Kimchi Hot Dog Recipe: Korean Twist on an American Classic

Kimchi Hot Dog, A Spicy Savory Twist on a Classic

Cooking time : 10 mins

Please Don’t Tell (PDT) and David Chang

At first, kimchi and hot dogs might sound like a strange combination, but once you try it, it just makes sense. I first came across this idea at Please Don’t Tell (PDT), a hidden speakeasy bar in NYC that serves surprisingly creative hot dogs alongside cocktails. One of their most iconic menu items is the Chang Dog, inspired by chef David Chang of Momofuku. It blends the familiar comfort of an all-American hotdog with bold, spicy Korean flavors, especially kimchi. You can also check out our review for Please Don’t Tell (PDT).

When I first saw it on the menu, I was skeptical but curious. After tasting it, I totally got the hype. The fusion of smoky sausage, tangy kimchi, and umami-rich toppings made it one of the best bites I had that night and it’s no surprise that it became one of PDT’s most popular creations.

We didn’t have access to the original recipe or exact ingredients, but that didn’t stop us. We took the main concept, a kimchi-topped hot dog and came up with our own twist. The result is a super easy, satisfying, and flavor-packed Kimchi Hotdog you can make at home. It’s fun, unexpected, and perfect for when you want something different but still totally comforting.

[Actual Chang Dog from PDT]

Easy Korean recipe fusion hot dog

Kimchi hot dog is a delicious fusion of American-style hot dog meets Korean kimchi stir-fry, a very easy recipe, a must-try if you’re into bold flavors and creative comfort food. Juicy sausage nestled in a buttered bun, topped with savory, slightly spicy stir-fried kimchi, I’m 100% sure everyone will love it!

July 4th Hot dog Idea

Planning to fire up the grill this Independence Day? Skip the usual ketchup-and-mustard combo and give your hot dogs a bold twist with kimchi! This Kimchi Hot dog brings smoky, spicy, tangy goodness in every bite—perfect for impressing friends and shaking up your BBQ routine. Trust me, this one’s a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

Makes 2 servings

• 1 cup kimchi (about 200 g), finely chopped. (We used Vegan Kimchi for this recipe)
• 1–2 tablespoons butter, divided
• Optional:
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
• 4 hot dog buns (standard or brioche style)
• 4 sausages (your choice: beef, pork, chicken, or vegan)
• Extra butter for toasting buns and sausages
• Optional toppings:
  • Mayonnaise, Sriracha, sesame seeds, chopped green onions

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How to make Kimchi Hot Dog

Step 1: Chop the Kimchi

Chop your well-fermented kimchi into small pieces , about 1 cm bits , using scissors or a sharp knife.

The finer texture ensures every bite of the hot dog has that distinctive kimchi flavor and little flecks of spicy, tangy goodness. Plus, it makes mixing and layering much easier.

Step 2: Stir-Fry with Butter

1. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped kimchi and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until it’s heated through, slightly caramelized, and fragrant.

Tip: The butter helps mellow the kimchi’s acidity and gives the filling a subtly rich, buttery taste.

Step 3: (Optional) Add Soy Sauce & Sugar

Want deeper umami and sweetness? Add:

• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar

Stir and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the kimchi caramelizes and the sauce thickens around it. This step transforms the filling into a perfect blend of salty, sweet, and sour.

Step 4: Butter the Bread & Sausage

• Spread a thin layer of butter on the pan and put hot dog buns
• Spread a thin layer of butter on the pan and cool sausages too.

These buttery touches are key , they give the bun a golden toasty edge and help the sausage brown nicely. We made slight cut to sausages so the flavor gets into the sausage better.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

1. Place the sausages on a hot skillet or grill at medium heat. Cook until they’re golden and slightly crispy outside (about 3–4 minutes per side).
2. Toast the buttered buns in the same pan until they’re warm and crisp on the inside.
3. Lay each sausage inside a toasted bun.
4. Spoon the heated kimchi over top generously.
5. Optional: drizzle with mayo + Sriracha, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onion for color and flavor.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Why This Recipe Works

• Umami overload: Kimchi + soy sauce + butter = deep savory flavor.
• Balanced profile: The sugar and buns tame the kimchi’s heat and tang.
• Texture harmony: Soft buns, crisp sausage skin, slightly chewy kimchi.
• Fast & flexible: Takes under 15 minutes , perfect for weekday dinners or snack time.

How about regular Kimchi?

Yes, we also tried leftover Kimchi which is not stir-fried with butter and other ingredients. It was actually good! We did it just out of curiosity, but it was not bad. Actually, it was pretty good!

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Variations & Customizations

Variation	Description
Spicy upgrade	Add gochugaru or Sriracha to the kimchi while stir-frying.
Cheesy delight	Melt sliced cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) over the sausage before topping with kimchi.
Vegan version	Use vegan butter and plant-based sausages. Ensure kimchi is vegan-friendly.
Sauce drizzle	Use mustard, spicy mayo, or sesame-ginger vinaigrette for more flavor layers.

• Using store-bought buns? Gently butter and toast to revitalize them , it makes a big difference.
• Kimchi preferences? Ripe and spicy works best. Adjust sugar to tone down potency.
• Not a fan of soy sauce? Skip soy and use ½ tbsp sugar
• Storage & reheating: Store fillings and buns separately. Reheat kimchi filling in a small pan, and toast buns before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with: french fries, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad.
• Drink pairings: Light beers (like pilsner or lager), dry cider, or iced citrus tea complement the richness.
• Presentation idea: Serve on a rustic board, sprinkle chopped scallions and sesame seeds around it, and offer a small bowl of extra kimchi on the side.

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Final Thoughts

This Kimchi Hot Dog recipe is a casual mash-up of two beloved comfort-food worlds , American and Korean. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or creative brunch, and is sure to impress at casual gatherings or game nights. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can elevate your basic hot dog into something bold and memorable.

As always, this recipe is fully editable , swap ingredients, change proportions, or add more garnishes to suit your taste. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear your spin. Tag me on social media, share your photos, or leave a comment with your favorite variation.

Happy cooking!