July 11, 2023
Hot Dog Skewers
These hot dog skewers are the perfect pairing for a summer BBQ! Loaded with Lightlife Smart Dogs, colorful veggies, and the most delicious chili glaze, these plant-based hot dog skewers are a fun and delicious option to serve to a crowd!
THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LIGHTLIFE FOODS. ALL THOUGHTS, OPINIONS, AND TEXT ARE MY OWN. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING THE SPONSORS WHO KEEP ME HUNGRY & INSPIRED TO CREATE!
Table of Contents
ingredients jump to recipe video step-by-step instructions tips & faqsHot Dog Skewers
Summer is in full effect, so that only means one thing: fire up the grill and start barbecuing!
If you know me, then you know I’m a sucker for backyard BBQs, and since I can remember, Lightlife Smart Dogs have been essential for all my summer cookouts! These mouthwatering skewers are a tasty twist on a classic favorite, while maintaining a plant-based approach. The best part is that they’re so delicious, I doubt anyone will even notice. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply someone looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, these hot dog skews will surely satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive in and discover how to create these flavorful and nutrient-packed vegan hot dog skewers!
Ingredients
I love these hot dog skewers because the ingredients list is customizable and you can essentially use whatever you like! That said, when it comes to choosing vegetables for skewers, the best ones are those that hold their shape well, have a pleasant texture when grilled, and complement the flavors of the other ingredients. Here’s what I like to use for these hot dog skewers:
For the Skewers:
- Lightlife Smart Dogs: the star of the show! These hold up perfectly on skewers and have a delicious and smoky flavor when grilled.
- Bell Peppers: add a sweet and slightly smoky flavor while providing a vibrant pop of color.
- Red Onions: bring a mild and slightly sweet taste to skewers. They also caramelize beautifully when grilled, adding a touch of savory goodness.
- Zucchini: holds up well on skewers and grills beautifully. It has a mild flavor and a slightly crisp texture, making it a versatile choice for vegetable skewers.
- Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if using wooden skewers)
For the Sriracha BBQ Glaze:
- Ketchup
- Sriracha
- Maple syrup
- Soy sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
How to Make Hot Dog Skewers
- Preheat: preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
- Assemble: thread the skewers, alternating between the vegetables and the Lightlife Smart Dogs. Be creative with the order and colors to make visually appealing skewers.
- Mix: combine the ingredients for the sriracha bbq glaze in a small and mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Brush: brush the assembled skewers generously with the marinade, coating all the vegetables and Smart Dogs.
- Cook: place the skewers on the preheated grill, ensuring they are well-supported to prevent them from rolling. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the vegetables are tender and the Smart Dogs are slightly crisp on the outer edges.
- Remove: once cooked to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool slightly.
- Serve: serve the vegan hot dog skewers hot off the grill. They can be enjoyed as is or accompanied by your favorite vegan condiments.
- Enjoy!
Tips and FAQs
- Adjust the heat level: The spiciness of the glaze can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of Sriracha sauce. Start with the suggested amount and add more gradually to suit your taste preferences.
- Marinating: For a deeper flavor, you can marinate your protein or vegetables in the Sriracha BBQ glaze for 30 minutes to a few hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to penetrate the ingredients for a more intense taste.
- Basting: While grilling, baste your food with the glaze every few minutes for a more pronounced flavor and a glossy finish.
- Storage: Store any leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Give it a good stir before using it again, as the ingredients may settle.
- Reheating: If you have leftover grilled food coated with the Sriracha BBQ glaze, you can reheat it in the oven or on a stovetop pan over medium heat. Add a little water or vegetable broth to prevent drying out and maintain moisture while reheating.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Sriracha BBQ glaze ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it. Give it a stir before applying it to your grilled dishes.
Different cooking methods for hot dog skewers:
- Grilling: Brush the Sriracha BBQ glaze onto your vegetables, tofu, tempeh, or plant-based proteins during the last few minutes of grilling to give them a flavorful glaze and a caramelized finish.
- Oven Roasting: Apply the glaze to your ingredients before roasting them in the oven. Baste them occasionally during the cooking process to ensure the glaze adheres and adds a delicious coating.
- Pan-Searing: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sear your tofu, tempeh, or protein of choice until golden brown, then brush the glaze onto the surface and cook for a minute or two, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly.
Recipes to Pair with Hot Dog Skewers:
- Mediterranean-Inspired Orzo Salad
- Chick’n Caesar Pasta Salad
- Orzo and Arugula Salad with Bell Pepper Vinaigrette
- Chick’n Pesto Pasta Salad
- Antipasto Potato Salad
Cheers to Summer Grilling Season!
I hope you love these Lightlife Smart Dogs Hot Dog Skewers as much as I do! Make sure to check out Lightlife’s Store Locator to find their Smart Dogs near you, and if you try this dish and enjoy it, I wanna know! Snap a photo, take a video, or make a story and post it to Instagram or TikTok, and tag me at @eat_figs_not_pigs and #EatFigsNotPigs. I love seeing your recreations of my recipes!
Til next time, friends!
XO!
Hot Dog Skewers
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
- 1 12-ounce package of Lightlife Smart Dogs, sliced into 1”- inch thick pieces
- 1 small green bell pepper chopped
- 1 small orange bell pepper chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper chopped
- 1 red onion chopped
- 1 large zucchini sliced into 1”- inch thick rounds
- Wooden or metal skewers if using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling
Sriracha Glaze Sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup sriracha
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
- Meanwhile, thread the skewers, alternating between the vegetables and the Lightlife Smart Dogs. Be creative with the order and colors to make visually appealing skewers.
- Next, combine the ingredients for the sriracha bbq glaze in a small and mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Once the grill is hot enough, place the skewers on the preheated grill, ensuring they are well-supported to prevent them from rolling. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the vegetables are tender and the Smart Dogs are slightly crisp on the outer edges.
- Once cooked to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool slightly.
- Serve the vegan hot dog skewers hot off the grill. They can be enjoyed as is or accompanied by your favorite vegan condiments. ENJOY!