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Icelandic Hot Dog Recipe
John

Icelandic Hot Dog Recipe

The Icelandic hot dog, or "pylsa," features a lamb-based sausage served in a steamed bun with crispy fried onions, raw onions, sweet brown mustard (Pylsusinnep), ketchup, and remoulade. It's a unique blend of savory and sweet flavors. This iconic street food reflects Icelandic tradition and is a must-try for authentic local cuisine lovers.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Icelandic
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 soft hot dog buns
  • 4 lamb-based hot dog sausages or other high-quality hot dogs
  • 2 tablespoons pylsusinnep Icelandic sweet brown mustard
  • ¼ cup raw white onion finely chopped
  • ¼ cup crispy fried onions store-bought or homemade
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 100 g sour single cream or sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons capers finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 80 g gherkins sliced lengthwise

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan or grill for sausages
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife and chopping board
  • Tongs
  • Serving plate

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Remoulade Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped capers, and olive oil. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside in the fridge to chill slightly.
Step 2: Cook the Hot Dog Sausages
  1. Boil or grill the lamb hot dogs for about 5–7 minutes until heated through. If grilling, turn occasionally for even browning.
Step 3: Prep the Toppings
  1. Finely chop the raw white onion and slice the gherkins lengthwise. Set aside the crispy fried onions.
Step 4: Toast or Warm the Buns
  1. Lightly toast the hot dog buns in a dry pan or oven for 1–2 minutes, or steam them if preferred softer.
Step 5: Assemble the Icelandic Hot Dogs
  1. Place a sausage in each bun. Top with raw onions, crispy onions, and gherkin slices. Drizzle with pylsusinnep and the homemade remoulade. Serve immediately.

Notes

For authentic flavor, seek out pylsusinnep, an Icelandic sweet brown mustard—floral, smooth, and not too sharp.
And crispy fried onions (cronions) are essential they offer crunchy sweetness that pairs beautifully with raw onions. If you’re feeling adventurous, poach the sausages in beer‑flavored water for a traditional twist.

Nutrition Facts Icelandic Hot Dog Recipe

Nutrition         Amount
Calories 420 kcal
Protein 18 g
Fat 28 g
Carbohydrates  30 g
Fiber 1 g
Sodium 850 mg