Carrot Dogs | Easy, Smoky, and Vegan

These super simple vegan carrot dogs are perfect for grilling season! Made with whole food ingredients, carrots are marinated in a smoky brine, then grilled, and finished with your favorite toppings!

Summer is in full swing! I’ve been spending a lot of time outdoors trying to figure out how to tame the jungle that is my backyard!

We moved to a new house in January, and as the seasons have changed we now realize that our backyard is a total mess! I’m talking weeds everywhere! No grass, dirt spots, and an old DIY fire pit that needs some serious TLC.

However, we do have a gorgeous deck, some patio furniture and a charcoal grill. This means while we’re trying to tackle the rest of the yard, at least we can take a needed break with a cool glass of lemonade, and something tasty and grilled!

While the hubby was out pulling weeds from the flower beds, I got the lucky task of making these smoky carrot dogs!

The first time I made them, I’ll admit the family was skeptical. My husband has had store bought vegan hot dogs, and he isn’t the biggest fan. So turning carrots into hot dogs seemed like a stretch. But they turned out great!

Do they taste like a real hot dog? Well, not exactly! But they do taste like a smoky version with great texture!

But I’m telling you, these are better than any store bought processed meat alternative. Plus you’re getting a healthy dose of veggies in every bite! Does it get any better? Your taste buds will thank you!

You’ve got to give this simple recipe a try. But be sure you allow yourself some time for the marinating. That’s really going to bring the flavor to this carrot dog recipe!

Why This Recipe Works

• Smoky Flavor
• Vegan alternative to regular hot dogs
• Healthy Option
• Extra Serving of Veggies
• Best Veggie Dogs
• Natural Ingredients

Ingredients and Notes

Carrots: Use large, whole carrots that are relatively the same size. Peel and trim so that they have s similar thickness from one end to the other.

Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Hot Dog Buns:

Favorite Toppings: Use any of your favorite toppings. We went the traditional route with ketchup, yellow mustard, relish, and finely chopped onions.

Marinade Ingredients:

Liquid Smoke: You only need a bit, but this is an essential ingredient, and should not be skipped! It’s what provides the carrots with a hot dog like flavor!

Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds some brininess to the marinade.

Vegetable Stock: Helps to thin out the marinade. Use a low-sodium version. You could also use cold water if you do not have vegetable stock.

Soy Sauce: I recommend using a low-sodium soy sauce. It you are gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamai.

Maple Syrup: For a touch of sweetness, maple syrup also thickens the marinade.

Spicy Mustard: I like brown spicy mustard, buy you can also use a simple yellow mustard in its place.

Spices: A combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder round out the spices.

Tools and Equipment

• Outdoor Grill or Grill Pan
• Shallow dish for marinating
• Tongs for turning the carrots on the grill

Instructions

Prep the Carrots: Wash, peel, and trim your carrots so that they are relatively similar in thickness from end to end, and fit the bun. For a similar look to a hot dog, you can round the ends if you prefer.

Cook Carrots: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to taste. Place medium carrots in the boiling water, cover, reduce heat to a rolling boil. Cooking time will vary. It could take anywhere from 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the carrots or they will fall apart. You want them to be fork tender, yet still firm.

Alternatively: You can prep the carrots in an Instant Pot.

Prep the Marinade: While the carrots are cooking, prep the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable stock, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, mustard, and spices.

Drain and Rinse: Drain the carrots, and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking.

Marinate: Place the cooked carrots in a single layer in a shallow bowl. Pour the marinade overtop. Allow to marinate as long as possible anywhere from 1-2 hours.

Grill: Now, you’re carrots are ready for the grill! Brush the carrots with olive oil. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place on your heated grill or grill pan. Cook on each side for about 2 minutes, or until you get those gorgeous charcoal marks.

Tip: Make sure that the grill or grill pan is hot before adding the carrots. Splatter a few drops of water in the pan. If they immediately bounce and sizzle, the pan is ready!

Add Your Toppings: Place the carrot dogs in the bun, and top with all your favorite toppings! Enjoy!

FAQS

Expert Tips

• Gluten-Free Option: To make these gluten-free substitute the soy sauce in the marinade with tamari, and use a gluten-free bun.
• Don’t overcook the dogs on the grill. They are already cooked, so they just need to be charred!
• You can marinate your dogs for longer than 2 hours if you prefer, but I wouldn’t recommend marinating overnight, as they can become too soft.
• Don’t skip the liquid smoke! It’s what makes these carrot taste like hot dogs! You can find it in most grocery stores in the aisle with BBQ sauce, ketchups, and other condiments.

More vegan grilling recipes!

• 30 Vegan 4th of July Recipes
• Black Bean and Quinoa Burgers
• Chickpea Burgers

Recipe