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I’ve made these vegan carrot hot dogs dozens of times for friends, and they never knew they weren’t the real deal! They don’t just look like the BBQ classic — they actually taste like it, too! Made with easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is just what your summer cookouts need.
save this recipe!These Will Blow Your Mind
Nothing screams summer quite like a delicious, juicy hot dog. So, what a great time of year to try out vegan carrot hot dogs for a meat-free option!
Now, the real secret is in the marinade. When I was developing this recipe, I relied heavily on my food science background to help “trick” the brain into thinking these are, in fact, hot dogs.
It turns out that when you marinate, boil, and grill carrots, their texture and taste are nearly identical to pork-based hot dogs. If someone tried one of these blindfolded, they would have no idea that it’s a carrot!
Reader rating
“I gotta say, these are actually ACTUALLY delicious! My partner and I made them last night and will most likely add them to our rotation of meals since they are just so easy.” —Tiffany
Grab These Ingredients
Transform humble carrots into crave-worthy vegan carrot hot dogs with the following ingredients.
- Carrots: We can’t make carrot dogs without carrots! For the best results, aim for carrots that are no more than ¾-inch thick.
- Vegetable Broth: We’ll use veggie broth as the bulk of the marinade. (Make your own veggie broth to save money and reduce food waste!)
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A bit of good old apple cider vinegar works wonders to give the marinade a kick.
- Soy Sauce: We’ll use soy sauce for its extra salty, umami flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can sub tamari.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard packs in more flavor and spice.
- Smoked Paprika: We’ll need just 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for the perfect amount of smoky flavor.
- Liquid Smoke: Finally, the last ingredient in the marinade is liquid smoke. This is a must on the flavor front, giving these carrot dogs that distinct smoky hot dog flavor.
- Hot Dog Buns: It’s not a hot dog without a bun! Use your favorite kind.
Topping ideas
The most exciting part of a hot dog (or carrot dog) is always the toppings. If you can put it on a hot dog, you can put it on a carrot dog! A few of my favorite toppings include:
- Sauces: Ketchup, mayo, mustard, barbecue sauce, Sriracha, or romesco.
- Pickled Things: Think pickled jalapenos, pickled red cabbage, relish, or pickled onions.
- Onions: Fresh diced white onions or caramelized onions.
- Deluxe Toppings: Chili, cheese sauce, pico de gallo, or sauerkraut salad.
P.S. These also make great pigs in blankets!
For a fun twist on these carrot hot dogs, use baby carrots and turn them into vegan pigs in blankets!
Pair these vegan hotdogs with our chewy roasted BBQ chickpeas–they’re packed with smoky BBQ flavor!
Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs (The Best Vegan Hot Dogs!)
Ingredients
- 6 carrots, each about the same size, aim for no more than ¾ inch thick
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar, 120 mL
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce, can sub tamari for gluten-free, 60 mL
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 6 hot dog buns
Instructions
- Prep: Peel 6 carrots and trim off the ends, cutting them to fit into the bottom of your large pot.
- Boil: Stir together 2 cups vegetable broth, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, 4 Tbsp soy sauce, ¼ cup Dijon mustard, 2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp liquid smoke in a large pot.Add carrots, cover, and bring to a simmer over medium/high. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until carrots are cooked through. You should be able to pierce them with a fork, but they should not be so soft that they break easily.
- Marinate: Let carrots rest in the cooking liquid for 30 minutes.
- Serve: At this point you can serve the carrots, or you can sear them on a well-greased grill (or grill plate) to char the outsides. Serve on a hot dog bun with your favorite condiments!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!
Sorry for this rating, but I followed the recipe exactly. The consensus was that they tasted like boiled carrots in buns!
Thanks for your feedback, Russell!
You use a liquid marinade to marinate the carrots. You used the word marinade incorrectly.
Fun recipe.
I think they would be better without apple cider vinegar. They were too tangy. The rest of the marinade makes sense, though.
I’m 100% sure your friends knew they weren’t eating hot dogs, Sarah.
My friends made these especially for me on Memorial Day. I have missed hot dogs since going vegetarian several years ago. I absolutely love these, and I can be a little finicky! How great to know that I can make these next time the craving hits me. Thank you!
Nothing better than hearing this, thank you!
Thank you so much for this amazing recipe for summer picnic or anytime carrot dogs!
I have been making these a lot and added a Coney Island style lentil chili for a topping. Found on Pinterest. So yummy 😋 😍 😊 Thanks and great recipes!
So glad it hit the spot, thanks for sharing!
Previous comments made me a little nervous, but seriously, this tasted nothing like a carrot! They were soooo good! I didn’t have liquid smoke, so I was just very heavy handed on the smoked paprika and used reduced sodium soy sauce and veggie broth and marinated for about 8 hours.
My husband and I really enjoyed them and topped them with ketchup, yellow mustard, a little mayo, and diced shallots.
So glad it hit the spot, thanks for sharing!
Hi Sarah I used to make these years ago and searched for the recipe to marinate as a refresher and landed on your page. I could have SWORN previous times, I did the cooking of the carrot first, slightly al dente, then marinated over night. Followed up with a Pan sear or chargrilled the carrot to heat it up. I am curious if you have tried the pre cook then marinate/and the post cook after marinate and if you still favor the method you provide us on your site. Have my uncooked carrots (per your advice) in the marinate and plan to let them soak until lunch tomorrow. Thanks for all the tips and the marinate recipe! Hot Diggity Dog!
Yes! I’ve tested it both ways. Precooking the carrots first (so they’re just tender) then marinating can work well, especially if you want a quicker final cook, and microwaving is a great shortcut. I usually stick with marinating raw carrots because they soak up more flavor as they cook, but your pre-cook method still gives great results—especially if you finish them on a grill or in a hot pan for that char.