These Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs are THE perfect plant-based alternative to regular hot dogs! Healthy, LOW-FAT, easy, delicious, and great for a cookout.
Summer is a time for family reunions and cookouts. Yes, that means the weird uncle serving up nasty burnt cow patties and limp hot dogs; always saying things like, “How’s my meat?” or “Put another dog on the barbie!”; and ends every sentence with that creepy obnoxious laugh.
Sorry, I can’t help with the family dynamics. But, you can make my 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 …?!?
Fast forward several years later and I must say I am hooked! These plant-based tube steaks are better than the vast majority of fake frankfurters on the market. And, they’re HEALTHY! Read for yourself.
How Do You Make Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs?
Marinade
The secret to really good carrot dogs is the marinade. It’s super easy! You simply add all your spices and liquids to a bowl and whisk together. There are a few “specialty” spices like ginger, smoked paprika, and rice vinegar. But, everything should be available at your local grocery or even Wal-Mart.
Carrot Hot Dogs
First, cut your carrots to bun length and then peel. I like making them look like hot dogs:) But, it’s definitely not necessary. Once you’re done cutting and peeling the carrots there are two ways to cook them in an Instant Pot or boil them on the stove.
The Instant Pot is my preferred method. You can cook the vegan carrot hot dogs in the marinade and it only takes 2 MINUTES! Then, once they’re done you just toss them on the grill.
Not quite ready to fire up the propane or charcoal? No problem. Just store the vegan carrot hot dogs with the marinade in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.
If you don’t have an Instant Pot simply boil the carrots for 8-10 minutes or until they are just tender enough to pierce with a fork. But, YOU DON’T WANT MUSHY! Once they’re finished cooking, drain and run cold water over the carrots. This will 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 hours. But, it’s best if they sit overnight.
Once they’re ready take the vegan carrot dogs out of the fridge and grill. That’s it!
Look, you ain’t gonna fool nobody into thinking this is a hot dog. BECAUSE IT’S NOT A HOT DOG! But, they sure are tasty and will satisfy anyone’s hunger.
I’m convinced you will love these Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs. They are…
- Easy to make
- Savory
- Perfect for a cookout
- Healthy
- A great plant-based alternative
- Delicious
Need Some Suggested Toppings?
Serve these bad boys on your favorite hot dog bun or roll with…
- Creamy Rich Cashew Mayo
- Mustard
- Sauer Kraut
- Diced Onions
- Easy Vegan Tofu Sour Cream
- Vegetarian Chili
- Gameday Cheese & Vegan Bacon Bits
- Sweet Relish
My 5-Minute Fat-Free Potato Chips make a great side. *Hint, hint
Looking More Plant-Based Cookout Recipe Ideas?
- Easy Barbecue Baked Beans
- Chickpea Salad
- Best Damn Vegan Barbecue Sandwich
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
- Smoky Bacon Flavored Hummus
If you make this recipe, be sure and let me know! Leave a comment, RATE IT, and tag a photo #shaneandsimple on Instagram.
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Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs
- Prep Time: 5 mins.
- Cook Time: 15 mins.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 dogs 1x
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Pin RecipeDescription
These Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs are THE perfect plant-based alternative to regular hot dogs! Healthy, LOW-FAT, easy, whole, and great for the grill.
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
- 1/2 tsp dried ginger
- 1/2 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 1/2 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!
- Category: Party Food
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
Keywords: vegan, cookout, barbecue, entry, healthy, carrot, hot dog
The BEST Carrot Dog recipe!
★★★★★
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.
★★★★★
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.
★★★★★
These are great! Thank you 😉
Wendy, thank you! I’m so glad you liked them.
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.
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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.
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.
★★★★★
That is awesome! We do the same thing. Thanks for reaching out. Blessings.
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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.