Easy Japanese Terimayo Hot Dogs (Japadog-Inspired)

These Terimayo Hot Dogs are a Japanese twist on the classic hot dog, featuring juicy sausages topped with sweet and savory teriyaki-glazed onions, creamy Kewpie mayonnaise, scallions, bonito flakes, and strips of toasted nori. This fusion of flavors delivers a delightful umami-packed experience that's both comforting and unique.

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Sauce:
¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium or tamari)
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon mirin (optional)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons cold water
1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Onions:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 large white or red onions, thinly sliced

For the Hot Dogs:
4 hot dog sausages (Berkshire/Kurobuta pork, bratwurst, or all-beef)
4 hot dog buns, slightly warmed

Garnishes:
2 tablespoons Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise
1 green onion/scallion, chopped
Handful of bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into strips

Instructions

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, ground ginger, garlic powder, mirin, and sesame oil.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
In a separate bowl, mix cold water with cornstarch until smooth.
Pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Cook the Onions:
Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add sliced onions, then reduce heat to medium-low.
Cook until onions are softened and fragrant, about 8–10 minutes.
Add a few tablespoons of the prepared teriyaki sauce to the onions, stirring to coat.
Continue to cook until onions are caramelized.
Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl.

3. Cook the Hot Dogs:
Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Add hot dog sausages and cook according to package instructions or until they float to the surface.
Keep warm until ready to assemble.

4. Assemble the Hot Dogs:
Slice each hot dog bun in half.
Place a cooked hot dog into each bun.
Top with teriyaki-glazed onions.
Drizzle with Kewpie mayonnaise.
Sprinkle chopped green onions, bonito flakes, and nori strips over the top.
Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

These Terimayo Hot Dogs are best enjoyed fresh. Pair them with refreshing drinks like a matcha yuzu fizz, homemade strawberry milk, or a chilled lychee soda to elevate the meal experience. They're perfect for lunch, dinner, or a fun weekend snack.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

Calories: 311 kcal
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Snack