What is lox and bagels?

Traditionally, lox is thinly sliced, salt-cured salmon (not smoked) served on bagels with cream cheese. In my experience, most people use the term “lox” to refer to any type of smoked or cured salmon served on bagels, which is what our vegan carrot version is mimicking!

What to serve with bagels and lox?

I recommend traditional accompaniments like thinly sliced red onion, capers, and fresh dill. For a full brunch spread, add some fresh fruit, roasted potatoes, and maybe a light salad. This creates a balanced meal with varied flavors and textures.

Can I make this without the salt-roasting method?

You could steam the carrots instead, but I honestly don’t recommend it. In my kitchen tests, the salt-roasting method creates that special texture that truly mimics lox. The steam method leaves the carrots too wet and lacking that silky quality we’re after.

How do I know when the carrots are perfectly done?

I’ve found the sweet spot is when a fork can pierce through with some resistance—you want them tender but not falling apart. For me, this usually happens around the 50-minute mark with large carrots, but start checking at 40 minutes to be safe.

Can I make this recipe without smoked paprika?

If you’re out of smoked paprika, you can use liquid smoke (just a few drops!) or chipotle powder for that smoky flavor. Without something smoky, you’ll miss that classic lox character that makes this recipe so special.

Is this Washington Post carrot lox recipe the same?

While the Washington Post did popularize vegan carrot lox, my recipe has a few special touches! I use rice vinegar for a more delicate acidity and adjust the marinade ratios for what I think is the perfect balance of flavors. The core technique is similar, but the flavor profile is my own special version!

Vegan Lox Bagels – Simple Carrot Lox Recipe (Smoked Carrots, WP Style)

Vegan Lox Bagels

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This vegan carrot lox is smoky, silky, and deeply flavorful. Paired with bagels, vegan cream cheese, and fresh toppings, it’s a satisfying and elegant plant-based meal.

Author: Sarah Mae Carter
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Vegan
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

4 large carrots
Sea salt (for roasting)
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
½ tsp smoked paprika
Juice of ½ lemon
Freshly ground black pepper
Bagels
Vegan cream cheese
Cucumber slices
Capers
Fresh chives and/or dill

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Line baking dish with parchment.
Cover bottom with ¼ inch sea salt. Place carrots on top. Sprinkle more salt.
Roast 40–90 minutes until tender but not mushy. Let cool.
Mix olive oil, rice vinegar, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.
Rub off salt from carrots. Trim flat side. Peel into ribbons or slice thin.
Toss ribbons in marinade. Chill 15–30 minutes.
Toast bagels. Spread vegan cream cheese. Top with carrot lox, cucumber, capers, and herbs.

Notes

Use large carrots for better ribbons.
Store leftovers in marinade up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bagel with toppings
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/vegan-lox-bagels/