This copycat Puka Dog recipe is inspired by our recent trip to Poipu in Kauai, where we enjoyed these Hawaiian style hot dogs after boogie boarding at Brennecke’s Beach. They are a tropical twist on an All American favorite. You’re going to love them!
What do they call hot dogs in Hawaii?
The most popular variety are called Puka Dogs or Hula Dogs! This Hawaiian hot dog recipe begins with a fresh baked roll that’s hollowed out in the middle with a special hot poker. It’s then filled with a Polish Sausage or a Vegan Sausage. Finally, it’s topped with their signature garlic-lemon sauce and your choice of tropical relishes. Since the hot poker is not easily accessible for most home cooks, I recommend this hot dog bun driller.
How do you make a Puka Dog?
Start by making the Passion Fruit Mustard and Garlic Lemon Sauce. If you want to save an extra step, I highly recommend buying Aunty Lilikoi’s Passion Fruit Mustard. It is served and sold at the restaurant. They also make a Habanero Passion Fruit Mustard that’s perfect for all you spicy fans out there!
Next, you’re going to hollow out an uncut sandwich roll. Then stuff it with a grilled Polish or Veggie Dog. Top with the passion fruit mustard, garlic lemon sauce, and a tropical fruit relish. Yum!
What is a Mango Dog?
The Mango Dog is one of Puka Dog’s most popular menu items. Dubbed the Kauai Special, this Hawaiian hot dog is made with their signature mango relish, garlic-lemon secret sauce, and Aunty Lilikoi’s passion fruit mustard.
If mango isn’t your jam, they have several other Hawaiian hot dogs to choose from. The Pineapple Field Puka Dog is made with pineapple relish. The Waimea Canyon Puka Dog is made with banana relish. The Polihale Sunset with Papaya Relish. Na Pali Cruise with Star Fruit Relish. The Coconut Beach is made with Coconut Relish.
If you’re not feeling adventurous, you can go with traditional ketchup, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, or sweet pickle relish.
Is Hula Dog the same as Puka Dog?
Yes! According to Wikipedia, the Puka Dog company was founded by Rick and Dominique Quinette in 2000. After the couple divorced, Puka Dog was retained by Rick, while Dominque assumed ownership of the Oahu locations and franchise. Hula Dog has expanded to Southern California and Maui. However, Puka Dog is only found on the Hawaiian islands in Kauai.
A few other differences: Hula Dog offers Lilikoi and Guava mustards, while Puka Dog uses the Aunty Lilikoi passion fruit mustard. Additionally, Hula Dog has a choice of three breads — white, wheat and bacon taro. Puka Dog only has one white bun option.
Does Kings Hawaiian make hot dog buns?
Yes, they do! However if you want to make an authentic Hawaiian Puka Dog, then a regular roll is best. The buns at Puka Dog are not sweet like King’s Hawaiian rolls. However, I’m sure they would taste fantastic in this recipe!
If you decide to make all of the sauces in the recipes below, I recommend buying some plastic squeeze condiment bottles to put all of your sauces in.
Please be sure to leave a rating or comment below. It is appreciated! Also, if you like this copycat Puka Dog recipe, you may also enjoy some of my other Hawaiian recipes.
Stay tuned for my latest video recipes by subscribing here and don’t forget to hit that notification bell! 🔔
You can also find me on:
▪️ Facebook
▪️ Instagram
▪️ TikTok
More Hawaiian Recipes
- Hawaiian Loco Moco
- Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Boats
- Poke Nachos
- Maui Costco Shopping List
- Hawaiian Kalua Pulled Pork
Puka Dog Shopping List
Puka Dog Recipe (Hawaiian Hot Dogs)
Recipe by Jason Hill – CookingSessions.comEquipment
Ingredients
- 6 white rolls or regular hot dog buns
- 6 Polish Sausages or Vegan Brats (such as Beyond Sausage)
Passion Fruit Mustard
- 2 cups passion fruit puree
- 2 tablespoons dry English mustard
- 1 teaspoon water
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Garlic Lemon Sauce
- 1 head garlic minced
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
Mango Relish
- 1 mango peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ red bell pepper chopped
- 3 tablespoons chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 jalapeno stemmed and seeded (optional)
Spicy Pineapple Relish
- 1/4 cup crushed canned pineapple
- 1/2 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Mango Relish
- Add the Mango Relish ingredients to a food processor and pulse until it’s a smooth consistency. Season to taste. Transfer to a bowl and store in the refrigerator.
Pineapple Relish
- Blend ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Season to taste. Transfer to a bowl and store in the refrigerator.
Garlic Lemon Sauce
- Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place on a piece of foil and drizzle with the olive oil. Season to your liking with salt and fresh ground pepper. Cover with the foil. Bake at 350 F for about 60 minutes, or until garlic is soft. When the garlic has cooled, remove cloves from husks and mash until creamy. Add the mayonnaise and lemon juice and whisk until combined. To make it spicy, add cayenne pepper to your taste and mix well. Transfer to a bowl and store in the refrigerator.
Passion Fruit Mustard
- In a small saucepan, simmer the passion fruit puree over medium heat until it thickens and reduces. Strain through a sieve and set aside. Next, whisk together the dry mustard and water until pasty. Add Dijon mustard, reserved passion fruit puree. Season to taste with salt. Transfer to a bowl and store in the refrigerator.
Assembly
- Add relish, garlic sauce and passion fruit mustard to separate condiment bottles.
- Create a hole in the middle of each roll using the bun driller or just make it easier on yourself and slice it as you would a normal hot dog bun. It’s going to make it a lot more manageable to add your condiments.
- Grill sausages until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place sausages into each bun and garnish with the garlic lemon sauce, passion fruit mustard and mango relish.
