Spicy Korean Hot Dog Buns with Kimchi Relish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fusion of American hot dogs and Korean flavors, these buns are packed with spicy kimchi, tangy mayo, and crispy onions. This korean fusion-inspired asian fusion ready in about 35 minutes pairs hot dogs, chopped kimchi, mayonnaise for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 Korean Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and sauté 1/4 cup onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup chopped kimchi, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp gochujang sauce. Cook for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, grill 4 hot dogs over medium-high heat until charred and heated through, about 8-10 minutes. Slice each hot dog diagonally into 2-3 pieces.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp mayonnaise with 1 tbsp sesame seeds. Spread a generous layer onto each steamed bun. Top with hot dog slices, kimchi relish, and a drizzle of the remaining mayonnaise mixture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean Hot Dog Buns with Kimchi Relish take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Korean Hot Dog Buns with Kimchi Relish?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep hot dogs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean Hot Dog Buns with Kimchi Relish?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Korean Hot Dog Buns with Kimchi Relish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spicy Korean Hot Dog Buns with Kimchi Relish?

Korean Fusion asian fusion like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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