How to Make Plant-Based Hot Dogs with Carrots

This summer, chow down on these carrot hot dogs instead of processed meat alternatives. Simply marinate the carrots, toss them in the oven or grill, then serve with your favorite toppings.

Kirsten Nunez, MS

By Kirsten Nunez, MS

11 Ratings

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At first glance, the concept of carrot hot dogs might seem… weird. But if you’re looking for a healthier, less-processed alternative to “meat” hot dogs from the grocery store, you have to try this recipe. Carrots are marinated in a blend of soy sauce, liquid smoke, and apple cider vinegar—then roasted (or grilled) until fork tender. The result? A delicious plant-based “hot dog” that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Even if you do eat meat, something tell us that you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this vegan and vegetarian hot dog recipe.

Carrot Hot Dogs
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

To make carrot hot dogs, you will need:

  • carrots
  • vegetable broth
  • soy sauce
  • Dijon mustard
  • smoked paprika
  • liquid smoke
  • apple cider vinegar
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • maple syrup
  • oil
  • hot dog buns (gluten-free, if necessary)

Due to the hot dog buns, this recipe isn’t necessarily 100% free of processed ingredients. But compared to vegetarian “hot dogs” (which can be quite salty) or the real thing, opting for whole carrots makes a huge difference. You can even use lettuce wraps or forgo the buns for simpler, lighter carrot dogs.

Ingredients for making carrot hot dogs
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

First, peel the carrots.

Peeled carrots on a cutting board
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

Trim the carrots to fit your hot dog buns. Tip: Save the trimmed pieces and marinate them in leftover marinade to make vegan pigs in a blanket!

Carrots on a cutting board with a knife
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

In a bowl or container, combine all the marinade ingredients.

combined marinade ingredients
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

Whisk until combined, making sure to break up the mustard as much as possible.

carrot hot dog marinade
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

Pour the marinade over the carrots. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, rotating once halfway. For best results, marinate them overnight or for 24 hours. The longer you marinate the carrots, the better the flavor.

carrots marinating
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

When you’re ready to roast the carrots, preheat the oven to 425°F. Drain the carrots; save the marinade. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Place the carrots on the parchment and liberally brush with oil and leftover marinade.

carrots in a pan with parchment paper
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the carrots from burning. Roast for 20 minutes.

carrots in a pan covered with aluminum foil
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

Remove the alumnium and flip the carrots. Liberally brush with oil and marinade once more. Roast for another 20 minutes or until fork tender, but still has some resistance. Start checking the carrots a few minutes before the 20-minute mark to make avoid overcooking.

Depending on the thickness of your carrots, you might need to roast them for an additional 5 or more minutes. In either case, be sure to check them frequently.

If you’re lucky enough to have a grill, you can also use it to prepare your carrot dogs. Heat it to medium-high and grease the grate. Cook the carrots for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping once, or until somehwat charred and browned.

Place the carrot dogs in hot dog buns and add your favorite toppings, such as:

Delicious, plant-based carrot hot dogs
Photo: Kirsten Nunez

And don’t forget about the sides! We love eating these with vegan BBQ baked beans or vegan coleslaw—or a simple grilled corn on the cob (with plant-based butter, of course). Enjoy!

Easy Carrot Hot Dogs

This summer, chow down on these carrot hot dogs instead of processed meat alternatives. Simply marinate the carrots, toss them in the oven or grill, then serve with your favorite toppings.
Click stars below to rate, or leave a full review in the comments
11 Ratings
Print Rate it Now Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Vegan
Keyword: hot dog
Prep Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 173kcal
Author: Kirsten Nunez, MS

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Peel the carrots. Trim to fit into the hot dog buns.
  • In a bowl, combine the marinade ingredients. Whisk well. Pour over the carrots. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight, preferably. For best results, marinate for 24 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Drain the carrots. Place the carrots in the dish and liberally brush with oil and leftover marinade. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  • Roast for 20 minutes. Flip the carrots and liberally brush with oil and marinade. Roast for another 20 minutes or until the carrots are fork tender with some bite. If your carrots are thick, you might need to extend the cooking time for another 5 to 10 minuts.
  • If using a grill, preheat to medium-high heat and grease grate. Grill the carrots for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping once. Cook until the carrots are somewhat charred or browned.
  • Place the carrot dogs in hot dogs buns and add your favorite toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 900mg | Potassium: 274mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 10284IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @CleanGreenSimple or tag #CleanGreenSimple!

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