I had my first Vietnamese sub about 5 years ago and I couldn't believe what I had been missing my entire life! I'd have one at least once a week if it weren't for the financial and caloric expense. So, I've come up with this Banh Mi Turkey Hot Dog instead. I was amazed at how delicious it and satisfying it was!
I'm trying to be careful with the grocery budget and eat healthy at home, so this Turkey frank is my quick and economical strategy for getting that Vietnamese sub fix. I use turkey hot dogs so it's also Weight Watchers friendly @ only 5 WW points on the blue plan per serving. And it's totally kid friendly as well (my kids LOVE this meal)!
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📋 Hot Dog dinner Ideas
With labor day weekend upon us, I am desperately hanging onto the end of summer and grilling as much as possible! Although I pretty much grill all year long anyway (shoveling a path to the BBQ when necessary,) the great thing about this recipe is that the hot dogs can also be baked or broiled in the oven or boiled on the stove top any time of the year. In fact, if you're looking for quick weeknight hot dog dinner ideas, this is banh mi hot dog is perfect! My family loves these so much that we eat them on a regular rotation!
📖 Variations
- Sometimes I make these with regular beef hot dogs for the kids
- You can add daikon radishes
- Skip the sriracha if you don't like it spicy
- You can use jalapenos (jarred) if you don't have (or like ) sriracha sauce
- I have used dried mint and cilantro when I'm out of fresh (it's not as good, but it does the job!)
- You can make these in the oven instead of grilling them
🥘 Banh Mi Ingredients
In Vietnamese Banh Mi means 'bread', referring to a type of baguette which is often split lengthwise and filled with various savory ingredients such as cucumber, carrot, daikon radishes, mint and cilantro. This gourmet hot dog has all those things, including a rice vinegar mixture and sriracha sauce.
Apparently, the baguette was introduced to Vietnam in the mid–19th century, when Vietnam was part of French Indochina and it became a staple food by the early 20th century, eventually evolving into well-loved street food popularized in North America. If you are interested in learning more about the history of the Banh Mi Sandwich click HERE.
💭 Calories in Turkey Hot Dogs
Turkey Hot dogs typically have about 100 calories. They are also a good source of protein and have less fat than a typical hot dog. And they are cheaper to buy than a lot of other leaner meats. In terms of Weight Watchers freestyle smart points, a typical turkey hot dog is nearly half the points of a regular hot dog. Turkey smokies are also generally less than half the points of regular smokies. But of course, it varies by brand, so you have to read your labels. And it's worth mentioning that they can also be quite high in sodium, so you don't want to be eating turkey hot dogs regularly. But sometimes you just gotta have a dog and/or a Vietnamese sub and this will satisfy both those cravings!
It's best to educate yourself when you're buying hot dogs and turkey hot dogs, as many brands still use mechanically separated meat. You can read more about choosing a healthy hot dog HERE.
🥒🥕Gourmet Hot Dog Toppings
Although it's quick and easy to make, this Banh Mi Hot dog still qualifies as a gourmet hot dog recipe because of all the toppings on it- it's not just your typical ketchup, mustard and onion toppings. But the bonus is that it's all healthy stuff like fresh carrots, cucumbers, mint, cilantro and red onion! So, if you're looking for quick, easy and healthy hot dog recipe that tastes gourmet, then give this one a try. You won't believe how satisfying it is (even I didn't!)
And if you're like me and still hanging onto those end days of summer, then these Weight Watchers frozen desserts are perfect for your weekend BBQ. Although I still eat these all year long (yes, they are that good!)
WW Black Forest Ice Cream Sandwiches
WW Strawberry Drumstick Frozen Yogurt Cups
Happy Grilling!!!
🌭Banh Mi Turkey Hot Dog Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 turkey hot dogs * chicken hot dogs can be substituted
- 4 whole wheat buns
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 long English cucumber, slice into ¼ inch circles (or thinner if preferred)
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
- ½ teaspoon white granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 wedge fresh lime * about ¼ of a lime
Garnish
Instructions
- Grill or bake, broil or boil hot dogs as per package directions.
- Add cucumber, grated carrot, red onion and herbs to bun, dividing between all 4 buns
- Mix sugar and rice vinegar together in small bowl and drizzle over veggies and herbs
- Squeeze lime wedge over veggies and herbs, dividing by all 4
- Add turkey hot dogs to buns.
Garnish
- Drizzle sriracha sauce over turkey hot dogs (as much as desired). I only use a little as it's spicy
Kristen
What a great spin off the regular old hot dog. My hubby would love these!