Fakin’ Eggplant Bacon

I created this eggplant bacon recipe before moving to Italy. I knew I was going to be getting rid of my dehydrator due to the move, so I went to town trying out so many recipes with it, knowing I may not get another one for quite a while. And while I honestly haven’t missed it is as much as I thought, I definitely do miss the few the snack recipes I’d make with it like this eggplant bacon.

The dehydrator made it possible to have some indulgent and super satisfying snacks that really took raw food to the next level like kale chips or zucchini chips, I could eat those all day long and never think of potato chips again thanks to those snacks and same with this fakin bacon.

Fakin Eggplant Bacon

Eggplant is probably one of my least favorite vegetables so I normally don’t gravitate to using it, but in this recipe it’s perfect! And while I’m not going to try to say that this tastes just like bacon I will tell you that I’ve tested this recipe on so many bacon lovers and they all loved this raw version of it and agreed that it was a pretty similar in flavor and texture, and I think it kinda even looks like bacon, what do you think?

The point isn’t for it to taste exactly like bacon. But, sometimes when transitioning to raw foods you have old cravings come up and it’s nice to have something familiar or similar to your craving even if it’s not the exact thing. Whether you like bacon or not these are a delicious and satisfying snack!

Fakin Eggplant Bacon

I used a mandoline to slice the eggplant but you can use a sharp knife if you don’t have one. I got this mandoline at the Asian market and it works great. I love it cause it makes thin uniform slices and it’s a lot quicker than using a knife.

Fakin Eggplant Bacon

Fakin Eggplant Bacon

Fakin Eggplant Bacon

Fakin Eggplant Bacon

They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week, if they loose their crispiness you can pop them back in the dehydrator just until they become crispy. I love to eat these as a snack by themselves, or with a salad you can cut them up like ‘bacon bites’ and add them in or even make a raw vegan BLT, mmm my fave! Here’s my recipe for oil-free mayo that goes perfectly with it.

Fakin Eggplant Bacon

Fakin Eggplant Bacon

Recipe:

1 medium eggplant,  peeled (optional)

2 Tablespoons maple syrup

2 Tablespoons toasted sesame oil

2 Tablespoons coconut aminos

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

(optional) a dash of cayenne

1) Cut the ends of the eggplant. Slice the eggplant in half lengthwise and then halves again, for a total of four halves. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife slice the the eggplant lengthwise thinly. 2) In a medium bowl stir together all the ingredients except for the eggplant. 3) Add eggplant slices one at a time, making sure to coat each slice thoroughly. (optional) let them marinate for at least 1/2 hour for maximum flavor. 4) Spread the eggplant slices onto a dehydrator tray and dry for around 12-15 hours at 115 degrees F or until crispy. OR you can bake them in the oven. Place them on an oven tray with parchment paper and on the middle rack on the oven, on 325 for about 10-15 minutes, then flip on the other side. If using the oven keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

NOTE:This resembles bacon more so when the eggplant is peeled, but it does not effect the taste if you don’t. It’s completely optional.  Coconut Aminos can be substituted with Braggs Aminos, Tamari or low sodium soy sauce.

5 Comments

  1. Judi on July 26, 2016 at 5:09 am

    I *love* eggplant, and this looks awesome. The dehydrator has been our friend, and introduced kids to healthy and delicious treats like kale chips. So, I’m optimistic that there might be another winner in this recipe too! Can you confirm that the eggplant is peeled first? The recipe says peel, but your pictures show an unpeeled eggplant on the mandolin. Thanks, and after we’ve made it, I’ll be sure to let you know if the children accept it into the repetoire 🙂

    • Judi on July 26, 2016 at 5:10 am

      *repertoire*

    • Christine on July 26, 2016 at 6:40 am

      Hi Judi,
      What perfect snacks to be making for your kids I’m so happy to hear they enjoy them! I’m so sorry that’s totally confusing, I’m glad you pointed that out I’ll make an update on that. The reason I say peeled is simply for aesthetic reasons. I did the recipe twice both ways and it resembles bacon more so when peeled, but it’s not necessary for taste just looks. I hope your family enjoys the recipe as much as mine did! I look forward to hearing back! Xo

  2. Garden Gal on August 17, 2023 at 3:26 pm

    Thanks for sharing this. I’m going g to try it tonight. what temperature do you set the dehydrator on?

    • Glowing with Health on August 19, 2023 at 4:37 am

      Wonderful I’d love to hear how you enjoy it! You dehydrate it at 115 degrees F for 12-15 hours or when crispy.

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Christine Roseberry

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Hi, I’m Christine, thanks for stopping by! As a fibromyalgia thriver (symptom-free for over 10 years now thanks to diet and lifestyle changes), it is my passion to share the healing power of food.

As an RN and Holistic Nutrition Practitioner, it is my desire to empower you to take charge of your life.

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