Smoky, juicy, and loaded with bold flavor, these vegan carrot dogs are the ultimate plant-based twist on a cookout classic. They’re easy to prep, perfect for grilling, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Looking for a fun, plant-based twist on a summer BBQ classic? These Smoky Vegan Carrot Dogs are juicy, full of bold flavor, and made from humble carrots! Simmered in a smoky-sweet marinade, then grilled or pan-seared to perfection, they’re the perfect hot dog alternative for your next cookout—no tofu or mock meats required.
They’re budget-friendly, oil-free, and made with pantry staples—plus, they’re a hit with vegans and meat-eaters alike!
While, no, a carrot is not actually a hot dog... my favorite thing about a hot dog was always how you top it, and these are perfect for just that!
I'm a classic girl, I like mine with ketchup, mustard & relish. But you can jazz these up however you like, think chili, pickled onions, or even some spicy vegan mayo!
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Why You'll Love These Carrot Dogs
- ✅ Smoky & flavorful thanks to liquid smoke and tamari
- ✅ Whole food, plant-based (WFPB, oil-free, and vegan!)
- ✅ Perfect for summer grilling or meal prep
- ✅ Kid-approved and fun to customize with toppings
- ✅ No waiting! This recipe requires no marinating time and can be done without having to think ahead!
Ingredients
- Carrots – Try to choose medium sized carrots, close to hot dog size for bun-friendly serving
- Liquid smoke – For that irresistible BBQ flavor
- Tamari or soy sauce – Adds umami and saltiness
- Vegan broth powder – I use Vegeta, but any kind works
- White vinegar & maple syrup – Balance of tang and sweetness
- Spices – Garlic powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, onion powder & coriander
See the full recipe card below for exact measurements.
How to make carrot dogs
1. Simmer the Carrots
Combine all marinade ingredients in a skillet or deep pan. Add peeled carrots and cover. Simmer on medium-low for 25–30 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.
2. Check for doneness
Carrots should be fork-tender but not mushy. They should have a slight bite—just like a real hot dog!
3. Grill or Pan-Sear
For the best texture, grill or sear the cooked carrot dogs for 3–5 minutes per side to crisp the edges and intensify the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy them as is or load them into a whole wheat bun and top with your favorites:
- Jalapeños + BBQ sauce for a spicy kick
- Classic yellow mustard, ketchup & relish
- Sauerkraut or pickled red onions
- Vegan cheese sauce or avocado slices
- Spicy Vegan Mayo
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🥕 Size Matters: Picking the Right Carrots
When it comes to carrot dogs, size really does matter!
For the best results, try to choose medium carrots that are roughly the same length and thickness as a standard hot dog. This ensures they cook evenly, fit nicely in a bun, and soak up all that smoky, savory flavor.
- Too thick? They’ll take longer to cook and may not absorb the marinade as well.
- Too thin? They might overcook or feel too wimpy in a bun.
💡 Pro tip: You can gently trim or shape the ends of your carrots with a knife or veggie peeler if you want a more “hot dog” look—but it’s totally optional. Flavor always wins over aesthetics!
Storage
Fridge:
After simmering, let the carrot dogs cool completely. Store them in an airtight container along with any remaining marinade or cooking liquid. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating:
To reheat, pop them onto a skillet or grill over medium heat for 3–5 minutes per side until warmed through and lightly browned. You can also microwave them, but grilling brings out the best texture and flavor.
Freezer (not recommended):
Freezing is possible but not ideal—carrots can turn mushy after thawing. For best results, enjoy them fresh or refrigerated.
FAQ
Yes, but thicker carrots may take longer to cook and might not absorb the marinade as well. Try to trim them down to hot dog size if possible.
Absolutely! They're made from whole vegetables and spices—no processed vegan meats here. Great for a WFPB or oil-free diet.
I don’t recommend freezing them after cooking—the texture tends to get mushy. Best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge.
I personally don’t mind if my carrot dogs aren’t shaped exactly like hot dogs. If all I have are large carrots, I simply slice them lengthwise and cut them in half if needed—this way, they cook more evenly and soak up all those delicious spices.
Making this tonight?? Make one of these to go with it!
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below! Take a picture and tag me on Instagram @samcookskindness !
Recipe
Smoky Vegan Carrot Dogs
Ingredients
- 1⅓ cup water
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons vegan broth powder (I used vegeta)
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 8 medium peeled carrots*
Instructions
Simmer Time: 25–30 minutes | Heat Level: Medium-Low
- In a large skillet or deep frypan, add all ingredients except the carrots. Stir well to combine.
- Add the peeled carrots to the skillet, making sure they’re in contact with the liquid. (They don’t need to be fully submerged—just nestled into the marinade.)
- Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes, turning the carrots every 5 minutes.
- As the liquid begins to evaporate, start turning the carrots more frequently to coat them evenly in the spices.
- The carrots are ready when they can be easily pierced with a knife but still have a slight bite. You don’t want mushy carrot dogs! The total cook time will be dependent on the size of your carrots.
If You're Making Them Ahead of Time:
- Let the carrot dogs cool completely. Store them in an airtight container along with any remaining marinade until you're ready to grill or reheat.
If You're Eating Them Now:
- You can enjoy them as-is, or give them a quick grill or sear in a skillet to add crispy edges and a smoky finish. Cook over medium heat for 3–5 minutes per side, or until nicely browned to your liking.
Notes
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