Grilled Carrot Dogs 4 Ways (Carrot Hot Dogs)

Carrot Dogs are marinated in a spicy, smoky sauce then grilled to perfection for a very unusual recipe twist on the American hot dog. Dress these best carrot hot dogs with your choice of 4 different topping combinations. Try one, or try them all, then choose your favorite. 

Ok, I can almost hear what you’re thinking right now. A carrot hot dog? What the f…? But wait just a minute. Before you doubt my sanity, I challenge you to have an open mind in the interest of trying something new and exciting. I didn’t think they’d be good either, but I swear to heaven, these are a must-try!

These grilled carrot dogs are another addition to my summer barbecue series. They pair well with my epic Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger , Vegan Street Corn,, creamy Vegan Potato Salad, and don’t forget this Grilled Peaches Dessert and my Watermelon Agua Fresca or Agua de Melon to wash everything down with.

Hint: this recipe also pairs well with my delicious Vegan Fruit Salad, Grilled Chilean Vegetable Kabobs and one of these 30 Homemade Salsa Recipes.

🥕 INGREDIENTS FOR THE BEST VEGAN CARROT DOG RECIPE EVER (WITH SUBSTITUTIONS)

• Carrots – I prefer organic carrots over non-organic but either will work. Be sure to look in the bag to make sure there is no mold or mildew on the product prior to purchase. If you choose, you can shape the carrots like a hot dog, but this isn’t necessary. It is best to trim the carrots to fit the buns.

• Coconut Aminos – a soy-free and gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with Tamari or regular soy sauce.

• Liquid smoke – gives carrot hot dogs a smoky grilled flavor. Please note, not all liquid smoke is vegan, so be sure to check the ingredients on the label.

• Sesame oil – there’s nothing like this nutty oil to enhance the flavor of your food. However, if unavailable, you can use olive oil or whatever oil you have on hand, although you won’t get the rich flavor.

• Apple cider vinegar – adds a delicious, light tang to the marinade. You may substitute for any other vinegar if cider isn’t available.

• Maple syrup – healthier than sugar and tastes better too. May substitute for equal amount of agave nectar or coconut sugar.

• Hot dog buns – I prefer whole wheat buns over white, however, any buns will work. Keep in mind not all hot dog buns are vegan so be sure to check the ingredients.

• Spices – garlic powder and onion powder are the primary spices used in this recipe but can be substituted with other spices such as cumin, black pepper, mustard, and/or smoked paprika.

🔪 HOW TO MAKE THE BEST VEGAN CARROT DOGS

Start by pre-heating your indoor grill (on sale right now on Amazon) or lighting your outdoor barbecue (I prefer mesquite wood chips instead of charcoal when grilling outdoors).

1. After rinsing and peeling carrots, and before tossing them onto the grill, par-boil (partially boil) in a medium saucepan for about 7-8 minutes. Set aside to cool.

2. To a small bowl, add apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, coconut aminos, liquid smoke, maple syrup, garlic and onion powders. Whisk until well-blended.

3. Pour marinade into a zip lock freezer bag.

4. Swish carrots around in the marinade and allow to sit for 2-4 hours. Turn bag and swish carrots in the marinade several times during this process.

5. Using tongs, place marinated carrots on grill.

6. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning at least once. Grill marks should be visible on the carrots.

7. Remove from grill and place in buns.

8. Dress your carrot dog with your favorite toppings. (The toppings I use are listed in the variations section below). Grab your favorite and enjoy!

🌟 WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

• Budget-friendly – a bag of organic carrots cost $0.99 at my local grocery store compared to $6.00 for Ball Park Franks.
• Healthy – carrots are loaded with vitamins A and beta carotene, that may lower your risk for diabetes. The vitamin C in carrots helps boost your immune system and their high fiber content helps keep you regular. Read more about why carrots of all colors are good for you.
• Planet-friendly – plant-based foods, in general, have a much smaller environmental footprint than do meat. And animal farming creates twice as much greenhouse gas as emissions from cars. Read more about how Eating Less Meat. More Plants Helps the Environment.
• Diet-friendly – who can’t eat carrots, right? This recipe is suitable for most any diet, including vegan, vegetarian, low sodium (the opposite of regular hot dogs), low fat (just watch those toppings), and sugar-free.

🥑 VARIATIONS (PICTURED)

Let’s be real, it’s the toppings that make the carrot hot dog so try and be versatile when it comes to adding them. I created four different styles as detailed below if you’d like to use the toppings I used:

• South of the Border Dog –  add sliced jalapeno, guacamole, red onion & cilantro. You can also add my Cilantro Lime Avocado Sauce or my Smoky Homemade Chipotle Sauce.
• Americana Dog – add the traditional ketchup, mustard, relish, red onion.
• Avocado Dog – add sliced avocado, tomato and cilantro.
• Cabbage Dog – add my creamy garlic thyme Purple Cabbage Slaw  (or any store-bought purple cabbage), cilantro and vegan mayo.

💭FAQS

👩🏻‍🍳 EXPERT TIPS

• Be sure to par-boil carrots (partially boil) prior to grilling. This speeds up the grilling process and prevents burning.
• Do not over-boil the carrots during par-boiling. They should be boiled only to the point they are slightly fork-tender. They’ll cook the rest of the way on the grill and should retain some firmness.
• To prevent carrots from sticking to the grill, generously oil the grill prior to adding the carrots using cooking spray or a paper towel and some neutral oil.
• If you so desire, you can marinate grilled carrot dogs for up to 12 hours overnight.
• For best results, drizzle extra marinade over carrot dogs during grill time.

🌡️ STORAGE

Store left-over cooked carrots and toppings in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days (some toppings won’t last this long).

DO NOT FREEZE AND REHEAT CARROT DOGS.

🌽 RELATED RECIPES

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Grilled Carrot Dogs 4 Ways (Carrot Hot Dogs)

Grilled carrot dogs are a tasty vegan alternative to traditional hot dogs. Healthy and naturally low in calories, these carrot hot dogs can be made using 4 different topping combinations!

5 from 70 votes

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Diet: Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 hot dogs

Calories: 177kcal

Author: Deborah

Cost: $6

Equipment

• ▢
  Indoor Grill
• ▢
  tongs

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• ▢ 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• ▢ 1 tbsp sesame oil
• ▢ 2 tbsp coconut aminos
• ▢ 1 tsp liquid smoke
• ▢ 1 tbsp pure maple syrup Grade A
• ▢ 1 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 1 tsp onion powder

For the Carrot Dogs

• ▢ 6 large carrots peeled with both ends trimmed
• ▢ 6 100% whole wheat hot dog buns

South of the Border Carrot Dogs Toppings

• ▢ 1 jalapeño sliced
• ▢ 0.5 cup prepared guacamole or mashed avocado
• ▢ 0.25 cup red onion chopped
• ▢ 2 tbsp fresh cilantro coarsely chopped

For the American Carrot Dogs Toppings

• ▢ 1 tbsp ketchup
• ▢ 1 tbsp mustard
• ▢ 1 tbsp pickle relish
• ▢ 2 tbsp red onion

For the Cabbage Carrot Dogs Toppings

• ▢ 1 cup Creamy Purple Thyme Cabbage Slaw or store-bought purple cabbage
• ▢ 2 tbsp cilantro coarsely chopped
• ▢ 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise

For the Avocado Carrot Dogs Toppings

• ▢ 1 avocado seeded and sliced
• ▢ 1 tomato chopped or sliced
• ▢ 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise

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Instructions

For the Marinade

• Par-boil peeled and trimmed carrots in a pan of water for 7 to 8 minutes. Carrots should be semi-tender but should not fall apart when you stick them with a fork.
• Whisk together vinegar, coconut aminos, liquid smoke, maple syrup, sesame oil and spices in a bowl. Pour into large zip lock bag. Add carrots and swish around allowing to marinate for 2-4 hours (or less if you don’t have time to wait).

For the Hot Dogs

• Light barbecue grill or preheat indoor grill. Once grill is ready, remove carrots from marinade and place them on grill. Grill for about 10 minutes turning at least once. Be careful not to burn.
• Place carrots in hot dog buns. Adorn with your favorite topping combination (listed in the ingredient list) and enjoy.

Video

Notes

• Nutrition information is only an estimate and does not include toppings.  
• Be sure to par-boil carrots (partially boil) prior to grilling. This speeds up the grilling process and prevents burning.
• Do not over-boil the carrots during par-boiling. They should be boiled only to the point they are slightly fork-tender. They’ll cook the rest of the way on the grill and should retain some firmness.
• To prevent carrots from sticking to the grill, generously oil the grill prior to adding the carrots using cooking spray or a paper towel and some neutral oil.
• If you so desire, you can marinate grilled carrot dogs for up to 12 hours overnight.
• For best results, drizzle extra marinade over carrot dogs during grill time.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 1hotdog | Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 353mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 10191IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 2mg

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