Carrot Lox Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Are you craving the smoky, savory flavor of traditional lox but want to keep things plant-based? Look no further than this amazing Carrot Lox Recipe Vegan that effortlessly mimics the taste and texture of smoked salmon using simple, wholesome ingredients.

This recipe transforms ordinary carrots into a delectable, vibrant dish that’s perfect for bagels, salads, or even sushi rolls. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to add more creative dishes to your kitchen repertoire, this carrot lox is sure to impress both your taste buds and your guests.

With its beautiful orange hue and perfectly balanced seasoning, this carrot lox delivers on all fronts: flavor, nutrition, and presentation. Making it at home is easy and fun, requiring minimal prep time and a handful of pantry staples.

Dive into the world of plant-based seafood alternatives with this recipe and discover how satisfying vegan cooking can be!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This carrot lox is a game-changer for anyone seeking a healthy, cruelty-free alternative to traditional smoked salmon. It’s packed with vibrant flavors from liquid smoke, seaweed, and capers that perfectly replicate that iconic briny, smoky taste.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — great on bagels with vegan cream cheese, tossed in salads, or even as a protein boost in your favorite sandwich.

Not only does this recipe satisfy your savory cravings, but it’s also easy to make ahead and store for several days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. The preparation is straightforward, requiring no complicated techniques or special equipment.

If you love exploring vegan recipes that don’t compromise on taste, you’ll definitely want to bookmark this one.

Ingredients

  • 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon seaweed flakes (dulse or nori, finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon capers, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water for steaming

Equipment

  • Vegetable peeler or mandoline slicer for slicing carrots thinly
  • Steamer basket or pot with lid for steaming carrots
  • Mixing bowl for marinating
  • Baking sheet or tray (optional for drying)
  • Plastic wrap or airtight container for storing
  • Knife and cutting board

Instructions

  1. Prepare the carrots: Peel the carrots and slice them into very thin strips using a vegetable peeler or mandoline. These strips will resemble the texture of smoked salmon slices.
  2. Steam the carrots: Place the carrot strips in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the carrots are just tender but still hold their shape. Be careful not to overcook.
  3. Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine liquid smoke, soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, seaweed flakes, capers, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  4. Marinate the carrots: Once the carrots have cooled slightly, add them to the marinade and gently toss to coat all strips evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  5. Optional drying step: For a firmer texture closer to traditional lox, lay the marinated carrot strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in a low oven (around 170°F/75°C) for 20-30 minutes to dry slightly, or use a dehydrator.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Use the carrot lox immediately as a delicious topping or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Tips & Variations

“Use fresh carrots for the best texture and flavor. If you want a stronger smoky taste, adjust the liquid smoke to your preference, but be cautious as it can be overpowering.”

  • Seaweed choice: Dulse flakes impart a deep ocean flavor, but you can also use finely chopped nori sheets if you want a milder taste.
  • Sweetness adjustment: Maple syrup balances the smoke and saltiness; feel free to substitute with agave nectar or brown sugar.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle kick.
  • Use kelp powder: Sprinkle some kelp powder into the marinade for an extra boost of umami and iodine.
  • Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (approx. 50g)
Calories 45 kcal
Protein 1 g
Carbohydrates 9 g
Fat 0.2 g
Fiber 2 g
Sodium 350 mg
Vitamin A 110% DV
Iron 4% DV

Serving Suggestions

This vegan carrot lox is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many dishes. Here are some ideas to try:

  • Spread vegan cream cheese on a toasted bagel, then top generously with carrot lox, sliced red onions, capers, and fresh dill for the classic experience.
  • Add carrot lox to a fresh green salad with avocado, cucumber, and radishes for a light, flavorful lunch.
  • Use it as a topping for vegan sushi rolls along with avocado and cucumber for a plant-based sushi night.
  • Incorporate it into a vegan brunch platter alongside avocado toast, roasted potatoes, and fruit.
  • Mix carrot lox into your favorite vegan pasta with a lemony dressing, inspired by bright and fresh flavors like in this Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan carrot lox is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of smoky, savory seafood without any animal products. This recipe is not only delicious and visually appealing but also packed with nutrients and easy to prepare.

Whether you’re vegan, pescatarian, or simply love experimenting with new flavors, carrot lox offers a fantastic alternative that can elevate your meals and impress your guests.

With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a versatile dish that brings the essence of traditional lox to your plate in a fresh, plant-based form. Don’t forget to try pairing it with some of our other favorite recipes like the Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or explore unique flavor profiles in the Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

Happy cooking and enjoy your plant-powered culinary adventure!

📖 Recipe Card: Carrot Lox Recipe Vegan

Description: A delicious vegan alternative to traditional lox made from thinly sliced carrots marinated in smoky, salty flavors. Perfect for bagels, salads, or sandwiches.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 large carrots, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C).
  2. Slice carrots thinly lengthwise using a peeler or mandoline.
  3. In a bowl, mix liquid smoke, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, and water.
  4. Toss carrot slices in the marinade until well coated.
  5. Arrange carrot slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until slightly dry and tender.
  7. Let cool before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 70 | Protein: 1.5g | Fat: 3.5g | Carbs: 10g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Carrot Lox Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious vegan alternative to traditional lox made from thinly sliced carrots marinated in smoky, salty flavors. Perfect for bagels, salads, or sandwiches.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT50M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 large carrots, peeled”, “2 tablespoons liquid smoke”, “2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari”, “1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar”, “1 tablespoon maple syrup”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1 teaspoon sea salt”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1/2 teaspoon onion powder”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1/4 cup water”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 225\u00b0F (110\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slice carrots thinly lengthwise using a peeler or mandoline.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix liquid smoke, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, and water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toss carrot slices in the marinade until well coated.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Arrange carrot slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until slightly dry and tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “70”, “proteinContent”: “1.5g”, “fatContent”: “3.5g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X