Vegan Carrot Dogs are the perfect plant-based alternative to regular hot dogs! Low-fat, easy, great for the grill, and delicious!
Summer is a time for family reunions and cookouts.
Yes, that means the weird uncle serving up crusty hamburgers, and limp hot dogs, and always saying things like, “How’s my meat?” or “Put another dog on the barbie!” while ending every sentence with that creepy obnoxious laugh.
Sorry, I can’t help with the family dynamics. But, you can make my amazing vegan carrot hot dogs and avoid the aforementioned food disaster that awaits.
Hot dogs are a staple at any cookout. But, they’re also one of the most unhealthy things you could eat. So, when I heard about this healthier vegan alternative called carrot dogs my reaction was probably like yours – “WHAT THE …?!?
If you love classic hot dogs then you will love this vegan alternative to the traditional frankfurter. It’s amazing how much this carrot dog recipe makes carrots look and taste just like the real thing.
Ready? Let’s do it!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
The marinade is the secret ingredient in this recipe.
- Carrots: use medium-sized carrots and use a veggie peeler to shape them like hot dogs if you wish. Be sure and save the shavings and pickle them. They make great sandwich toppings.
- Bragg’s Liquid Aminos: you may also use low-sodium soy sauce. To make the carrot dogs gluten-free use tamari.
- Liquids: low-sodium vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, and rice vinegar.
- Sweetener: pure maple syrup
- Spices: smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper.
- Flavoring: liquid smoke
How To Make Carrot Hot Dogs?
Below are two methods of cooking carrot dogs, Instant Pot and stovetop. I prefer the Instant Pot because the pressure cooker infuses the flavor of the marinade into the carrots quickly.
Instant Pot
- Add all of the marinade ingredients to a bowl and whisk until everything is well combined.
- Cut your carrots to bun length and peel them. I like making them look like hot dogs. But, it’s definitely not necessary.
- Instant Pot: Pour the marinade into the Instant Pot (my preferred method), add the carrots, and cook for 2 MINUTES! Once they’re done you just toss them on the grill, a nonstick grill pan, or wrap them in foil and roast them in the oven.
Stovetop
- Boil the carrots for 8-10 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop them from cooking.
- Pour the marinade into a Ziploc gallon freezer bag or airtight container and add the carrots. Make sure the marinade completely covers the carrots. Let the carrot hot dogs marinate in the fridge for at least a couple of hours. But, it’s best if they sit overnight.
- Remove the carrot dogs from the fridge and cook the carrot dogs for 2-3 minutes per side or until you get those really cool grill marks. Use any leftover marinade to baste carrot dogs as they cook.
Carrot Hot Dog Topping Suggestions
Serve these bad boys on your favorite hot dog bun or roll with any of these toppings:
- Condiments: creamy rich cashew mayo, mustard, ketchup
- Veggies: vegan coleslaw, pickled red onions, sauerkraut
- Sauces: vegan cheese sauce, sweet relish, vegan chili
- Other: vegan bacon bits, vegetarian sausage crumbles, pickles
Serving Suggestions
- Best Vegan Potato Salad
- Healthy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Grilled Corn On The Cob
- Vegan Macaroni Salad
- The Best Vegan Baked Beans
- Vinegar Coleslaw
- Five-Minute Fat-Free Potato Chips
If you make this recipe, be sure and let me know! Leave a comment, RATE IT, and tag a photo #shaneandsimple on Instagram.
Print
Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs
- Prep Time: 5 mins.
- Cook Time: 15 mins.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 dogs 1x
- Category: Party Food
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Vegan Carrot Dogs are the perfect plant-based alternative to regular hot dogs! Low-fat, easy, great for the grill, and delicious!
Ingredients
Carrot Dogs
- 4–6 medium to large size carrots, peeled and cut to bun length
- Favorite hot dog buns or rolls
Marinade
- 1 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup water or low-sodium veggie broth
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar (use extra apple cider vinegar if don’t have this)
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp paprika or smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. liquid smoke
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried ginger
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Make The Marinade
- Pour all ingredients into a bowl and whisk to combine.
To Cook In Instant Pot
- Preheat grill.
- Place carrots in your Instant Pot, pour the marinade over the carrots and cook for 2 minutes.
- Once the carrot dogs have finished cooking in the Instant Pot, use the quick release, remove them from the Instant Pot and throw them onto the grill. Cook the carrot dogs for 2-3 minutes per side or until you get those really cool grill marks. Use leftover marinade to baste carrot dogs as they cook.
- Remove your dogs and serve on your favorite hot dog bun or roll fixed any way you like.
- If you don’t plan on eating your carrot dogs right away remove them from the Instant Pot and store in the fridge with the marinade until you are ready.
If You Don’t Have An Instant Pot
- Boil carrots for 8-10 minutes or until just tender enough to pierce with a fork. YOU DON’T WANT THEM MUSHY! Then, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop them from cooking.
- Put the carrots in a gallon Ziploc bag or airtight container and pour the marinade over the carrots. Be sure they all get covered. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours, but overnight is best.
- Remove and follow grill procedure mentioned above.
Don’t Want To Grill?
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Add carrots dogs and ½ cup of marinade to skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until most, if not all, of the marinade has evaporated.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Prep and cooking time info is for the Instant Pot.
Nutritional info does not include bread or toppings.
Save leftover marinade to make more carrot dogs!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dog
- Calories: 81
- Sugar: 9.3 g
- Sodium: 175 mg
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 18.5 g
- Fiber: 3.9 g
- Protein: 1.9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: vegan, cookout, barbecue, entry, healthy, carrot, hot dog
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Did I read somewhere to throw a block of tofu in the instapot with the “carrots” and then use it for something else, or did I DREAM that? Loving your recipes Shane!!!!
I think someone on my FB page mentioned they tossed some tofu in with carrots.
I had to cook it to be a believer. This is a keeper. I can’t believe the texture. I didn’t think I was a “texture” person with my food, but maybe so. I will definitely be adding to my rotation. Thanks!
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Thank you so much!
When I heard about carrot hot dogs on the plant strong podcast I was so intrigued. I had to try them out of curiosity. How in the world could a carrot taste like a hot dog? Well, I made them and loved them. No carrot taste. It tasted smokey and kinda salty like a hot dog. But sooooo much better for you than a hot dog! I was so excited to find your website. I have tried several other recipes and they have all been delish. Thank you for making plant based food easy, flavorful and fun. And not too expensive 😊
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Wow! I must say I’m impressed. What a clever idea! Even my husband, who is slowly adjusting to a vegan diet and often misses some of the old non-vegan food, was whole heartedly impressed. He said these carrots could really could fool him. Once you put the carrot in a bun with all the toppings it really does feel and taste like a hot dog. It’s another keeper recipe. Thank you so much!
Kristen, that’s so awesome and thanks for sharing! I’m so glad everyone enjoyed the carrot dogs.
How do I cook the carrots if I don’t have an IP?
There are stovetop instructions at the bottom of the post in the recipe card in the blog post itself.
Love, love, love your carrot dogs! I make a dozen at least every other week. It’s a wonder I don’t turn orange! LOL
Haha, that’s great! I’m so glad you enjoy them.
These are so yummy and easy! Thank you! They have been a staple in our house for a year now. I can’t do vinegar and daughter is allergic to soy so I use lemon juice and coconut aminos – perfection!! Thanks for the great recipe!!
Thanks for sharing, Viki!!!
I can’t wait to try this recipe. Looks like it’s a good one! Just recently I made your quick and easy BBQ beans and man are they good! Can’t wait to have the beans with these dogs with some of your coleslaw (amazingly good) on the side this summer. I ADORE your recipes!!! Down home vegan cooking I call it, and it’s right up my alley. Thanks for all the great recipes your provide b
Thank you, Marsha!
I’m assuming when you say to cook the hot dogs in the IP for 2 minutes, it’s on High Pressure. What if you utilize the Sauté function to bring the marinade to a boil and then add the carrots. Does that affect the cooking time?
So you do a Quick Release as soon as the 2 minutes is signaled?
Hi, Janne! Yes, it’s high pressure and do a quick release. There’s no need to saute because the IP infuses the flavor. Hope this helps and enjoy!
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These carrot dogs are incredible! They’re the first and only recipe I’ll ever try for them, because honestly, there’s nothing to be improved. I brought these camping last year, and my die-hard meat eating friends (who were making fun of me) had to admit that even they were impressed. I cooked them at home and packed them in the camping cooler. When it was time for dinner, I roasted them over the fire like a meat hotdog. It worked great! I’ve made them multiple times, and each time they’ve rocked. Thank you!!
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Wow! What a genius idea! I have been missing hot dogs since I switched to plant based living, but not anymore thanks to this awesome recipe! These go perfectly with your 5 minute microwave potato chips 🙂
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Oh my goodness…. These were so, so good. I genuinely don’t even like carrots but thought, “What the heck, I’ll give it a try!” Thank goodness I did. It has the bite and taste of a real hot dog! I know you said to not expect it to be exactly like one, but I think if I put this in a bun I would’ve been fooled. Thanks so much 🙌🏻
Haha, that’s great! Thank you, T!
These turned out great!! I have made them several times. After the initial cook I usually freeze them for a day or two. It gives the carrot dogs a bit more similar bite to hot dogs. Which is really funny because that bite is the same reason I stopped freezing carrots for the winter…lol…apperently every technique has it’s purpose
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I made carrot dogs once before & we loved them, yet they seemed to need a bit more cooking time. So when I saw your recipe for cooking them in the instant pot, and no overnight soaking, I decided to give your recipe a try. Yay so glad I did, they turned out perfect and I have to say this will be my new favorite way to make them. Thanks for the recipe.
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Amazing! Even kids and my meat-eating hubby liked them. Love the smoky flavour and how quick and easy to make.
Has anyone tried freezing the carrots after they are marinated?
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Loved the “hot dogs”. Even my meat eating grandson loved them. I had made them before with a different recipe, and I did not care for them. So glad that I tried them again with your recipe.
Your recipes never disappoint.
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That’s so awesome, Valerie! Thanks for reaching out.
My husband’s from Chicago and I hesitated to make these, but thought, what the heck, let’s give it a shot! He eats plant-based except for maybe one omni meal a week, so he’s on the PB path but not quite there yet. He’s not even a huge fan of carrots, but I have to give him credit, he said he’d try one of the carrot dogs. I watched as he took the first bite and his eyes opened wide. He chewed, swallowed, and took a bigger bite. He managed to say “it’s amazing how much like a hot dog this tastes!” without looking up, finishing it, and then making another one. I followed your recipe exactly and now I’ve made them with both the IP and the non-IP methods, both with great results. Thanks, Shane, for another fabulous recipe!
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Wow, that is awesome!!! Thanks for sharing!
Question about the dried ginger. Does this mean the dried chunks? Or are their dried flakes I can buy?
I just use powdered ginger.
I never was a huge fan of hot dogs but as trying to eat more fruit and veggies – these were quite yummy. I loved getting to experience of the bbq flavor without the guilt!! Thanks for sharing your recipe!!
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These came out pretty good, definitely will make again!
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Made these for the 4th of July! THEY ARE AMAZING! It was so confusing….eating what I KNOW is a carrot….yet it tastes like delicious BBQ. I will be making these SOOOO many more times in the future….starting tomorrow 🙂 Thanks Shane for another incredible recipe!
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You have some great recipes and I was excited to try these carrot dogs. I made your recipe exactly as written and they were good as a chili dog but when I tasted them alone they are too salty for me. Next time I’ll half the tamari and see how that works out. Thanks for sharing your recipes.
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Shane, these were AMAZING. I recently tried another carrot dog recipe and they just didn’t satisfy. I used my instant pot and then finished them on a cast iron skillet. They were delicious and the texture was perfect. I don’t have liquid smoke so I left that out, but made no other changes. I will be keeping the marinade and I see more of these in the near future! Thanks for the great recipe! 🙂
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These are sooooo good. Thank you for the recipe. The flavour profile is the best out of all the other recipes I’ve looked at while searching for a carrot dog recipe. I am freezing half the finished batch and hope it works okay.
Many thanks!
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I would have never believed it if I had not made these myself! I never really liked hot dogs because of what goes into them, but I crave them maybe once a year. I decided to try your recipe as I figured if anyone can make a carrot on a bun taste good — you can! Oh my word!!!! I really love these! They are amazing. Carrots NEVER tasted so good! I knew I could count on your recipe. Thank you for yet another winner! I’ll be eating these a lot more than once a year.
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Will the carrot dogs keep for weekly meal prep? If I made them Sunday night to eat for lunches?
I made these for dinner tonight , they are VERY good!
No , you can’t fool someone into thinking they’re a hotdog , but it doesn’t matter. The flavor of these are so good! (I ate 3 oops) 😀
Thank you , I really appreciate the recipe.
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Hi Shane. These carrot hot dogs are very good. We thought we would taste too much of the carrot but we didn’t. We put ketchup,mustard,onions,& pickles on it. Delicious 👍 Will be ratating this recipe too. You are an amazing vegan cook.Thank you.
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Thank you so much!!!
Can you tell me which brand of liquid smoke you use? I went looking for some but only could find ‘hickory’ and ‘mesquite’ flavors. None said just liquid smoke. Thank you.
Hi, Naomi! That’s just the flavor of the smoke, but they’re both liquid smoke. I use both flavors and no specific brand.
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I used the instant pot method and used a cast iron grill pan. These turned out amazing! My picky 2 year old and husband loved them. Thank you!!
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Hi Shane, I first learned about the Carrot “Hotdog” from Tabitha Brown’s video re: her recipe. She made a pecan “chili” recipe that’s delish. I found your recipe, needed measurements, yours is great. The one thing I did different was boil for 10 minutes uncovered, boil another 10 minutes covered. Put the carrot dog on a grill pan, got the grill marks. Turns out fabulous each time. Thanks Shane. Job well done sir!😀
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Thank you, Anna! Love your tips. Can’t wait to try it this way myself. Blessings.
This is my new favorite recipe! I have several carrot dog recipes that I’ve tried over the last few years & they were ok. Most were too salty but there was also something missing in the flavor. THIS recipe is hands down the BEST! You have nailed the flavor without being too salty. I am so impressed! I had them for dinner last night & this morning I cut up some of the smaller carrot dogs & put them in my breakfast baked beans. Yum! I am in carrot dog heaven! I immediately shared your recipe with 4 other friends & have several more in mind. I love your website & thank you so much for your dedication to healthy plant based, no oil food. I can’t wait to make more of your delicious recipes! 🙋🏼♀️💕
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Thank you so much, Phyllis!
These were amazing. Our new favorite.
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AWESOME! So glad you enjoyed them.
I made these for 4th of July and they did not disappoint. Even my 83 year old granny liked them.
I am actually making them again tonight so I decided to leave a comment. I made them exactly as the recipe stated but at my husband’s request I’ll be leaving out the maple syrup on the next go round.
Thanks for the quick and easy recipe. I also loved that it had both IP and stove top options.
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I made these yesterday in the Instant Pot, exactly per instructions and they were awesome! I left them to natural release and sit on warm for about 1.5 hours, until I was ready to grill. There was a hint of carrot flavor but not much and they smelled exactly like a smoked hot dog. They were a tad soft and that may have been because I let them natural release and sit for so long. Next time I will quick release and then let them sit.
The only thing I wasn’t clear on when making the recipe is if I should have peeled down very large carrots to be more hot dog sized (not just length, but um….girth?).
I’m going to make these again!
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Hi, Vanessa! I’m so glad you enjoyed them. Yes, I would not do a natural release because of the “mush factor.” As far as peeling them down, really that is about preference. I prefer to do it just so they look more like a hot dog. Thanks for reaching out.
I cannot believe how good these were. I froze the marinade after letting them set about 36 hours. I will definitely do these again.
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Yeah!
Hi Shane! I’m making the carrot dogs for the first time today and I’m so excited! But I’m still learning how to use my Insta Pot Duo and I’m not sure setting to use to cook the Carrot dogs? I don’t want to mess them up! Help!
🇺🇸Happy Fourth of July!!🇺🇸
So sorry I’m just now replying as I’ve been out of town. Just cook on high pressure for the suggested amount of time. You should have no problems:)
I had my doubts but when family was grilling dogs and brauts I said. I sticking to MY plan. They were so good! I would have never thought I was eating a carrot. My grandson who is real picky asked me next time to cook him one. Thank you for making this transition easier.
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Hi, Can these be frozen after marinating but before cooking?
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Can the maple syrup be eliminated? I don’t like any sweetness in my foods, but I don’t want to ruin the recipe. Thanks!
Yes, you can totally eliminate it.
Hello! Is there a limit to how long the boiled carrots can sit in the marinade in the refrigerator? I’m planning on packing these for camping. I was going to boil them on the stove and was hoping to just store them in the fridge in the marinade until we are ready to grill them. I know your recipe says up to 24 hours. Do you think it can sit in the marinade longer? If so, how long do you think max? Thank you!
Hi Shane, I’m making another batch of carrot dogs today. I love them! It’s really nice to have something to eat when my husband and son want hot dogs. I broke down and had a real hot dog with them one day when it came up on the spur of the moment and these are so much better than those nasty things. And to think I used to enjoy them>
Anyway, Thank You! We have enjoyed every recipe we have tried so far. So glad I found your site.
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Amazing!
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These are amazing! My meat eating husband even liked them!
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Can the remaining marinade be saved after it was cooked in the Instant Pot?
Yes, absolutely! We usually put it in the fridge and use it to make another batch.
Perfect BBQ this weekend. So easy to make and tastes great.
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I have used carrots to make bacon, Pretty much the same ingredients. Carrot hot dogs are easy to make and I bet you could fool kids into eating their vegetables this way..
Oh my gosh! I made these today and they were delicious! I used the exact recipe and they tasted like we were eating hotdogs! I had low expectations but this really blew my mind. Thank you so much for sharing! We will definitely be making this every time we BBQ!
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Thank you so much, Melissa!
Hi,
Would Bragg Coconut Aminos Seasoning work instead of Bragg’s Liquid Aminos?
Yes, you can use it but it will have a distinct coconut aminos flavor. You could also use low-sodium soy sauce or low-sodium Tamari.
Tasty but on the salty side. Any suggestions for cutting back on the salt? I followed the recipe exactly (for once)! Enjoyed them immensely. Thanks
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Hi, Carla! So glad you enjoyed them. You can cut the soy sauce in 1/2 and make up the difference with water. So, use 1/2 cup of soy sauce and add 1/2 cup of water. That should help.
Can you use honey instead of syrup?
If that is your preference, yes.
Would love to try it but who makes a whole grain no oil hot dog bun?
Ezekiel and Trader Joe’s Sprouted Grain Hot Dog Buns.
Thanks. Have only seen Ezekiel hamburger buns, not hot dog buns in my area. Will check out TJ. Much obliged.
We’ve made them before and loved them. This is a must-have for this holiday weekend! Thank you!
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I made the carrot dogs today. Tasted just like a hot dog. Everyone was surprised and loved them. Have to make more tomorrow. Thanks. Love your recipes they are quick and easy
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I’ve been craving a hot dog since we went WFPB 6 months ago. This is perfect! I was almost too lazy to run to the store to get liquid smoke, but I’m so glad I did and followed the recipe exactly. Thank you for such a wonderful recipe!
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That’s awesome, Kathleen!
This was my first time trying a vegan carrot dog recipe. I was so surprised!! Loved them! Even my carnivore teen remarked, “wow. IT’s not disgusting!” High praise right there!
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LOL, without a doubt high praise. Thanks for reaching out. Blessings!
Hey there. I’m excited(and curious) to try these. I’ve only got baby carrots so I’m going to make baby dogs for the kids. If I use baby carrots on the instant pot would I still cook these for 2 minutes?
Hi, Janice! Yes, I would leave it at two minutes. Should work just fine.
Thank you Shane. They we’re amazing! I’ve already been asked to make more for tommorow. Thanks for a great recipe!
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That’s so awesome!
Shane,
Your carrot “faux hot dogs” recipe sounds great! I will try it soon, probably without the grill since it is still winter here in St. Louis, with snow forecast for tomorrow.
Thanks for all your great vegan ideas!
Jim Harris
Awesome, Jim, and I hope you enjoy it. You most definitely don’t need a grill. You can just heat up a nonstick skillet and “grill” them in that. It’s mainly to help the marinade carmelize can char a bit. Enjoy!
Hi! New to the vegan game and this has piqued my interest… thinking ahead to the next camping season.. do you think these could be roasted over a camp fire? Thanks!
Amazing! Need to double the recipe next time!
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That’s awesome, Linda! So glad you liked them. Yea, do what you gotta do! LOL! Blessings.
Love the carrot dogs. The ease of making them and the enjoyment of eating them.
Very delish!!!!
Have leftover marinade, so off to the store tomorrow to get more carrots to marinade,
Then can partake in the joy of more carrot dog sandwiches.
Life is good.
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That is awesome! We do the same thing. Thanks for reaching out. Blessings.
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After you cook an marinade the carrots do they still taste like cooked carrots or do they take on the hickory flavor with a little carrot flavor . I tried someone else is recipe an they just tasted like roasted carrots with literally no
Flavor.
No one has ever told me they these taste like carrots and I’ve had many friends who are not vegans eat them. And, they all were surprised. The key is following the instructions and being sure to let them marinade. The longer the better. Let me know how they turn out.
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Hey Shane.
I made the carrots dogs tonight . I let them marinade over night an they were great. I love them an
So did my husband. This recipe is a keeper. Lot of flavor an I made then on my panini press
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Margaret that is so great! I like using the panini press too. Funny you mention that. My family made these for some friends and we all wanted the grill marks so our friend made her husband fire up the grill:) Next time, we’ll do it your way and use the panini press. Blessings.
These are great! Thank you 😉
Wendy, thank you! I’m so glad you liked them.
Hey Shane! I’ve been making carrot dogs using a couple of other recipes with liquid aminos, etc., and they were really good. But… I’m still jonesin’ for “the Ultimate Carrot Dog”, and tonight I found your site w/this recipe so I’m going to give it a try next batch… which will be this week, or as soon as we get off our buns and go shop more buns. Anyway… my question is, how long will the marinade keep in the fridge, and do you think it could be frozen and thawed out when needed?
Thanks very much. I’ll let you know how these dogs turn out.
Btw — I’ve made your Cinnamon Oatmeal Apple Crumble three or four times this summer (and it’s only mid-July). I’m planning on making another batch tomorrow. My wife won’t let up — she’s gotta have more crumble (cue the Walken SNL video). Ah, but I don’t mind… it’s sooooo delicious. Especially with a splash of blueberries and some vegan vanilla ice cream on top. Oh man! Heaven! “Sweets for my sweet”, right? 😉
Glenn, love the feedback on the crumble. Gotta take care of your lady my man. Concerning the marinade, I’ll use two or 3 times before replacing so it keeps a good while. And, yes, you can absolutely freeze it then throw it in a pot when you’re ready. Hope you enjoy the carrot dogs!!! Let me know how they turn out! Peace.
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Hi Shane, love your recipes. I cook my carrot dogs in my panini, works great, especially nice in this hot weather.
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Hi, Lea! Thanks for reaching out. Yeah, a panini press works great too! “This nice hot weather.” LOL! Man, I’m melting.
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The BEST Carrot Dog recipe!
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