Hot Dog Skewers with Sriracha Glaze

Introduction

There’s something undeniably fun about skewers, especially when they feature a combination of colorful veggies and flavorful protein. Recently, I made Hot Dog Skewers with Sriracha Glaze for a family gathering, and the results were nothing short of delightful. The kids loved the vibrant colors and the tangy, spicy glaze, while the adults appreciated the simplicity and ease of preparation. As we enjoyed these skewers on a warm evening, they quickly became a hit, disappearing almost as fast as I could grill them! This recipe not only satisfied our cravings but also brought smiles all around.

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)

For the 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

1. Preheat the Grill: Start by preheating your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking and the perfect char on your skewers.
2. Thread the Skewers: Begin threading the skewers by alternating between pieces of Lightlife Smart Dogs and the chopped vegetables. Be creative with the arrangement to make them visually appealing.
3. Make the Sriracha Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, sriracha, maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Grill the Skewers: Place the prepared skewers on the preheated grill. Ensure they are well-supported to avoid any accidents. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the vegetables are tender and the Smart Dogs are slightly crisp.
5. Serve: Once grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool slightly. Serve hot with your favorite vegan condiments.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 210

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve hot off the grill.
• Offer a variety of condiments such as:
• Mustard
• Vegan mayo
• Additional sriracha
• Pickles
• Chopped fresh herbs (like cilantro or parsley)
• Pair with side dishes like:
• Grilled corn on the cob
• A refreshing salad
• Quinoa or rice

Additional Tips

1. Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
2. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or eggplant can add variety.
3. Adjust the Spice Level: Modify the amount of sriracha in the glaze to suit your spice tolerance. You can also add honey or more maple syrup for a sweeter glaze.
4. Pre-cook the Veggies: For extra tenderness, you can blanch the vegetables briefly before skewering.
5. Serve with Dipping Sauces: Consider offering a selection of dips to enhance the flavors, such as tahini sauce or guacamole.

Recipe Variations

• Southwestern Skewers: Add black beans and corn for a Southwestern twist. Use a chipotle sauce instead of sriracha for a smoky flavor.
• Mediterranean Style: Replace the Smart Dogs with grilled halloumi cheese and use zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. Drizzle with a lemon-olive oil dressing.
• BBQ Variation: Use a barbecue sauce glaze instead of sriracha for a sweet and smoky flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these skewers with a cold beverage, such as lemonade or iced tea, to complement the spice of the sriracha.
• Serve on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.
• For a complete meal, consider serving with baked potatoes or sweet potato fries.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These skewers are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the prepared but uncooked skewers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
• Storage: Leftover cooked skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat on the grill or in the oven until heated through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular hot dogs instead of Lightlife Smart Dogs?

• Yes, you can substitute regular hot dogs, but the recipe will no longer be vegan.

1. What if I don’t have a grill?

• You can cook these skewers in the oven under the broiler or on a stovetop grill pan.

1. Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

• Absolutely! The glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

1. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

• Ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.

1. What other vegetables work well?

• Mushrooms, asparagus, and squash are great options to include.

1. How do I make this recipe spicier?

• Add more sriracha to the glaze or include sliced jalapeños on the skewers.

1. Is there a way to make these skewers ahead of time?

• You can prepare and assemble the skewers in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to grill.

1. What is the best way to store leftover skewers?

• Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

1. Can I use other sauces instead of sriracha?

• Yes, feel free to experiment with different sauces, like teriyaki or BBQ sauce.

1. Are these skewers suitable for kids?
   • Yes, they are kid-friendly, especially if you adjust the spice level in the glaze.

Conclusion

These Hot Dog Skewers with Sriracha Glaze are a fun, flavorful dish that brings a smile to everyone’s face. Perfect for backyard barbecues or quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser or a simple meal, these skewers are sure to satisfy your cravings. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the deliciousness of this vibrant, grilled dish!

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