Crispy Vegan Corn Dogs with Tofu or Vegetarian Hot Dogs
Satisfy your cravings with these Crispy Vegan Corn Dogs, perfect for lunch or as a fun snack! Made with your choice of tofu or vegetarian hot dogs, these corn dogs are coated in a golden cornmeal batter and fried to perfection. They're easy to make and absolutely delicious—perfect for serving at parties, picnics, or family gatherings. Serve them with your favorite vegan dipping sauces for a delightful treat everyone will love.
6
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
tofu hot dogs or vegetarian hot dogs
6 (Choose either tofu or vegetarian variety, ready to use.)
skewers
6 (Wooden or metal skewers for skewering hot dogs.)
yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup (Finely ground for smooth batter.)
flour
1/2 cup (All-purpose flour, sifted.)
dry mustard
1 teaspoon (Powdered.)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste.)
egg substitute
1 (Prepared according to package instructions.)
sugar
1 tablespoon (Granulated.)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (For leavening the batter.)
soymilk
1/2 cup (Unsweetened.)
melted shortening
1 tablespoon (For added richness in the batter.)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, dry mustard, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
2
In a separate bowl, mix the soymilk, prepared egg substitute, and melted shortening. Stir this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
3
Pour the batter into a tall glass for easy dipping.
4
Skewer each hot dog onto a skewer, leaving some space at the bottom for handling.
5
Dip each hot dog into the cornmeal batter, ensuring it is evenly coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
6
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
7
Carefully place the battered hot dogs into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry for about 2 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
8
Using a slotted spoon, remove the corn dogs from the oil and drain them on paper towels before serving.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
5g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Vegan Corn Dogs?
Crispy Vegan Corn Dogs are a plant-based version of the classic fair food, featuring tofu or vegetarian hot dogs coated in a golden cornmeal batter and fried until crispy.
What type of hot dogs should I use for this recipe?
You can use either tofu-based hot dogs or any variety of vegetarian hot dogs available at your local grocery store.
How do I prepare the batter for the corn dogs?
Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, dry mustard, baking powder, and salt in one bowl, then stir in a mixture of soymilk, egg substitute, and melted shortening until smooth.
Why should I pour the batter into a tall glass?
Pouring the batter into a tall glass makes it much easier to dip the entire length of the skewered hot dog vertically for an even coating.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying?
The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the corn dogs cook quickly and become crispy without absorbing too much grease.
How long do I need to fry the corn dogs?
They typically take about 2 minutes or until they reach a golden brown color and a crispy texture.
Can I use wooden skewers for this recipe?
Yes, both wooden and metal skewers work well for skewering the hot dogs before dipping and frying.
Is this recipe entirely vegan?
Yes, as long as you use vegan-certified hot dogs, plant-based egg substitute, and soymilk, the recipe is 100% vegan.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 6 individual corn dogs.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories, 5g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, 5g of protein, and 2g of fiber.
What is the purpose of dry mustard in the batter?
Dry mustard adds a subtle savory depth and tanginess to the cornmeal coating, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Can I use a different type of plant milk?
While soymilk is recommended for its protein content and consistency, you can use other unsweetened plant milks like almond or oat milk.
What does the shortening do in the batter?
Melted shortening adds richness to the batter and helps create a more tender, flaky crust when fried.
How do I prevent the batter from falling off?
Ensure the hot dogs are dry before dipping and allow any excess batter to drip off before carefully placing them in the hot oil.
What should I serve with these vegan corn dogs?
They pair perfectly with classic condiments like yellow mustard, ketchup, vegan mayo, or even spicy barbecue sauce.
Is the batter sweet or savory?
The batter is a balance of both, containing a tablespoon of sugar for a hint of sweetness and dry mustard and salt for savory notes.
What kind of cornmeal is best for this batter?
Finely ground yellow cornmeal is best as it creates a smoother, more uniform batter compared to coarse cornmeal.
Can I make these ahead of time?
While best served fresh and crispy, you can make them ahead and reheat them in an oven or air fryer to restore their texture.
How do I reheat leftover corn dogs?
To keep them crispy, reheat leftovers in an oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes or in an air fryer for 3-5 minutes.
Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?
Because this is a wet batter, traditional air frying may be messy; however, you can try it if you have a specialized air fryer accessory or if you pre-set the batter.
Is there a substitute for egg substitute?
You can use a flax egg or a commercial vegan egg replacer designed for baking and binding.
Why is baking powder included?
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, making the batter slightly airy and light rather than dense.
Should I sift the flour?
Yes, sifting the all-purpose flour helps ensure the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Are these suitable for children?
Absolutely! Corn dogs are a classic kid-friendly meal and the vegan version is just as appealing to younger eaters.
How do I know the oil is ready if I don't have a thermometer?
You can drop a small amount of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and floats to the top immediately, the oil is likely hot enough.
Can I add spices to the batter?
Yes, feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a spicy kick.
What is the best way to drain the oil?
Remove the corn dogs with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This specific recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you could try substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free cornmeal.
Can I use different shapes of tofu?
Yes, you can cut blocks of extra-firm tofu into rectangles or cylinders if you cannot find pre-made tofu hot dogs.
What occasions are these best for?
They are perfect for parties, picnics, family gatherings, or as a fun weekend lunch.