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!
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. If you don’t have ACV, try one of these apple cider vinegar substitutes. 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.
Making Vegan carrot hot dogs Is So Easy
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!
