Introduction
Ever find yourself craving that smoky, savory kick of smoked salmon but want to keep things totally plant-powered? Yeah, me too.
Enter this vegan smoked “salmon” that’s basically a carrot in disguise—fancy, flavorful, and ready to fool even the most devoted fish fan. Perfect for when you want a cozy, no-fuss meal that feels a little indulgent but doesn’t involve wrangling a fishing rod or feeling guilty about your snack choices.
Think silky, smoky, tangy bites that jazz up your bagel game and make your taste buds do a happy dance. Trust me, this isn’t your average carrot stick — it’s a clever little trick that proves vegan magic is real. Plus, you can feel good about your choices knowing that plant-based options use less water and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Go ahead, surprise yourself (and maybe your carnivore friends) with this one. Who knew carrots could be so sneaky delicious?
Ingredients

- 100ml olive oil (liquid gold)
- 2 tbsp caper brine
- 2 nori sheets, torn into tiny pieces (seaweed magic)
- 2 tbsp soy
- 1 tsp miso
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp agave
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp liquid smoke (smoky secret)
- 2 large carrots
- Dill and capers to serve
Who knew carrots could rock the smoked salmon vibe? This lineup is basically a flavor party where plants crash the seafood bash—no fishy business here, just pure, smoky, savory yum. Vegan or curious, these ingredients got your back for a taste that’s all thrill, no guilt. Plus, this recipe embodies the spirit of lazy vegan meals, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy delicious food with minimal effort.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s plunge into making your very own vegan smoked salmon that’ll have you wondering why you ever thought fish was the only option.
Start by whipping up a marinade with 100ml of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of caper brine, a couple of torn-up nori sheets (yes, those seaweed guys are here to bring the ocean vibes), 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, a teaspoon of miso, 1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of agave, and a sprinkle each of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke.
Mix it all together like you’re creating a potion that’ll fool even the most devoted fish fan. This marinade is where the magic happens — it’s smoky, tangy, and just a little bit mysterious.
Now, grab 2 large carrots and peel off long, thin strips using a vegetable peeler. If you end up with a few strips that look like carrot ribbons, you’re doing it right.
Steam these beauties over boiling water for about four minutes until they’re tender but still have a bit of bite—because nobody wants mushy “salmon.”
As soon as they’re done, dunk them straight into your marinade and give them a good mix. Cover and pop them in the fridge overnight. This is the part where patience pays off, letting those carrot strips soak up all that smoky, savory goodness.
When you’re ready to serve, drain off the excess marinade (don’t worry, it’s been doing its job) and pile those strips on a bagel with some vegan cream cheese, a sprinkle of fresh dill, and a handful of capers.
Congratulations, you’ve just nailed vegan smoked salmon—without the actual salmon. Pretty neat, huh?
Bonus Tips
- Feeling fancy? Sprinkle some dulse flakes on top for an extra ocean vibe—your taste buds will think they’re sunbathing at the beach.
- No nori sheets? No problem! Swap in a splash of kelp powder and pretend you’re a seaweed wizard conjuring smoky magic.
- Want to impress your brunch squad? Serve this on a toasted everything bagel with vegan cream cheese and watch the “where’s the fish?” questions roll in. Plus, this recipe showcases how plant-based diets can be just as satisfying and flavorful as traditional options.
Why You’ll Love It
This vegan smoked salmon is like a flavor party where carrots crash the fishy vibe—without any fishy business!
It’s a speedy little magic trick that turns humble veggies into smoky, tangy delights perfect for any plant-powered brunch.
Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned herbivore, this recipe vibes with your chill, no-fuss style.
Plus, it’s a tasty way to flex your plant-based muscles without missing out on that classic bagel swagger. Adding sweet and savory dips to your brunch spread can complement the flavors beautifully!
Nutritional Info
These are estimated values:
Calories: 120
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fat: 7 g
Nutrition estimates are provided for vibe-check purposes only — they aren’t legally binding promises of eternal health or six-pack abs. Additionally, this recipe can be enhanced with plant-based protein sources to boost its nutritional value.