The Best Way To Cook Hot Dogs
With the price of beef right now, you’re probably not going to be grilling a lot of steaks for cookouts this summer. But don’t worry, hot dogs are still mostly budget-friendly, and if you follow my directions for the best way to cook a hot dog, you’ll hardly miss expensive steaks and ribs.
And if you don’t have a grill this post covers ALL the best ways to cook a hot dog! And there are
With summer on the horizon, backyard grills will soon be loaded up with hamburgers and hot dogs and ballpark vendors will be walking the aisles peddling the classic meat treat.
Grab a napkin, loosen your belt and prepare to rediscover the delicious world of hot dogs, from all the varieties to choosing the ideal bun and creative toppings.
Hot Dog History
Hot dogs are sausages and sausages have been around for centuries. They are made by stuffing minced meat, fat and seasonings into a casing. This process was a great way to use up meat trimmings that weren’t ideal for large cuts like steaks or chops.
The process evolved in Europe, and instead of just using minced meat, butchers began processing the meat even further into what became known as frankfurters and Vienna sausages.
This culinary technique migrated to the United States and evolved once again. Today, American hot dogs are made by pureeing ground beef, pork and poultry with food starch, salt, seasonings, sweeteners and water.
The paste is stuffed into casings and introduced to heat, smoke and more salt. Once fully cooked, the casings are removed, and they’re traditionally sold in packs of 10 along with an 8-pack of buns.
Hot dogs also often include additives to improve their texture, appearance and shelf life. These additives may include curing agents like sodium nitrite or sodium erythorbate to preserve the color and prevent bacterial growth. They may also include stabilizers, emulsifiers or fillers to give the hot dog a consistent texture and prevent separation of ingredients.
According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume an estimated 20 billion hot dogs every year.
How To Cook Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are fully cooked before they are packaged, but the USDA does recommend reheating them, especially for those at an increased risk of foodborne illness. So, what’s the best way to cook a hot dog?
Stovetop
If you love the hot dogs from pushcarts in New York City, try cooking your next round of hot dogs in a pot of hot water, but not just any water — dirty water.
The water isn’t actually “dirty.” It’s just not clear, because it’s flavored with seasonings like onion, vinegar, ketchup, cumin and salt.
Place the pot on the stove, fill it halfway full of water and add the seasonings. Once the water is simmering, drop in the dogs and let them heat up.
It only takes a couple of minutes to boil a hot dog, but for the best flavor, let them simmer for a good 30 minutes. Then, take them out and nestle them on a soft bun.
Grilled Dogs
You can grill hot dogs outdoors on a charcoal, gas or pellet grill. Or grill them indoors on a Ninja or George Forman grill or grill pan. Whatever grill you’re using, be sure to preheat your grill to high and add the dogs to the grates or pan. As they start to form grill marks, rotate them and continue cooking until you get the char you like.
Smoked
For more smoke and less char, heat your hot dogs slowly on the grill or smoker over indirect heat. Add charcoal or pellets to your smoker and set the temperature to 250 F degrees. Then, place your hot dogs in the smoker and cook them for 45 minutes to an hour, until they’re heated to about 160 F degrees.
Pan-Frying
No no grill or grill pan, no problem. Hot dogs can be cooked in a regular skillet, too, just like a smashburger (without the smash). Add a drop of oil to the pan, heat it to high and let your hot dog sizzle until warmed through, turn over as desired.
Microwaving
When you’re really in a hurry, the easiest way to reheat a hot dog is in the microwave. Place a couple of franks on a plate. Cover with a paper towel and heat them at 30-second intervals until warm.
Air Fryer
Air frying hot dogs is a great way to get the job done. And it is so easy! Preheat it, add the dogs, and cook until hot, slightly blistered, and ready to go!
Best Buns
Classic hot dog buns are similar to white bread. They’re made with white flour, water, corn syrup and yeast. Nowadays, you can also find potato buns made with potato flakes, whole wheat buns, brioche bun, butter buns and even sweet Hawaiian buns and vegan buns.
To heat:
- wrap the buns in foil and place them in a warm oven or over indirect heat on the grill
- microwave them in a paper towel for a few seconds.
- steam buns by, spritzing them with a little water to help steam them
- for crispy buns, brush the inside with butter and toss them on the grill or under the broiler
The Best Toppings
When throwing a backyard BBQ, it’s best to offer squeeze bottles of ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. And serve dill or sweet relish in bowls or their respective jars with spoons.
Elevate the party, consider making homemade pickles or spicy aioli or offer gourmet ketchups and mustards.
For a chili dog party, set out a large bowl of chili along with diced onions and shredded cheese. Or consider offering toppings that create an international fusion experience like birria beef and Mexican street corn or beef bulgogi and kimchi.
No matter how you choose to cook, wrap or top your dog, you’ve got all the best choices and ideas for you right here.
