweetness complements the smokey marinade and rounds out the overall flavor.

Garlic Powder:

Adds depth to the marinade. You can substitute with fresh garlic for a more intense flavor or use onion powder for a different twist. A dash of garlic powder is often all you need to elevate the marinated carrot lox.

How to Turn This Into a Carrot Lox Bagel

Although this vegan carrot lox recipe is so incredibly delicious you won’t even miss the real thing! This is the ideal Sunday brunch option for those following a vegan diet. It has the signature smokiness you would get from smoked salmon. I made this for my meat eating parents and they liked it just as much as the real deal! Transforming this vegan carrot salmon into a perfect lox bagel is easy and allows for some delicious customization:

Vegan Dill Cream Cheese:

Start by preparing your own herbed cream cheese using a base of free cream cheese like homemade cashew cream cheese or any store-bought vegan cream cheese. Blend in fresh dill, a squeeze of lemon juice, and perhaps a pinch of caper brine to create a tangy, flavorful spread. The addition of caper brine enhances the salty, briny flavor that complements the smokey flavor of the carrot salmon lox.

Toasted Bagels:

Choose your favorite vegan bagels and toast them until they reach your preferred level of crispiness. For the best way to toast, consider lightly brushing the bagels with olive oil before placing them on a baking sheet in the oven. The bake time will vary depending on how crispy you like your bagels, but typically, 5-7 minutes at 350°F works well.

Assemble the Bagel:

Spread a generous amount of the vegan cream cheese on each half of your toasted bagel. Top with carrot strips or ribbons of carrot from your marinated carrot lox.

Garnish with fresh dill, capers, thinly sliced red onion, and even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle a little caper brine or lemon juice over the top.

This bagel is perfect as part of a brunch spread or even on its own for a satisfying breakfast or snack. The smokey flavor of the vegan carrot salmon pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese and the crunch of the toasted bagel. You can serve this dish top of toast, on bagels, or in a lot of different ways—the possibilities are endless.

If you’re planning to make this ahead of time, the carrot salmon lox can be stored in the fridge for a few days, allowing the flavors to meld even further. The next time you’re craving something indulgent yet healthy, this carrot lox bagel is a great recipe to have on hand.

For detailed steps, refer to the recipe card below, and enjoy this plant-based version of a classic lox bagel.

Helpful Tools

here are a few tools that can come in handy when making this delicious carrot “salmon” dish. Here are some helpful tools you may want to have on hand:

Mandoline Slicer – A mandoline slicer is an essential tool for creating the thin, long carrot ribbons needed for this recipe. This tool makes it easy to slice the carrots evenly and quickly.
Vegetable Peeler – If you don’t have a mandoline slicer, a vegetable peeler can also work well to create thin carrot ribbons.

Baking Dish – A baking dish is needed to bake the carrot ribbons until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Chopping Board and Knife – You will need to chop the nori sheets into small bits to add to the marinade. A good quality chopping board and a sharp knife will make this task easier and safer.
Mixing Bowl and Spoon – A mixing bowl and spoon are needed to combine the marinade ingredients and mix well.
Airtight Container – Once you’ve added the marinade to the baked carrots, you will need an airtight container to let them marinate. This will ensure the flavors infuse into the carrots and create the perfect “salmon” flavor.

Having these tools on hand will make the preparation of this dish much easier and more enjoyable. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this dish your own with your own personal touches and adaptations.

How To Make This Plant-Based Smoked “Salmon” Carrots Recipe

Preparing this delicious carrot “salmon” dish is simple and straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:

The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Then, using a mandoline slicer or a vegetable peeler, cut your carrots into long thin ribbons.

Place the carrot ribbons into a baking dish and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and mix well.

Bake the carrots for 25 minutes or until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. While the carrots are baking, it’s time to prepare the marinade.

To make the marinade, finely chop the nori sheets into small bits and add them into a bowl with the rest of the marinade ingredients. Mix well to combine and set aside.

Once the carrots are done baking, remove them from the oven and add the marinade. Mix well to combine and allow the carrots to marinate for at least 1 hour. For the best results, marinating the carrots overnight is even better!

Finally, serve your delicious carrot “salmon” anywhere you would enjoy traditional smoked salmon.

This dish is perfect on a bagel with some vegan cream cheese or as a topping for a fresh salad. You can also get creative and try it in other ways!

This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a healthy, flavorful, and vegan alternative to traditional smoked salmon. Try it out and enjoy the satisfying crunch and delicious flavors of this unique dish.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Vegan Smoked Carrot Salmon:

Make sure to use large, thick carrots for this recipe. The thinner the slices, the easier they will be to marinate and the more they will resemble traditional smoked salmon.
Be sure to marinate the carrots for at least one hour, but ideally 24 hours. This will allow the flavors to fully penetrate the carrots and give them the most authentic smoked salmon taste.
Don’t skimp on the liquid smoke. This ingredient is essential for giving the carrots that smoky flavor that makes this recipe so delicious.
Experiment with different marinade ingredients to find your perfect flavor combination. Add more or less certain ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Once your smoked carrot salmon is ready, be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to a week.
Try using your vegan smoked carrot salmon in different dishes such as sushi, pizzas, pasta, crostini, or cracker with cream cheese, and salads for a variety of flavors and textures.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! The possibilities are endless, so have fun and experiment with different flavor combinations. Whether you prefer a traditional lox bagel or a sushi roll, your vegan smoked carrot salmon will take your dish to the next level.

2 thoughts on “Vegan Smoked Carrot Salmon With Dill And Capers”

Diane.T says:

Yum! I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious this vegan smoked salmon recipe was! The carrot ribbons take on a delicate, smoky flavor that mimics traditional salmon. Perhaps not the texture but the flavor was great!

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- spicyveganfood says:
  Hi Diane, Thank you so much for the review and so happy you enjoy this as a replacement for “salmon”.
  
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5 from 1 vote

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Vegan Smoked Carrot Salmon With Dill And Capers