Nope… it is still not a hot dog. But it IS a “hot dog.” Oh yes, the Carrot Hot Dog is back!
When I first posted this recipe for Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs awhile back, I had absolutely no idea that it would become as popular as it has. It is consistently my most viewed post on almost any given day. I guess vegetarians and vegans (meat-eaters, too!) really like hot dogs and want a veg-friendly way to eat them. How in the world so many people Google “carrot hot dog” sure beats me, but I am glad that so many of you have made your way to my blog as a result!
Now that Summer is in full swing and the Carrot Hot Dog has been extra popular during these grilling and barbecue months, I thought it was about time that I did a second post devoted to one of my favorite recipes. My pictures from the original post are not the greatest, and any recipe that gets thousands of views in the span of a week deserves TWO posts!
The rest of my recipes need to step up their game if they want to be this special. My Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole just may get there one of these days.
Since my original post, I have made these doggies numerous times. This time, however, I got a little crazy and used multi-colored carrots. That’s right. Orange (obviously), white, and purple carrot hot dogs. And don’t worry, they are just as delicious as the originals… but slightly prettier?
Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs
Servings: Makes 2 “hot dogs”
Ingredients
2 large carrots, peeled, with the ends cut off (I cut mine to the size of the hot dog bun)
1/4 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos (you can also use low-sodium soy sauce, but use less as it will be too salty!)
1/4 cup water
1 TB seasoned rice vinegar
1 TB sesame oil
1/2 TB apple cider vinegar
dash liquid smoke
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp dried ginger
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp granulated onion powder
olive oil cooking spray
2 whole wheat hot dog buns
desired hot dog toppings
Directions
1. Boil carrots for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, or until fork tender but not mushy. After removing the carrots from the boiling water, run them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. While the carrots are cooking, whisk together the Bragg’s, water, vinegars, sesame oil, liquid smoke, garlic, and seasonings.
3. Combine the carrots and the marinade in a zipper gallon-size bag (I actually used two in case of a leak), or in an air-tight container. Shake gently until the carrots are coated with the marinade. Place the carrots in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
4. To cook the carrots, spray a medium skillet with olive oil cooking spray. Turn the heat to medium and place the carrots and about 1/2 cup of the marinade into the skillet. Heat the carrots for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until warm.
*Since the original recipe was posted, I have heard from several people that they have had success with grilling these… so you might want to give that a try!
I served one of my carrot hot dogs in a vegan wheat hot dog bun with sauerkraut, dill relish, onions, mustard, and ketchup. And for those of you who cannot find vegan hot dog buns, I served my second dog in a romaine lettuce leaf “bun” and it was delicious that way as well!
These may not be your traditional hot dogs, but I happen to think that is a good thing. At least you know all of the ingredients that go into making these babies! Vegetarians and vegans should not and do not have to miss out when it comes to Summertime barbecues. I hope you will give these hot dogs a try at your next get-together or for your next Summertime meal. You just may be surprised at how delicious they are!
Yes, it is a carrot. But it is also a hot dog.
Have you tried the carrot hot dog yet?
Comments on this entry are closed.
I have not tried a carrot hot dog yet, but I need to! Last night I had a tofurky sausage with ketchup and mustard on top, and it was heaven. Veggie dogs are the best.
Veggie dogs are SOOO the best!! I could eat them everyday 😉 In all seriousness though, you should def try the carrot hot dog!
What a great idea! Definitely grilling up one of these bad boys this weekend. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Meaghan! I hope you enjoy them!!
I have never thought to use a carrot in place of a hot dog. I absolutely love this though!! It would be great to feel like I’m not missing out at summer cookouts!
Yes!! It is an awesome way to eat a hot dog when everyone is grilling out without eating a bunch of crap! 😉
I am so glad you posted this again because I recall wanting to make it, kinda forgetting about it, remembering it recently and now for sure going to do it!
I knew there was a reason I posted about it again!! 😉 I hope you give them a try!
I am so glad you posted this again because I recall wanting to make it, kinda forgetting about it, remembering it recently and now for sure going to do it!
I made them last weekend sort of as a joke for my carnivore future son in law. They were great. My daughter made them for dinner one night last week and I have them marinating now for lunch! Love them
Haha, how fun! They sound totally weird… but are totally delicious! I’m so glad you tried them 🙂
Haha Tracy, I love the joke! Classic.
These look absolutely delicious; like nothing I’ve ever seen on vegan recipe sights or pinterest! I pinned it and cannot wait to make it! Check out my tofu peanut wrap recipe on my blog! Also, delicious! Love your blog!
Thank you Natalie! They are definitely unique aren’t they? Let me know if you give them a try!! Heading over to check out your blog now… 🙂
Yup…this sounds like a winner!! We haven’t had any veg hot dogs yet this summer!! I’d probably try grilling these up. It would be a perfect meal for that night I don’t feel like preparing much!!
Yes, I have not grilled them myself yet since I don’t have a grill, but I have heard great things from others who have! And yes, once you get them marinated they are SUPER quick to prepare… gotta love it!
Awesome! I never knew you had a carrot hot dog recipe but this looks super cool! Definitely trying it out 🙂
Thanks Melissa! It sounds pretty strange, huh? But I promise it is good! Let me know if you try it 🙂
Ahh, I love it! Great post, can’t wait to try this. 🙂
Thank you, Jules!! Let me know if you do! 🙂
I loved them! I must confess I haven’t eaten a “real” hotdog in at least 15 years, so I was totally like “this is exactly what hotdogs are like, right?!” and my boyfriend who conversely HAS eaten the occasional “real” hotdog in the past few years was like “umm, no, that’s hilarious that you think these taste like real hotdogs. They so don’t. They taste like marinated carrots.” Well, lucky I freaking love marinated carrots then, ha!! And he still really liked them too. They are a winner of a recipe! It’s amazing how much flavour depth there is after a day of marination. Definitely using this marination trick with more veggies from now on! Thanks for a superb recipe!
Thanks Felicity!!! They may not taste exactly like hot dogs, but they sure taste good!! Who knew marinated carrots could be so awesome?? 😉
I want to try these but don’t have liquid smoke. How much will be lost without it? Has anyone ever tried this without?
You could certainly try it without the liquid smoke. Obviously they won’t have as much of the smokey taste, but I’m sure they’d still be delicious!
OMG!!! So yummy. Tastes just like a juicy hot dog