
Quick Hot Dog and Pickle Relish Fried Rice
A budget-friendly, kid-approved fried rice made with hot dogs, pickle relish for tang, and scrambled eggs. Ready in under 20 minutes with leftover rice, this one-wok meal comes together fast and tastes like comfort.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 8 min
- Total
- 18 min
- Makes
- 4 servings (about 1½ cups each)
Steps
Before you start
- Use day-old or refrigerated cooked rice—fresh warm rice will clump
- Have all ingredients prepped and within reach before heating the wok
- Use a hot dog brand you like; beef, turkey, or plant-based all work well
Prepare all ingredients
- Slice each hot dog in half lengthwise, then cut into ¼-inch (6 mm) half-moons.
- Break up the chilled rice gently with your fingers or a fork to separate clumps.
- Beat the eggs in a small bowl with a pinch of salt.
- Slice the scallions if using.
- Keep all components within arm's reach.
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Tip: Separating cold rice now prevents lumps later—don't skip this step.
Scramble the eggs
- Heat 1 tablespoon (15 g) of butter in a 14-inch (35 cm) wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- When foaming, add beaten eggs and stir constantly until just set and still slightly creamy, about 1½ minutes.
- Transfer to a clean plate.
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Ready when: Eggs are pale yellow and no longer wet but still tender
Tip: Remove eggs a touch underdone—they'll firm up as the rice heats.
Cook the hot dogs
- Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the oil to the same wok over medium-high heat.
- When shimmering, add the hot dog slices in a single layer.
- Let them sear without stirring for 1 minute, then toss and cook 1 more minute until edges are lightly browned.
- Transfer to the plate with eggs.
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Ready when: Hot dog edges are golden-brown and caramelized
Tip: Don't stir constantly—let the hot dogs sit to develop color and flavor.
Toast the rice
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of oil to the wok.
- Pour in all the separated rice and spread it in a single layer.
- Let it sit undisturbed for 1 minute to warm and slightly crisp, then toss constantly for 2 minutes, breaking up any remaining clumps.
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Ready when: Rice is hot throughout and grains are separate and slightly translucent
Tip: Hear a faint crackling sound? That means the rice is toasting. Perfect.
Combine and season
- Return the cooked eggs and hot dogs to the wok.
- Pour in the soy sauce and stir everything together for about 30 seconds.
- Add the pickle relish and toss gently but thoroughly until evenly distributed, about 1 minute.
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Ready when: No streaks of soy sauce visible and relish is distributed throughout
Tip: Toss gently—aggressive stirring can break the eggs into small bits.
Finish and serve
- Taste and season with white pepper if desired.
- Divide into bowls and scatter scallion slices over the top.
- Serve immediately while hot.
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Tip: Taste the relish first—it's salty, so taste before adding more seasoning.
Good to know
Tips
- Leftover rice is essential—warm rice steams instead of frying and ends up mushy. Plan ahead or cook rice the day before.
- If your pickle relish is chunky, chop it slightly finer so pieces distribute evenly and don't clump.
- For a richer, more savory fried rice, whisk in ½ teaspoon sesame oil at the end, just before serving.
- Kids love this—the hot dogs, relish tang, and egg make it feel indulgent while staying budget-friendly. Serve with extra ketchup on the side if you like.
Storage & reheating
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, stirring occasionally, until hot (about 5 minutes). Freezing is not recommended—eggs and relish texture suffer.
Substitutions
- hot dogs → cooked sausage, diced ham, or crumbled bacon. Use any cooked, ready-to-eat protein; aim for about 6 oz (180 g) total for the same ratio.
- sweet or dill pickle relish → diced pickles (half-sour or dill) plus 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Gives a sharper tang. Mix the vinegar in with soy sauce to avoid over-watering the rice.
- cooked white rice, chilled or at room temperature → cooked brown rice or jasmine rice. White rice is most traditional for fried rice, but any cooked grain works if chilled first.
- scallions (green onions) → sesame seeds, crispy fried onions, or a handful of fresh cilantro. Any of these add a fresh or crunchy finish; scallions are classic but not essential.
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- Meal
- Dinner
- Diet
- HalalSugar-Free
- Method
- Stovetop





