Yeah, you could buy a pack. But these vegan hotdog recipes are way, way healthier!
By Lora O’Brien
For many, summer means two things: ice cream, and hot dogs.
While vegan ice cream is now a thing, hot dogs generally still mean chicken beaks, cow lips and pig anuses on a bun. Um…hard pass.
Luckily, it’s now easier than ever to make vegan hot dogs yourself. Or, if you live in a city, you can buy store bought, at some health food stores. But no matter how you like them, I’ve got vegan hot dog recipes for everyone.
Why Real Hotdogs Are The Worst
Cruelty aspect aside, actual ‘meat’ hot dogs are super unhealthy! It’s reported that 50% of Americans are afraid to know exactly what lurks inside their hot dog. And the truth really is scarier than you’d think.
Ground down into that hot dog mush is a concoction of ingredients so toxic that the World Health Organization now classifies hot dogs and other processed meats as carcinogenic, placing them in the same category as cigarettes.
You may think you’re eating ‘meat.’ And by ‘meat,’ I mean highly undesirable animal parts. But what you’re actually eating is a combination of glass, metal and bone. It takes a liquid smoke bath, a salt-water treatment and copious other flavourings to trick consumers into thinking they’re eating actual food. Gross, right?
Why Most Commercial Vegan ‘Hotdogs’ Are No Better
You might think it’s super easy and possibly even healthy to pop into a store and buy some commercial vegan hotdogs. But here’s the thing: many contain harmful ingredients.
These include vegetable and seed oils like:
- Canola oil
- Safflower oil
- Soy oil
- Rapeseed oil
Not only are these types of oils highly inflammatory, but they are also likely derived from genetically modified organisms, which can harm our health. Click here to learn more about why.
That being said, you’ll also have to look out for GM tofu in many vegan franks. And another harmful ingredient is carrageenan. This thickener can cause gas, bloating, and has even been linked to colon cancer!
Luckily, homemade vegan hot dogs are SO easy to make, thanks to the abundance seitan, lentils, organic, non GM tofu and other plant based recipes out there.
Here, I’ve found some highly creative vegan hot dog recipes that will have you excited to chow down on these veggie-furters, and that will keep your summer going just that little bit longer.
Vegan Hotdog Recipes For Summer & Beyond
1. Carrot Hot Dogs With Yam Buns
This is a veg-filled take on the classic hot dog dish. It’s not only vegan, but is gluten and grain-free, too. Instead of starchy buns, the carrot hot dogs are stuffed inside baked Japanese yams and topped with mustard and dill relish. Yum!
Get the recipe here.
2. GF Tofu Dogs
They may look fancy, but these tofu dogs are one of the easiest vegan hotdog recipes to make! You can make them any size you like, and add your favourite toppings to make the best ‘dog of your life. Just make sure you’re using organic, non GM tofu!
Get the recipe here.
3. Grilled Carrot Hot Dogs
Carrots as hotdogs? Okay, hear me out. Once boiled, marinated and grilled, carrots are SO juicy and chewy, they make the perfect vegan hotdog recipes. Plus, once they’re seasoned, you won’t even know that your vegan ‘dog is actually a veggie! Seriously.
Get the recipe here.
4. Homemade Gluten-Free Hot Dogs
Since this recipe doesn’t include seitan, it makes these vegan hot dogs gluten-free. Loaded with plant-based ingredients such as lentils, carrots, onion and spinach, they’re infused with an assortment of spices and are SO flavoursome. This recipe can also be used to make vegan burgers or meatballs, too!
Get the recipe here.
5. Homemade Seitan Hot Dogs
Of all the vegan hot dog recipes, those that are homemade with seitan as a base take the classic ballpark snack to the next level. Topped with ketchup, pickles and fried onions, they’re traditional yet delicious. But if you’re looking to switch things up you could add guacamole, salsa or even vegan chilli. Perfect for your next BBQ.
Get the recipe here.
6. Lentil Carrot Hot Dogs
Sometimes you just really want junk food, and my go-to when I feel like that, I either look up vegan hotdog recipes or vegan burger ideas. I never feel guilty about eating so-called ‘junk food’ when I make it myself, though. And these hot dog sausages are comprised of pureed veggies and lentils! Fast, easy and full of yummy goodness.
Get the recipe here.
7. Homemade Sweet Potato Cabbage Hot Dogs
Looking to add some of your 5-a-day to your hot dog? These babies are made with a sweet potato and cabbage mix as their base. Combined with spices, they’re loaded both with taste and texture. These make a great lunch for weekdays, or even a snack. As with all our vegan hotdog recipes, just make this carb free by ditching the starchy buns and having it bunless or on top a bed of salad.
Get the recipe here.
8. Homemade Vegan Gutbusters
Sausages are literally made with the leftover junk meat from slaughterhouses and their flavour is almost always inserted back into the meat artificially afterwards. YUK! So it makes sense to ditch them for meat-free versions!
These bean-based vegan gutbuster Italian ‘sausages’ are bursting with flavour from the garlic, sweet paprika, oregano, pepper flakes and parsley. Even your carnie friends will devour these!
Get the recipe here.
9. Homemade Smoky BBQ Carrot Hot Dogs
Topped with a creamy chickpea mix, lettuce and a pickle salad, this is one of those vegan hotdog recipes that’s a fun and fresh take on the popular dish. It’s also perfect for those with a big appetite!
Get the recipe here.
10. Vegan Chili Dogs
This much loved American diner dish is super popular and for a good reason; it’s the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty and delicious thanks to the three-bean chilli, vegan cheese, pickles and mustard. Use one of the vegan hotdog recipes above for the ‘dog.
Get the recipe here.
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These all look so good! Thanks for sharing my recipe!
Our pleasure! 🙂
What a great list of recipes! Thanks for including mine in this mix!
Our pleasure! Keep up the good work! xx