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The Best Vegan Carrot Dog Recipe

Recipe by Shane Martin

  • Total Time20 minutes
  • Yield4 dogs 1x
  • DietVegan

Vegan carrot dogs are the hot dog swap that your summer cookout needs! Smoky, savory, and shockingly close to the real thing.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 65 reviews

Ingredients

Scale

Carrot Dogs

  • 4-6 medium to medium-sized 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

  1. Pour all ingredients into a bowl and whisk to combine. 

To Cook In Instant Pot

  1. Preheat grill.
  2. Place carrots in your Instant Pot, pour the marinade over the carrots, and cook for 2 minutes.
  3. 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. You can use leftover marinade to baste carrot dogs as they cook.
  4. Remove your dogs and serve on your favorite hot dog bun or roll fixed any way you like.
  5. 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

  1. Boil carrots for 8-10 minutes or until fork tender. YOU DON’T WANT THEM MUSHY! Then, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop them from cooking.
  2. Put the carrots in a gallon freezer bag or airtight container and pour the marinade over the carrots. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours, but overnight will yield the best results.
  3. Remove and follow the grill procedure mentioned above.

Don’t Want To Grill?

  1. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  2. 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.
  3. Serve immediately.

Equipment

Notes

  • For the best flavor, let the carrots marinate overnight. Totally worth it.
  • Don’t overcook! You want them fork-tender, not falling apart.
  • I love using the Instant Pot—just 2 minutes and done!
  • No pressure cooker? Boil on the stove, then marinate.
  • Liquid smoke gives that classic hot dog vibe. Don’t skip it (unless you must).
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
  • Save the extra marinade. It’s perfect for next time.
  • Serve with your favorite buns and toppings. Go wild!

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
  • Prep Time: 5 mins.
  • Cook Time: 15 mins.
  • Category: Party Food
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American, Vegan

Find it online: https://shaneandsimple.com/vegan-carrot-hot-dogs/