Vietnamese-Inspired Hot Dogs

More About This Recipe

• Topped with chips, sriracha honey ketchup, jalapeño mustard and cilantro, these Asian fusion hot dogs are a spicy street food-style treat. As a food blogger, I love visiting New York City. There’s so much inspiration to be found, and you don’t even have to visit a fancy restaurant to discover it. Street food might be one of my most favorite things ever, and these days you can get gourmet eats out of a truck or a stand just as easily as you can find a dirty water hot dog. (Sorry, I’ll pass on those!) Enter these Asian-inspired hot dogs. I sort of combined a couple of the dogs I sampled on a recent trip to NYC at a place called Asia Dog. One had a spicy ketchup, a jalapeño mustard and was topped with crushed potato chips. Another one was sort of bahn mi style, with fresh ingredients including cilantro and jalapeños. My only gripe with street food is it’s not particularly healthy. But since we’re making these at home, there’s nothing that says you can’t swap in some healthier ingredients. For starters, I used Food Should Taste Good chips in place of potato chips. I’m seriously addicted to these things. They are made with wholesome ingredients, and they’re also gluten free and kosher. Let me just say that I love, love, loved the crushed chips on these dogs. The texture, the salt, the crunch ... it really makes this meal. It’s sort of like sticking a few chips inside your turkey sandwich. (And if you’ve never tried chips on a sandwich, you’re seriously missing out.)
• Next ... get saucy. Mix up your sriracha honey ketchup and your jalapeno mustard. Now, for those hot dog purists out there who believe ketchup should have no place on a hot dog, I’m with you on that. However, this is not truly ketchup so you’re in the clear. I made enough for two dogs, but if you’re cooking for a crowd, feel free to make a bigger batch. Cook up your dogs. I prefer to grill mine, but of course my propane tank was out of juice when I went to make these, so I settled for a pan. I also selected a spicy chicken sausage for my healthier version, but a regular ol’ hot dog will work as well. Prep your buns. I like a toasty bun (heyyyyo), but that’s up to you. And sticking with the healthier theme, I went whole wheat, but feel free to go traditional (white) if you want a more authentic street-style taste. Drizzle each side with your condiments. (Kitchen tip: Save empty squeeze bottles to use with your yummy new condiments!) Whether you healthify yours with Food Should Taste Good chips, chicken sausage and whole wheat buns or keep it traditional, you’re sure to love your street-style dogs in the comfort of your own home!