These Carrot Hot Dogs are marinated in a smoky, sweet, and savory sauce giving them a classic hot dog taste. Top this grillable vegan alternative with your favorite condiments for the perfect summer BBQ meal.
The first time I made carrot hot dogs I was a bit skeptical.
I wasn’t sure how they would come out, if they would taste good, or if my family would even eat them.
But once the grilled carrots were placed in a bun and topped with mustard and ketchup, my tastebuds were fooled.
It was delicious!
The vegan carrot dog had the right amount of smoky, savory, and sweet flavor I was after.
In fact, they were so good I was inspired to make vegan pigs in a blanket using marinated baby carrots.
So leave the packaged vegan hot dogs at the store and slide a healthier carrot hot dog between those buns!
Jump to:
Ingredients
Below are the 8 ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe.
Ingredient notes and substitutes
Carrots – Use hotdog-sized carrots or slightly bigger ones. Also, be sure to use similar-sized carrots so the cooking time stays the same.
Tamari – I used tamari to keep the marinade gluten-free. Use soy sauce as a replacement.
Liquid Smoke – This really gives the marinade a smoky hot dog flavor. I recommend it for the best taste, but if you need to substitute, smoked paprika is a good replacement.
Maple Syrup – The maple syrup neutralizes the saltiness. Or, use any liquid sweetener you have on hand.
Seasonings – Paprika, Dry Mustard Powder, and Garlic Powder complete the hot dog flavors in the marinade. If you don’t have mustard powder (also called ground mustard) you can leave it out or replace it with a bit of yellow mustard.
Instructions
This recipe is quick and easy to make. Follow the simple instructions below to enjoy carrot dogs at your next summer BBQ.
Prep the Carrots
Start by picking out the medium-sized carrots in the bag. You want to select the most uniform-sized carrots that aren’t too big or too small on either end. Also, they should be about the width of a hot dog or slightly bigger.
Step 1: Cut off the ends of each carrot leaving them about 1 inch longer than the size of the bun. This will ensure there is enough room to shape the ends.
Step 2: Now, peel the carrots shaping and rounding the ends with the peeler for a “hot dog” look. To shape the ends, hold the carrot in one hand peeling the end furthest away from you. Use small downward strokes turning the carrot while you peel to round the end.
Tip: You can also skip rounding the ends and leave them with straight cuts for quicker prep with less waste.
Cook and Marinate the Carrots
Now, it’s time to simmer them in the marinade for a smoky hot dog taste.
Step 1: Add the carrots and marinade ingredients to a large pan and gently stir everything around to mix.
Step 2: Cover the pan with a lid and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer the carrots for about 20-30 minutes. They are done when a fork poked in goes in with little resistance. The carrots should look similar to the above image after cooking.
Step 3: When the carrots are done cooking, remove the pan from the heat keeping it covered. Allow the carrots to rest in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before grilling (1-2 hours is ideal for more of a smoky hot dog flavor). Periodically give the pan a slight shake to roll the carrots around in the marinade.
Grilling the carrots
After you’ve cooked your carrots in the marinade it’s time to grill them!
- Remove the carrots from the marinade.
- Set the grill to medium heat. Once the grill is hot, brush the grates with oil.
- Place the carrots on the grill and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until grill lines appear. Flip and cook the other side for another 2-4 minutes.
Tip: Baste the carrots with the extra marinade a few times throughout the cooking process to keep them from drying out too much. Also, keep an eye on them as they cook so they don’t burn.
Or, cook the carrot dogs on a skillet or in the oven. See the recipe card for complete cooking instructions.
To serve
Serve these vegan carrot dogs at any outdoor BBQ, summertime picnic, or 4th of July party. Pair them with a condiments bar using any of the options below.
Or, top them with the classics like mustard and ketchup for a simple dinner at home.
Topping options
- relish
- vegan mayo
- vegan chili
- avocado
- diced onion
- pickled onions
- pickle slices
- sauerkraut
- jalapeño slices
- pepperoncini
- tomato slices
The possibilities are endless!
And if you need some side recipes to serve with these carrot dogs, I’ve got you covered. For a classic side dish try my macaroni salad or potato salad.
If you looking for something a little more unique and refreshing try my pineapple black bean salad or mango salad. They disappear fast at gatherings.
Storing Carrot Dogs
If you’re not ready to grill the marinated carrots right away or you have leftover grilled dogs store them in the fridge.
To store marinated carrots: Add the carrots along with the marinade to a ziplock bag or airtight container large enough to fit them.
Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours then grill on the BBQ, cook on the stovetop or bake in the oven.
To store grilled carrot dogs: Place the grilled dogs in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t think a meat eater could be fooled by the texture of a carrot. But, I do think the taste is spot on. Once they are marinated, grilled, placed in a bun, and topped with condiments your tastebuds can easily be fooled.
Give them a try. You'll be impressed with how delicious a carrot in a bun can be.
Yes!
If you have an Instant Pot this is a quick and easy way to marinate carrot dogs. Follow the simple instructions below.
Add the peeled carrots and the marinade ingredients to your Instant Pot.
Using the manual or pressure setting, set the Instant Pot to 3 minutes high pressure.
Once they are done cooking, turn the steam valve to release the steam.
Allow the carrots to sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
We'd love to hear from you!
If you enjoyed this vegan recipe, please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Also, if you snap a photo be sure to share it with us! We love to see your creations!! You can find us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Or, get the links to new recipes delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter. See ya there!
Recipe
Carrot Hot Dogs
Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs are a grillable healthier alternative to mock meats. Top them any way you like! Grilling, stovetop and oven directions below!
Ingredients
- 8-10 medium carrots, peeled and cut to bun size
Marinade
- 1 and ½ cups water
- ⅓ cup tamari (or soy sauce)
- 2 and ½ Tablespoons liquid smoke
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoons paprika
- ⅔ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ teaspoon mustard powder
Instructions
Prep the Carrots
Start by picking out the medium-sized carrots in the bag. You want to select uniform-sized carrots that aren’t too big or too small on either end. Also, they should be about the width of a hot dog or slightly bigger.
- Cut the ends off of each carrot. Leave them about 1 inch longer than the size of the bun to have room to shape the ends.
- Then, peel the carrots shaping and rounding the ends with the peeler for a uniform “hot dog” look. To shape the ends, hold the carrot in one hand peeling the end furthest away from you. Use small downward strokes turning the carrot while you peel to round the end. You can also skip rounding the ends and leave them with straight cuts for quicker prep.
Marinate the Carrots
- Pour the marinade into a large skillet with a lid and mix, then add the carrots. The pan should be large enough that the carrots lay flat on the bottom.
- Cover the pan with the lid and bring the marinade to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer the carrots for about 20-30 minutes. The carrots are done when a fork can be poked into them with little resistance.
- When the carrots are done, remove the pan from the heat. Allow the carrots to rest in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before grilling, but 1-2 hours is best for more flavor.
See notes to marinate them in the Instant Pot, and instructions for storing the marinated carrots if you're not ready to grill them.
Now, choose one of the three methods below to cook the carrot hot dogs after marinating.
Grilling Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. Once the grill is hot hot, brush the grates with oil.
- Grill the carrots on on the bottom rack for about 5-8 minutes or until heated through and the grill marks have formed. The carrots should easily release from the grill.
- Flip and heat for another 2-3 minutes to add grill marks to the other side.
- Optional: Brush the carrots with the extra marinade after grilling for more flavor.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
- Place carrot dogs on a cast iron grill or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the carrots with a bit of extra marinade.
- Bake for 10-15 min, then flip each carrot and brush with more marinade. Bake for another 5-10 minutes.
Stovetop Instructions
- In a skillet or grill pan, heat 1 Tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Carefully place the carrots in your skillet.
- Heat on each side for about 5 minutes or until heated through. While the carrots cook, brush them with the extra marinade.
Now, dress those carrot dogs any way you like!
Notes
To marinate the carrots in the Instant Pot
- Add the marinade ingredients and the peeled carrots to your Instant Pot.
- Using the manual or pressure setting, set the Instant Pot to 3 minutes high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is done, turn the steam valve to release the steam.
- Allow the carrots to sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes for more flavor.
To store vegan carrot dogs
If you’re not ready to grill the carrots right away, or you have leftover grilled dogs they can be stored in the fridge.
- To store marinated carrots: Add the carrots along with the marinade to a ziplock bag or airtight container large enough to fit them. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours then grill on the BBQ, cook on the stovetop, or bake in the oven.
- To store grilled carrot dogs: Place the grilled dogs in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
OTHER NOTES
Tamari sauce/soy sauce: Use low-sodium sauce if needed.
Mustard powder: This can be left out or replaced with ¼ teaspoon of yellow mustard.
Liquid smoke: I recommend using liquid smoke for the best flavor. If you need to substitute, use 1-2 Tablespoons of smoked paprika.
Leftovers: Any leftover carrots can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Grill marks: For grill lines on the carrots, cook them on a hot grill or on the stovetop using a grill pan.
NEW! This recipe was originally posted in August 2017. It has since been updated with extra tips, step-by-step photos, a quicker marinating method, and the ingredients have been adjusted accordingly. If you’re a fan of the original recipe, it’s below.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1 carrot hot dogAmount Per Serving: Calories: 35Sodium: 50mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g
**Nutritional info is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients I used and for convenience and as a courtesy only.**
More Summer Favorites
Original Recipe
The original recipe is below. In that recipe, the carrots are boiled in water and then marinated overnight.
The new recipe above has been simplified with the same great taste. I suggest giving it a try if you're in a hurry!
Where You Get Your Protein is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This site may contain some of these links to Amazon.com. If you make a purchase through one of those links, Where You Get Your Protein will receive a small commission from the purchase at no additional cost to you.
Luke
It’s a little misleading that it says total time 35 minutes to make when it takes 2+ hours to marinate
Marlena Luna
The total time is for boiling and cooking the carrots.
Leon Muir
Five star rating!!!!
Marlena Luna
Yay! Thanks for your feedback!!
Heather
This was amazing!!!! I marinated over night and it absolutely tasted like a hot dog. Now, I’ll get to enjoy ‘hot dogs’ with everyone else while camping! Thank you!
Lori Haskell
I made these and then cooked in their fryer. Super good that way!
Where you get your protein
Thanks for the tip, Lori! I’ll have to try them in the air fryer next time.
Cindy
I’m curious Why can’t you just cook the carrots in the marinade instead of pouring the water off that has nutrients
Where you get your protein
You can definitely boil them in the marinade. I’ve been meaning to update the recipe to include that as an option. Enjoy! :)
Gloria in Durango
They are delicious. Can you make a big batch and freeze them?
Where you get your protein
I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Gloria! A few readers have had success freezing the cooked carrot dogs. Just make sure they aren't over-boiled and they should reheat in the oven, on a pan, or on the BBQ just fine.
Michaela
So good! I’m the only vegan in my household so I made enough for 3 days for my lunches and I can’t not wait for tomorrow to eat them again!
Where you get your protein
Yay! I'm so glad you loved the recipe, Michaela! Aren't they the best!?
Noelle
I am currently marinating the carrot dogs right now! I’m wondering if there is such a thing as marinating too long? Like will the dogs be too moist if you leave it for 20 hours?
Where you get your protein
Nope, they will be extra flavorful! I've marinated them for almost 2 days and they were delicious! Enjoy, Noelle! :)
Nathan
My wife made these for us last week (she beat me to it). Loved them! We were both impressed at how much the flavor is pretty much spot on. I feel like the natural sweetness of the carrots is a huge help in complimenting the marinade. Didn't grill them since it was too chilly and I honestly hate preparing the grill, so she oven baked them. Consistency was pretty darn close (wondering if she needed to boil them a bit longer, or if the oven "dried" them out a bit?). It was only our first attempt so I know we'll perfect it this summer! So excited to make this for cookouts this summer, and for pretty much now on. We're still baffled by this recipe, and love it!
Where you get your protein
Yay! I'm so glad you and your wife enjoyed the carrot dogs! My family and I were blown away the first time we tried them. They've definitely become a summer favorite! The consistency can take a few tries to figure out. If they were dry, I suggest baking them for less time. If they were a bit too firm, boil the carrots a little longer. Another tip is to pick the thickest carrots out of the bag. If they are thin you can use 2-3 carrots to fill the bun out. Enjoy Nathan! :)
Nathan
I was thinking that about the prep. I think we'll give them a longer boil next time and see how they turn out.
Heh. We noticed that about the smaller carrots. We ended up putting about 2 carrots to a bun to fill them out! I'll be honest...we both ate the entire batch of about 7-8 carrot dogs...You just don't feel bad when they're good for you!
Where you get your protein
They're addicting, right? I usually marinate a double batch of carrots because they go fast in our house! Oh, and a longer boil sounds perfect! I'm so glad you and your wife are enjoying the recipes! :)
Joanna
Can’t wait to try. Recent vegan...ty... suggestions and recipes help.
EG
Very tasty!
Where you get your protein!
That's great you enjoyed the recipe!
Amy
What's your preferred method for cooking these? Which way makes the best carrot dogs?
Where you get your protein!
For the most part I make them in the oven on my cast iron grill because it's the easiest and they taste great. (The carrot dogs in the photo were made in the oven.) I'd only choose the grill over the oven because I'm a fan of the char a BBQ produces. But, it's really up to your own personal preference. :)
kim
I was wondering if you have to use maple syrup?
Where you get your protein!
Hi Kim! You can definitely omit the maple syrup without much change to the taste. I've forgotten it a few times and didn't notice much difference. Enjoy! :)
greg tritt
Perfect with sauerkraut
Where you get your protein!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Greg!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
I haven't had a carrot hot dog yet, but it looks really good!
Where you get your protein!
They are a must try! My daughter loves them so much she eats them without the bun. Just mustard and ketchup!
Karen
My whole family loved them ! Even tasted good without the liquid smoke, since I’m trying to avoid certain ingredients. I did marinate for 2 days.
Marlena Luna
Thanks for your great feedback, Karen! I'm so glad the whole family loved the carrot dogs!
Linda from Veganosity
Carrot dogs are the bomb! We have a carrot dog recipe in our cookbook that totally freaked the photographer and her crew out because they tasted so close to the real thing. These look great!
Where you get your protein!
Thank you Linda! It's so much fun when non-vegans are impressed with our meals!
Sarah
I've never tried carrot hot dogs before, but yours definitely makes me want to give it a try.
Where you get your protein!
Thanks, Sarah! You definitely have to give them a try!
Joanne Davenport
Soy sauce I meant
Joanne Davenport
I have tried this before , it was ok but I didn't have coconut aminos. I can't do so you sauce, looks so real! I want to do it again, using your recipe. Thanks
Where you get your protein!
I hope you enjoy these Joanne!! :)