Iceland Hot Dog Sauce

Hot dogs and American fast food culture have been paired for decades. It’s hard to find someone who says they don’t have hot dogs at least once a month. But what if I tell you America is not the place to find the best hot dogs? Yes, I once visited Iceland and found their hot dogs very intriguing and exotic.

Icelandic hot dogs are also known as pylsurs.

The more I tried Icelandic hot dogs, the better I understood it was the sauce that made the main difference. Iceland hot dog sauce isn’t your regular mustard sauce. It isn’t as tangy as the traditional yellow mustard condiments. It has a very creamy texture that makes every bite of your snack filled with joy.

Today, I’m explaining how I tried to make a remoulade Icelandic hot dog sauce recipe at home. I didn’t learn this from any native chef. Instead, I did some experiments with the ingredients and succeeded in replicating the original Nordic taste.

What Is Iceland Hot Dog Sauce?

Icelandic hot dog topping or sauce is also known as Pylsusinnep in the US. But actually, the sauce has two parts, Pylsusinnep and mayo remoulade. Pylsusinnep refers to the sweet brown mustard that enhances the whole taste. And the remoulade is a cold, curry-flavored sauce mainly made of mayo. The Pylsusinnep hot dog sauce is intentionally made sweet for an exotic taste.

This mustard topping is here less sharp and more brownish. Even former President Bill Clinton once praised the local hot dogs as one of the best snacks. Even today, hot dogs made of Icelandic remoulade sauce and mustard are considered the best in Europe.

If you’re tired of the usual sharp and tangy Dijon mustard sauce, this one can bring life to your snacks. Apart from hot dogs, you can use this condiment in many other snacks and dishes you prefer to give a sweet and layered texture.

How to Make Icelandic Hot Dog Sauce at Home?

Now, let’s jump to the main part of our discussion, let’s tell you how you can make sweet mustard hot dog sauce in your kitchen. I’m skipping the remoulade part here as it plays the supporting role in the whole Icelandic hot sauce. Mustard topping is the one that plays with the taste.

What is Iceland Hot Dog Sauce Made of?

First, let’s talk about the ingredients required to make the mustard sauce.

1.  Brown sugar or honey (about 2 tablespoons)

You must use at least a little sweetness in the sauce by using brown sugar or honey. Sweetness is the signature trait of Icelandic mustard sauce. It also helps to soften the sharpness of mustard seeds and creates a mellow and exotic flavor.

2.  Brown mustard seeds or mustard powder (2 teaspoons)

Brown mustard is the core of this recipe. It brings mild heat and balance to the sauce better than yellow mustard.

3.  Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar (1 teaspoon)

You should use it to have a slight tang. It cuts through sweetness and helps the sauce taste lively without a harsh vinegar bite.

4.  Water (about 1 tablespoon)

Using some water would help to create the right creamy texture. It will also blend ingredients smoothly

5.  Pinch of salt (⅛ teaspoon)

Salt enhances overall flavor. It prevents the sauce from tasting flat and highlights the sweet‑mustard notes.

6.  Curry powder or warm spice blend (optional pinch)

This gives a mild warming flavor typical in remoulade-style sauces. It contributes to that Nordic flavor tone without being spicy.

Step by Step Guide

Here’s the easiest way to make your homemade Pylsur sauce.

Step 1

First of all, add sugar or honey into a small bowl. On top of that, stir in mustard until it blends properly. You should use a large spoon in this step.

Step 2

Next, add vinegar and water into the mixture. Mix them slowly to make sure the mixture stays creamy. A runny texture will ruin everything.

Note: adjust the water amount based on your desired creamy texture.

Step 3

After that, season the sauce with salt gently. Don’t forget to taste the sauce to see if things are going well.

Step 4

Although it’s optional, I suggest adding a pinch of curry powder or spice blend for the classical Nordic taste, just like the remoulade sauce. But make sure not to shift the core from the mustard.

Step 5

After using all the ingredients, let the sauce rest for a while in the same bowl. It will help flavors meld and make the texture smoother.

Step 6

Finally, taste again. If it’s too sharp, add a little more sugar or honey. If it’s too thick, stir in a drop of water. The goal is to make a thick but spreadable sweet mustard hot dog sauce.

Step 7

Spoon your homemade Pylsusinnep hot dog mustard into a jar or bowl. It’s ready to use. Spread it on buns or use it alongside your remoulade sauce for the full Icelandic hot dog experience.

How to Make Iceland Hot Dog Remoulade Sauce?

Before wrapping up, I think you should know how to make the remoulade base as well.

Remoulade sauce is a light yellow sauce layered below the pylsur toppings. To make this base, you need:

• Mayonnaise
• Chopped pickles
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice
• Curry powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

The process is something like this:

1. First, mix ½ cup of mayo with 1 tbsp of chopped sweet pickles.
2. Next, add 1 tbsp dijon mustard, ½ tbsp lemon juice, ¼ tbsp curry powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
3. Stir everything together until you get a smoother texture. Then, taste and see if you need to adjust anything. Add additional sugar or spice if required.
4. Finally, put the sauce into the fridge for almost half an hour to rest. It will help flavors blend together.

Summary

Now, you don’t have to pack your bags and visit Iceland to enjoy the taste of authentic Icelandic remoulade sauce. Make it at home using ingredients that are mostly available in your kitchen closet.

Give your taste buds something unique to try with the Nordic flavor. This guide has given you A to Z about pylsur. So, what are you waiting for? Collect the ingredients and make snacks like Bejarins Beztu Pylsur, the famous hot dog stand.