Hula Mexi-Dogs

Sweet. Spicy. Saucy.
These backyard cookout beauties are a tropical spin on a summer family favorite: hot dogs! A nod to the famous Puka Dog we tried in Kauai, these are dressed up with pineapple-habanero slaw, a passionfruit-sour cream smear, and a generous squeeze of banana ketchup for that sweet-savory punch.

But here’s the twist: we fused our Mexican family roots into the mix. Think pico vibes, bold heat, and just enough acidity to keep you coming back for bite after bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🌶 A Mexican twist on a Hawaiian classic
🍍 Juicy pineapple slaw with a little heat
💛 Creamy passionfruit sour cream for tangy balance
🌭 Weeknight-ready and summer BBQ-approved
✨ A playful, unexpected take on hot dogs

Ingredients

For the Passionfruit Sour Cream Spread

1 tbsp pure passionfruit juice (frozen or fresh)
½ cup sour cream
👉 Stir together until smooth and creamy.

For the Pineapple Slaw

1 cup finely chopped pineapple
⅓ cup white or yellow onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp stone ground mustard
1 tbsp habanero sauce
👉 Combine and let sit for 5-10 minutes to marry the flavors.

To Assemble

4 hot dog buns
4 hot dogs, cooked to your liking
Passionfruit sour cream spread
Pineapple slaw
Banana ketchup, optional (but highly recommended!)

Assembly Instructions

Spread a generous swipe of the passionfruit sour cream inside each bun.
Nestle in the hot dog, then pile on the pineapple slaw.
Finish with banana ketchup to taste.
Serve immediately and have napkins on hand. It’s gloriously messy in the best way.

About That Banana Ketchup 🍌

Can’t find it at your local market? No worries! I’ve got you covered with a DIY Banana BBQ Sauce recipe right here.
The sweetness of the banana ketchup perfectly balances the acidity of the pineapple and the fire of the habanero sauce.

🍍 Pineapple Fun Facts to Snack On

Patience, please: It takes up to 3 years for a single pineapple plant to mature. That’s some serious dedication in every juicy bite!
Not what it seems: Despite the name, a pineapple is neither a pine nor an apple. It’s actually a cluster of berries fused together.
Grow your own: You can grow a whole pineapple just by planting the leafy crown! All you need is some soil, sun, and a lot of patience.

Variations

🌶 Mild it out: Swap habanero for jalapeño or skip the heat altogether for a kid-friendly version.
🌱 Veggie-friendly: Sub in grilled veggie dogs or tofu sausages.
🥭 Tropical remix: Try mango or papaya in the slaw for a fruitier take.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Slaw can be made 1 day ahead and stored in the fridge.
Passionfruit sour cream keeps well in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Hot dogs and buns are best assembled just before serving for that perfect snap and texture.