Hot Dog Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 6 hot dogs, sliced
- 3 cups cold cooked rice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, plus more to taste
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
Directions
Step 1: Heat peanut oil over high heat in a large deep skillet or wok. Add chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes or until they soften and lightly brown.
Step 2: Add sliced hot dogs to the skillet and cook while stirring constantly until they become browned.
Step 3: Stir in the cold cooked rice and sesame oil. Continue stirring for about 1 minute to combine.
Step 4: Add ground ginger, garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure even distribution of the spices.
Step 5: Spread the mixture out into an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast.
Step 6: Add frozen mixed vegetables and stir. Let the vegetables cook undisturbed for another 2 minutes.
Step 7: Push the rice and vegetable mixture to the sides of the skillet, creating a well in the center. Add butter to the center of the skillet and let it melt.
Step 8: Crack the eggs directly into the center of the skillet. Cook, stirring the eggs only, until they are soft scrambled. Once scrambled, fold the eggs into the rice mixture, ensuring everything is evenly combined.
Step 9: Stir in rice vinegar and soy sauce, then cook for 1 more minute. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 10: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Sriracha, and lemon juice to create a creamy sauce.
Step 11: To serve, top the fried rice with a drizzle of the mayo mixture and sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 683
- Total Fat: 47g (60% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 16g (82% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 163mg (54% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 1384mg (60% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 46g (17% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 19g (37% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 6mg (6% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 64mg (5% Daily Value)
- Iron: 4mg (21% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 465mg (10% Daily Value)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The Story Behind Hot Dog Fried Rice
Hot Dog Fried Rice is a playful twist on traditional fried rice that reflects creativity in using leftovers and affordable ingredients. Its origin is rooted in home kitchens rather than restaurants, emerging as a convenient dish for families who wanted to transform leftover rice into something hearty and flavorful. The addition of hot dogs, a quintessentially American processed meat, gives the dish a nostalgic touch, reminiscent of childhood meals and casual family dinners.
Regional Variations and Characteristics
Although fried rice is widely associated with Asian cuisine, Hot Dog Fried Rice is primarily an American adaptation, especially popular in regions where quick, budget-friendly meals are valued. In the Philippines, a similar version exists using local sausages and sweet soy sauce, highlighting regional preferences for sweetness and saltiness. In the United States, the recipe often features peanut or sesame oil and incorporates vegetables such as peas, carrots, and corn, adapting the dish to local tastes and available produce.
What Sets It Apart From Similar Dishes
Unlike classic Chinese fried rice, which typically includes shrimp, chicken, or pork, Hot Dog Fried Rice is defined by its use of processed sausages. This creates a distinct flavor profile and a slightly smoky, savory taste. Additionally, the use of Sriracha mayonnaise as a topping introduces a creamy, spicy dimension that differentiates it from traditional soy-sauce-based fried rice. Its accessibility and simplicity make it stand out as a comfort food favorite rather than a restaurant specialty.
Where Hot Dog Fried Rice Is Commonly Served
This dish is most often served at home, in school cafeterias, and at casual gatherings where quick preparation is key. It is not typically found in upscale dining establishments, but it can appear in food trucks or diners specializing in creative takes on classic comfort foods. Its playful combination of ingredients makes it particularly popular for family meals and late-night snacks, offering a satisfying balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in a single dish.
Interesting Facts About Hot Dog Fried Rice
- Hot Dog Fried Rice demonstrates the adaptability of fried rice, showing how a dish can evolve far from its Asian roots while still retaining its essence.
- The dish is sometimes used to teach children cooking basics, as slicing hot dogs and scrambling eggs provides simple, safe cooking techniques.
- In some households, leftover condiments like ketchup or mustard are incorporated into the fried rice, further enhancing its playful, experimental nature.
- Its combination of hot dogs and rice reflects a broader cultural trend in American cuisine: transforming inexpensive, processed foods into creative, satisfying meals.
- The dish can be customized easily to suit dietary preferences, such as substituting plant-based sausages or adding extra vegetables for a healthier version.
Hot Dog Fried Rice is more than just a quick meal; it is a reflection of culinary creativity, regional adaptation, and the enduring appeal of comfort food.