Banh Mi Turkey Hot Dogs – Weight Watchers Friendly

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!

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I’m trying to be careful with the grocery budget and eat healthy at home,  so this Turkey Dog 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 freestyle points per serving. And it’s totally kid friendly as well.

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.

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.

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.

Turkey Hot Dogs

Turkey Hot dogs are 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 Dogs

Although it’s quick and easy to make, this Banh Mi Hot dog still qualifies as a gourmet hot dog because of all the stuff on it- it’s not just your typical ketchup, mustard and onion toppings. But the bonus is that it’s all healthy stuff! 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!!!