From Tokyo to Your Backyard: Japanese-Inspired Hot Dogs for Your BBQ

This summer, as BBQ enthusiasts seek to explore culinary delights from around the world, one recipe stands out as an absolute must-try: Japanese-style hot dogs with seaweed. As the BBQ season heats up, Ocado has unveiled the ultimate globally-inspired BBQ checklist, and this Japanese-inspired dish is a delightful addition to the lineup. With searches for ‘BBQ recipes from around the world’ surging by 100% this year*, it’s evident that adventurous foodies are eager to broaden their horizons and dial up the heat on their grills. So, if you’re one of those culinary explorers looking for a unique and mouthwatering experience, this recipe is tailor-made for you.

The Global BBQ Craze

As the summer sun shines bright, BBQs become the heart of social gatherings, bringing friends and family together over the sizzle and aroma of grilled delights. However, traditional BBQ fare can sometimes feel repetitive. That’s where the global BBQ trend comes in, offering an exciting and diverse array of flavours that transcend geographical boundaries. Food enthusiasts are embracing this trend, seeking to tantalize their taste buds with exotic spices, marinades, and techniques from around the world.

Embracing the Japanese-Style Hot Dogs with Seaweed

Among the many recipes in the ultimate globally-inspired BBQ checklist provided by Ocado, the Japanese-style hot dogs with seaweed stand out as a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary flavours. The incorporation of Japanese ingredients like teriyaki sauce and nori adds an exciting twist to the classic hot dog, turning it into a gastronomic adventure. This dish perfectly represents the essence of the global BBQ trend – blending the familiarity of beloved comfort food with the intrigue of international tastes.

The Journey of Flavors

Crafting these Japanese-inspired hot dogs takes your taste buds on a journey. The teriyaki sauce, a staple in Japanese cuisine, brings a delightful umami sweetness to the sausages, creating a harmonious balance of flavours. The addition of shredded nori adds a subtle sea-salty touch, elevating the dish to a whole new level of sophistication. The aromatic toasted sesame seeds and creamy mayo further enhance the sensory experience, making every bite a delightful fusion of textures and tastes.

Creating Culinary Masterpieces at Home

The beauty of the global BBQ trend lies in its accessibility. You don’t need to book a flight to Japan to enjoy authentic Japanese flavours – you can create culinary masterpieces right in the comfort of your own home. With Ocado’s BBQ checklist, you have a passport to explore diverse cuisines from around the world without leaving your backyard.

Why is it called a Hot Dog?

The term “hot dog” for this popular food item has an interesting origin. In the late 19th century, sausage vendors in the United States would sell their products at baseball games and other outdoor events. The sausages were often served in buns, and the vendors faced a marketing challenge of how to draw attention to their product. As the story goes, one vendor, Tad Dorgan, observed the scene and cartoonishly drew dachshund sausages nestled in elongated rolls, resembling cute little dachshund dogs. Not knowing how to spell “dachshund” correctly, he simply wrote “hot dog,” and the name stuck. Since then, the term “hot dog” has become synonymous with this beloved street food.

How to Make a Hot Dog?

The process of making a hot dog varies depending on the region and culinary preferences. However, the basic steps involve:

  1. Selecting the Sausage: Choose your preferred type of sausage, which could be beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian, depending on dietary preferences.
  2. Cooking the Sausage: You can cook the sausages by grilling, pan-frying, or boiling. Each method imparts a slightly different flavour profile and texture to the sausage.
  3. Choosing the Bun: Traditional hot dog buns are soft and elongated to perfectly accommodate the sausage. Warm the buns slightly to enhance their taste and texture.
  4. Adding Toppings: Customise your hot dog with various condiments and toppings like ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, sauerkraut, cheese, and more.

What is a Japanese Hot Dog Called?

In Japan, the Japanese-style hot dog is commonly known as “Teriyaki Hot Dog” or “Tokyo Hot Dog.” The unique aspect of this hot dog variation lies in the infusion of Japanese flavours like teriyaki sauce and nori, bringing a delightful twist to the classic American dish.

Are Hotdogs Popular in Japan

While hot dogs are not as deeply ingrained in Japanese culinary tradition as sushi or ramen, they have gained popularity in recent years. In urban areas and at street food festivals, you can find Japanese versions of hot dogs that cater to local tastes. These versions often incorporate Japanese ingredients and flavours, making them a fusion delight that appeals to both locals and tourists.

Japanese-Style Hot Dogs with Seaweed Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 4 sausages
  • 4 hot dog buns
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 4 spring onions, sliced
  • 1 sheet nori, shredded with scissors
  • 2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp mirin
  • 3 tbsp sake
  • ¾ tbsp sugar

Method:

  1. Preparing the Teriyaki Sauce: In a saucepan, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of mirin, and 3 tablespoons of sake. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it starts simmering, add ¾ tablespoon of sugar and stir until it dissolves. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set the teriyaki sauce aside.
  2. Cooking the Sausages: Pan-fry or grill the sausages over medium heat for approximately 8 minutes, or until they are thoroughly cooked. To achieve an even, golden brown colour, gently shake the Köbach pan as they cook. The sizzling aroma of sausages will undoubtedly awaken your taste buds and get you excited for what’s to come!
  3. Warming the Buns: While the sausages are cooking to perfection, let’s warm the hot dog buns. Preheat your oven to a low temperature and place the buns on a baking sheet. Warm them for a few minutes until they become slightly toasted and deliciously warm to the touch.
  4. Assembling the Japanese-Style Hot Dogs: Now comes the exciting part – assembling the hot dogs! Carefully slit each bun and spread a generous amount of butter inside. Next, add a fresh lettuce leaf to the bun, followed by a perfectly cooked sausage. The combination of the crisp lettuce and juicy sausage is delightful in itself, but we’re not done yet!
  5. Drizzling on the Flavors: It’s time to bring the flavours of Japan to life! Drizzle the prepared teriyaki sauce over the sausages, allowing it to soak into the bun and infuse the dish with its rich, savoury taste.
  6. Adding the Finishing Touches: To take these hot dogs to the next level, sprinkle them with a vibrant array of toppings. Start by creating a zigzag pattern of mayonnaise over the top – this not only adds creaminess but also gives the dish an artistic touch. Now, sprinkle sliced spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, and shredded nori over the mayonnaise.

Elevate Your BBQ Experience with Japanese-Inspired Hot Dogs

As the BBQ season reaches its peak, embrace the global BBQ trend and embark on a culinary adventure with Japanese-style hot dogs with seaweed. This delectable fusion of flavours will undoubtedly impress your guests and leave them marvelling at your culinary prowess. With the ultimate globally-inspired BBQ checklist by Ocado, you can broaden your horizons and explore a world of tastes without stepping foot outside your home. So, fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and savour the taste of Japan with these mouthwatering hot dogs – a perfect addition to any BBQ feast!

(Note: The recipe for Japanese-style hot dogs with seaweed provided in this blog post is credited to Ocado. *Statistics regarding the increase in searches for BBQ recipes from around the world are based on data from 2023.)