BBQ Carrot Dogs (vegan)
Servings: 6
These BBQ carrot dogs are the kind of summer recipe that surprises people in the best way. Carrots are simmered in a smoky, savory marinade until tender, then finished on the grill for that classic cookout char. Served in toasted buns with all your favorite toppings, they’re a great vegan hot dog alternative option for a summer cookout.
Ingredients
- 6 carrots whole
- ½ cup tamari
- ½ cup vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 6 hot dog buns
Topping Combos
- Sauerkraut + everything bagel seasoning + coarse mustard
- ½ cup diced grilled red onions + grilled pineapple
- Diced red onions + cilantro + sliced jalapeno peppers
- Diced onions, ketchup and mustard (could even do diced tomatoes)
- Shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, green onions and sour cream
Instructions
- Wash and cut ends off carrots. Using a fork, poke holes in carrots to help tenderize and infuse the flavors.
- Combine tamari, vegetable stock, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder in a wide sauce pan and heat to a soft boil.
- Add carrots and cover with lid. Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until carrots are slightly soft, but not mush. They should still hold together if you poke with a fork again.
- Remove from pan and place carrots on a hot grill (or stovetop grates or cast iron griddle) and sear 1-2 minutes per side (or until grill marks appear).
- Serve in hot dog buns (I like to toast mine) and add toppings.
Notes
- Choose similar-sized carrots: This helps them cook evenly and keeps the “hot dog” shape consistent after simmering and grilling.
- Don’t skip the fork step: Poking holes in the carrots allows the marinade to soak in deeper, giving you more flavor in every bite.
- Watch your simmer time: Carrots should be tender but still slightly firm—overcooking will make them too soft to hold up on the grill.
- Toast the buns: Lightly toasting adds texture and helps prevent the buns from getting soggy once you add sauce and toppings.
- Other cooking alternatives: Use a microwave for 4 minutes or make “foil packets” and place a carrot and marinate inside each and cook on the grill for 20 minutes to soften before grilling.
Nutrition
Calories: 162kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0.4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Sodium: 1412mg, Potassium: 324mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 10807IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 90mg, Iron: 2mg
