Pancho
Hot dog with salsa golf, ketchup/mustard, and papas pay (shoestring fries); many stands offer a sauce bar. A distinct Argentine street classic.
The Pancho is a popular hot dog style in Argentina, where it’s sold by street vendors, at soccer matches, and in convenience stores throughout the country. Typically, the hot dog is boiled and served in a soft bun, similar to the American style, but the toppings are where it gets interesting. Argentinians often top Panchos with sauces like salsa golf (a mayo-ketchup blend), chimichurri, or spicy mustard, along with potato sticks (papas pay) for crunch. Unlike the fully loaded dogs of the U.S., the Pancho leans more minimalist, focusing on flavorful condiments rather than heavy toppings. It’s an affordable, quick snack that holds nostalgic value for many Argentinians. While not flashy, the Pancho is a reliable street food favorite across the country.
Authentic Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 European-style frankfurters (Longer than buns by 1 inch)
- 6 Vienna hot dog buns (Pan de Viena style)
- 2 cups Fresh corn kernels (From grilled corn cobs)
- 1 medium Purple onion (Finely diced)
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (Shredded)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (For salsa golf)
- 1/3 cup Ketchup (For salsa golf)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice (For salsa golf)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (For salsa golf)
- as needed Yellow mustard
- as needed Shoestring French fries (For serving)
Instructions
- Make salsa golf: Mix mayonnaise and ketchup until smooth pink color.
- Add lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce to salsa golf.
- Season with salt and pepper, refrigerate 30 minutes.
- Grill corn cobs with oil for 10 minutes until charred.
- Cut corn kernels off cobs and set aside.
- Boil frankfurters in water for 3 minutes.
- Grill boiled frankfurters on high heat until charred and smoky.
- Toast Vienna buns lightly until golden.
- Place grilled sausage in bun, letting it stick out.
- Top generously with grilled corn kernels.
- Add diced purple onions.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Drizzle with salsa golf and yellow mustard.
- Serve with crispy shoestring fries. ¡Esto es auténtico Uruguay!
Related Styles (kinda)
4 similar styles
Sausage covered with a waffle-like batter and deep-fried on a stick, often with cheese and various sauces; a popular street snack.
Wood-fired mutton chorizo in rustic bread with chimichurri or pebre; often lettuce, tomato, and scrambled eggs. A hearty Patagonian twist on Argentina's choripán.
Grilled chorizo sausage in a crusty baguette, topped with chimichurri sauce, a popular street food in Argentina and other South American countries.
Hot dog with mashed potatoes (purê de batata) spread, corn/peas (milho/ervilha), crispy potato sticks (batata palha), and vinagrete, a São Paulo, Brazil style.