A grilled hot dog is the ultimate summer snack. It can be enjoyed with various condiments, such as mustard, sauerkraut, or chili beans.
However, not all grilled hot dogs are created equal. Follow these simple tips and tricks to cook your hot dogs perfectly.
Preheat Your Grill
All beef hot dogs are a summer classic for picnics, cookouts, and weeknight dinners. While you can boil a batch and heat them in the microwave or skillet, grilling is the best way to get that delicious, slightly charred flavor.
Chefs and grilling experts say a great hot dog starts with quality meat. It’s worth spending a little extra on getting all-beef dogs that aren’t filled with artificial ingredients. They’re also usually tastier than their bargain-priced cousins.
Another key to a good hot dog is the right toppings. While mustard and ketchup are classics, you can try more adventurous combinations for an unexpected twist on the American favorite.
To prepare your grill for the perfect hot dog:
- Start by preheating it for ten to twenty minutes.
- Turn it down to a medium setting.
- Spray the grates with a nonstick cooking spray so they won’t stick to your hot dogs.
- Wipe your grates with a paper towel to remove excess grease from the grill. This will keep the hot dogs moist and from burning on the first few turns.
- Place Your Hot Dogs on the Grill
Placing hot dogs on the grating perpendicular to it helps them develop those classic grill marks. Also, using tongs will prevent you from burning your fingers when turning them over.
It’s important to avoid poking the hot dog with a knife or fork, as this can cause the casing to burst. Instead, use your tongs and gently turn them over when it’s time to flip.
Aside from boiling, frying, and air frying, the best way to prepare a hot dog is on the grill. It’s quick and easy and gives them that delicious char on the outside.
However, it would help if you preheat your grill beforehand to ensure the best results. This will prevent the hot dogs from becoming dry or tough. Additionally, it would help if you did not place the hot dogs directly on the flame, as this can cause them to burn and overcook before they’re even cooked through. Rather, cook the hot dogs over indirect heat and move them around frequently to ensure that every side gets a chance to get warm.
Turn Your Hot Dogs
You can boil dogs, pop them in the microwave or fry them, but nothing beats a perfectly grilled frank on a soft bun. The slight char and smoky flavor from grilling create a perfect combination of crispy, crunchy, and juicy.
Turn your franks regularly when grilling so all sides get browned and crisped. This will ensure they cook evenly and help you avoid the dreaded cold-in-the-middle hot dog.
Another great tip for grilling is to remove your franks from the grill before they’re completely done. This will prevent them from drying out and also helps you get those eye-catching grill marks everyone loves.
If you’re grilling many hot dogs, you can use a grilling basket to make them easier to flip and keep them from sticking. This is especially helpful if you’re grilling over an open flame. You can find grilling baskets at most home improvement stores or even online.
Remove Your Hot Dogs from the Grill
Hot dogs may seem easy enough to grill, but it’s crucial to know that they cook quickly and can easily burn. To avoid a disappointing result, follow these tips to ensure you’re grilling the perfect all-beef hot dog.
Keeping an eye on your hot dogs will help determine when they are ready to be removed from the grill. Each hot dog is different, but you should aim to turn them when a medium brown grill mark forms on the side that’s in contact with it.
Consider running a spiral cut along one side to make your hot dogs stand out. This will cause the frank to curl up when you grill it, making for a fun and delicious presentation. To give your hot dogs a great finish, apply a small amount of butter to the bun before serving them. This will slightly toast the inside of the bun without overdoing it. Enjoy your grilled hot dogs with your favorite toppings!
Serve
There are a lot of different ways to prepare hot dogs. Some people grill them, while others prefer to pan-fry or boil them. No matter your favorite method, high-quality meat is the key to a great hot dog. You can also add a variety of toppings to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Some popular toppings include caramelized onions, sliced pickles, and sauerkraut. Also, add a sprinkling of shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese. Alternatively, you can top your hot dogs with chili or rich and creamy guacamole.
Aside from being delicious, hot dogs are a fun and easy meal at home. With some preparation, you can create the perfect all-beef hot dog to bring back memories of childhood baseball games and summers by the pool.
