Best Raw Vegan Eggplant Bacon Recipe for Easy Snacks

If you’ve ever craved the smoky, crispy goodness of bacon but want to keep things raw, vegan, and utterly guilt-free, this Best Raw Vegan Eggplant Bacon Recipe is your new go-to! Eggplant is a fantastic vegetable that soaks up flavors beautifully, making it the perfect canvas for replicating that irresistible bacon taste and texture—without any animal products or cooking involved.

Whether you’re a vegan veteran or just experimenting with plant-based options, this recipe offers a delicious, healthy alternative that fits seamlessly into raw food diets.

This eggplant bacon is incredibly easy to prepare, uses simple pantry staples, and delivers that perfect balance of smokiness, saltiness, and slight sweetness. Plus, it’s versatile enough to add crunch and flavor to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or enjoyed straight as a snack.

Ready to surprise your taste buds? Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This raw vegan eggplant bacon ticks all the boxes for flavor, nutrition, and convenience. First, it’s completely raw, so you retain all the natural enzymes and nutrients that cooking often destroys.

The marinade infuses the eggplant with a rich smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional bacon, thanks to ingredients like liquid smoke and smoked paprika.

Unlike store-bought vegan bacon, this version is free from preservatives, artificial flavors, and excess sodium. It’s also incredibly customizable—you can adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences, whether you want it sweeter, spicier, or more garlicky.

Best of all, it’s a plant-based delight that adds a crispy, chewy texture to your dishes, making it a perfect bacon substitute for anyone seeking to enjoy classic flavors in a healthier, cruelty-free way.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound), thinly sliced lengthwise
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons raw maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of sea salt

Equipment

• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Large mixing bowl
• Dehydrator (preferred) or oven with low temperature setting
• Baking sheets (if using oven)
• Parchment paper or silicone dehydrator sheets
• Measuring spoons & cups
• Whisk or fork for mixing marinade

Instructions

1. Prepare the eggplant: Wash the eggplant and slice it into very thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick. Using a mandoline slicer will give the most even slices. Aim for roughly the size and shape of traditional bacon strips.
2. Make the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, maple syrup, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt until well combined.
3. Marinate the eggplant: Add the eggplant slices to the bowl and gently toss them in the marinade, ensuring each slice is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.
4. Dehydrate the eggplant: Arrange the marinated eggplant slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays lined with parchment or silicone sheets. Dehydrate at 115°F (46°C) for 6-8 hours, or until the strips are dry but still slightly pliable and chewy, resembling bacon texture.
5. Alternative oven method: If you don’t have a dehydrator, preheat your oven to its lowest setting (usually around 170°F/75°C). Lay the eggplant strips on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 3-4 hours, flipping halfway, until dry with a chewy texture. Keep the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape.
6. Store or serve: Once done, let your eggplant bacon cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

“For extra crunch, dehydrate a bit longer, but be careful not to over-dry or it will become brittle.”

• Sweet & Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Smokier Flavor: Increase liquid smoke by half a teaspoon for a more intense smoky taste.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in some dried thyme or rosemary for an herby twist.
• Raw Vegan Wraps: Use this eggplant bacon in your favorite wraps or sandwiches for a smoky crunch.
• Use Different Eggplants: Japanese or Chinese eggplants are thinner and less seedy, making them excellent for this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Raw vegan eggplant bacon is incredibly versatile! Here are some tasty ways to enjoy it:

• Salads: Chop and sprinkle over your favorite green salad for a smoky crunch.
• Raw Vegan BLT: Layer it with lettuce, tomato, and avocado slices on raw flax crackers or wraps.
• Breakfast Bowls: Add to raw tofu scramble or a nut-based egg substitute for a hearty start.
• Sandwiches & Wraps: Use as a filling in raw vegan wraps with hummus and fresh veggies.
• Snack: Eat strips on their own as a savory snack or pair with guacamole.

Conclusion

This Best Raw Vegan Eggplant Bacon Recipe offers a delicious, nutritious, and simple way to enjoy the smoky, savory flavors of bacon while staying fully raw and vegan. With just a handful of natural ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a crispy, flavorful bacon alternative that elevates any meal.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your salads, wraps, or snacks, this recipe is sure to satisfy cravings and impress friends and family alike.

Embracing plant-based eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun in the kitchen. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out other creative dishes like the Lump Of Coal Recipe, the fluffy and sweet Marzipan Challah Recipe, or the versatile Magic Dough Recipe for more kitchen inspiration.

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