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Carrot Hot Dogs? Trust us, you have to try these! This fun vegan twist on the traditional hot dog is marinated and then grilled until juicy and tender. Perfect for backyard grillin’!
Table of Contents
The number one recipe request we have received from our followers on Instagram this summer is vegan grill recipes! Once we perfected our Grillable Veggie Burgers, Grilled BBQ Tofu Skewers, and classic Grilled Corn, we knew it was time to perfect one of our childhood favorites: hot dogs.
A real hot dog is of course not vegan, but this carrot dog recipe is so unbelievably flavorful, you won’t find yourself missing the original. They’re also easy to make – simply shape, marinate, then grill! Who knew cooked carrots could be the perfect alternative to regular hot dogs?!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Carrots: For this recipe, it’s best to hunt down thick, large carrots (no baby carrots!). The closer you can get them to the thickness of standard hot dog sausages, the more realistic they will look!
- Broth: We used our homemade low-sodium vegetable broth, but feel free to opt for a store-bought broth. You can also use a vegan chicken broth if that’s what you have!
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity and tanginess that balances the sweetness in the carrots and maple syrup, as well as the umami rich soy sauce. If needed, substitute white vinegar.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth of flavor and savory umami flavor. If you are gluten-free, opt for tamari. Coconut aminos, in our opinion, is not salty enough to work here.
- Maple syrup: Contributes a light sweetness that complements the salty, smoky flavors.
- Liquid smoke: A little goes a long way, but a bit of liquid smoke helps enhance the smoky flavor in these veggie dogs!
- Spices + aromatics: A simple combination of smoked paprika, chopped garlic, and ground black pepper enhance the smoky, savory flavors in the marinade and add color.
Equipment Needed
- Sharp kitchen knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Medium sauté pan
- Outdoor grill or grill pan
How to Make Carrot Hot Dogs
- Trim the carrots. Using a sharp knife, trim the ends of the raw carrots down so that they are the same length as the hot dog buns you will be using. We recommend cutting the thin end off and using as much of the thickest part of the carrot as possible.
- Peel until uniform. With a vegetable peeler, peel the outer skin of the carrots. Continue using the peeler to shave down the carrots to make them uniform in width throughout. We like to use the peeler to round out the ends to make them look more like hot dogs.
- Make the marinade. Add the broth, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, garlic, black pepper, and optional vegan Worcestershire sauce to a medium sauté pan. Mix to combine.
- Boil the carrots. Place carrots in the pan and set over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and continue cooking until the carrots are fork tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Grill for 3-5 minutes. Brush the marinated carrots with your cooking oil of choice (we use olive oil or vegetable oil). This will prevent them from drying out on the grill. Then place the carrots on the prepared grill and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until grill marks appear. Flip and grill for 3 to 5 minutes more.
- Grill the buns. When the carrots have about 1 minute left to cook, place the buns on the grill, cut side down. Cook for 1 minute, then flip and grill the backside for 1 minute more.
- Serve. Remove the vegan carrot dogs and buns from the grill and assemble with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Our Favorite Hot Dog Toppings
- Ketchup
- Yellow mustard
- Chopped raw onions
- Relish
- Garlic Butter Miso Mushrooms
- Sauerkraut
- Vegan barbecue sauce
- Vegan chili (for chili dogs)
- Vegan bacon (use the leftover marinade to make this!)
- Fajita peppers
- Vegan nacho cheese sauce
- Vegan Garlic Aioli
- Vegan Honey Mustard
Vegan BBQ Side Dishes to Serve with Carrot Dogs
Chances are you’re grilling up these carrot dogs for a summer BBQ or backyard cookout. In that case, you will need an array of summer side dishes that pair perfectly with the main dish. Here are a few of our favorites that are always popular among vegans and non-vegans alike.
- Classic Vegan Macaroni Salad
- Mom’s Vegan Potato Salad
- Easy Avocado Corn Salsa
- Watermelon Mojito Salad
- Corn Grilled in the Husk
- Vegan Coleslaw
- Vegan Mac and Cheese
Storage Instructions
Leftover carrot dogs will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Freezing is not recommended.
More Vegan Grill Recipes You May Enjoy:
Appetizers and Sides
Grilled BBQ Tofu (Stovetop Option!)
Burgers
Grillable Veggie Burgers
Appetizers and Sides
Grilled Romaine Lettuce (Easy + 3-Ingredients)
30 Minute Meals
Grilled Vegetable Salad
Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you recreate any of our recipes, we love to see your photos!
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Carrot Hot Dogs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Carrot Hot Dogs? Trust us, you have to try these! This fun vegan twist on the traditional hot dog is marinated, then grilled until juicy and tender. Perfect for backyard grillin’!
Ingredients
- 6 large carrots*
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (try making your own)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari if gluten-free)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Trim the carrots. Using a sharp knife, trim the ends of the raw carrots so they are the same length as the hot dog buns you will use. We recommend cutting the thin end off and using as much of the thickest part of the carrot as possible.
- Peel until uniform. With a vegetable peeler, peel the outer skin of the carrots. Continue using the peeler to shave down the carrots to make them uniform in width throughout. We like to use the peeler to round out the ends to make them look more like hot dogs.
- Make the marinade. Add the broth, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, garlic, black pepper, and optional vegan Worcestershire sauce to a medium sauté pan. Mix to combine.
- Boil the carrots. Place carrots in the pan and set over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and continue cooking until the carrots are fork tender, about 10 to 12 minutes (cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the carrots). Remove the pan from heat and allow it to sit for 15 minutes.
- Grill for 3-5 minutes. Remove the carrots from the cooking liquid and transfer them to a clean plate. Brush the marinated carrots with your cooking oil of choice (we use olive oil or vegetable oil). This will prevent them from drying out on the grill. Then place the carrots on the prepared grill and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until grill marks appear. Flip and grill for 3 to 5 minutes more.
- Grill the buns. When the carrots have about 1 minute left to cook, place the buns on the grill, cut side down. Cook for 1 minute, then flip and grill the backside for 1 minute more.
- Serve. Remove the vegan carrot dogs and buns from the grill and assemble with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Leftover carrot dogs will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing is not recommended.
- Carrots: We try to get thick carrots when cooking these as they are more realistic!
- Marinade: After cooking the carrot dogs, you will have marinade leftover. We recommend using it for tempeh bacon. Check out this recipe and follow the cooking instructions to learn how to make it!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Entree, Summer
- Method: Stovetop
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I haven’t tried carrot dogs yet. I did however, tried vegan tuscan chicken pasta, the creamy pea pesto pasta, and the homemade marinara sauce for which I used on my pasta dishes. It was great it worked well and my guest couldn’t belive it was vegan. I need to try the carrot dogs next.
These look most excellent and love that they are naturally vegan. Gonna have to try ASAP!
These were exactly the same as a hotdog in taste, smell and texture. They were unbelievable and I struggle to understand how you can come up with such a brilliant recipe.
Thanks
Can you marinate these the night before? Planning to use for a birthday party and would love to have them prepped and ready to grill. Thanks!
Yes, you can! Just marinate in the fridge.
How long can you keep them in the marinade before grilling when being stored in the fridge?
I would say 1-2 days in a air tight container.
Will a cast iron skillet work if no grill is available?
Yes, any skillet will work in lieu of a grill!
Love this recipe and it’s so yummy and easy. I grilled my “not dog” for my 4th of July Celebration and had to eat 2 because so good !!! TY.
Love this recipe and it’s so easy and yummy. Thank you !!!!
These seriously taste like GOOD hot dogs!!! Thank you for sharing! I will be making these again and again!!! I can’t get over how they could possibly taste like a hot dog but they do.