Steaming Hot Dogs: Using Your Rice Cooker Creatively

Hot dogs are a beloved food item, but not everyone enjoys them grilled or pan-fried. Boiled hot dogs can become waterlogged and slimy, but steamed hot dogs are juicy on the inside and dry on the outside. While there are various ways to steam a hot dog, one method that has gained popularity is using a rice cooker. In this article, we will explore the process of steaming hot dogs with a rice cooker and highlight the advantages of this cooking method.

How to steam hot dogs in a rice cooker

Steaming is a great way to cook hot dogs, and a rice cooker can be used to do this. The process is simple and can produce juicy hot dogs with minimal risk of burning. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam hot dogs in a rice cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Fill the rice cooker with water to create steam. The amount of water needed will depend on the size of your rice cooker, but ensure it does not exceed the maximum fill line. Some recommend adding just enough water to cover the hot dogs.

Step 2: Add the Hot Dogs

Place the hot dogs in the rice cooker. If your rice cooker came with a steamer basket, place the hot dogs in the basket to keep them out of direct contact with the water. This will prevent them from becoming waterlogged and slimy. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can put the hot dogs directly into the water, but this may affect the texture.

Step 3: Seal and Cook

Seal the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. If your rice cooker has a "Steam" setting, use that. Otherwise, set it to high pressure for a cook time of zero minutes. The hot dogs will cook as the rice cooker comes to pressure.

Step 4: Release Pressure and Serve

Once the rice cooker beeps, release the pressure by turning the valve to the "venting" position. Carefully remove the lid, allowing the steam to escape, and then use tongs to take out your hot dogs. Your hot dogs are now ready to be enjoyed!

Tips:

• If you want to cook a large number of hot dogs, work in batches to ensure even cooking.
• To add extra flavour, you can swap out the water for your favourite beer.
• If you want to warm your hot dog buns, you can place them in the rice cooker during the last minute of cooking.
• For an extra char on your hot dogs, pop them under the grill for a minute or two after steaming.

How to steam hot dog buns in a rice cooker

Steaming hot dog buns in a rice cooker is a great way to keep them warm and toasted while you prepare the rest of your meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare your rice cooker

First, ensure that your rice cooker has a steamer basket or tray. If it does not, you can place a heat-proof dish or bowl inside the cooker, which will act as a steaming tray. Add water to the cooker, ensuring that it does not touch the steaming tray or basket. You only need enough water to create steam, so fill it up to just below the tray or basket.

Step 2: Prepare your hot dog buns

Place your desired number of hot dog buns onto the steaming tray or basket. If you are using a heat-proof dish or bowl, you may want to line it with foil or grease it lightly to prevent the buns from sticking. Ensure that the buns are not overcrowded and have a little space between them to allow for even steaming.

Step 3: Start steaming

Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. Set the cooker to its steaming setting, or, if it does not have one, set it to its regular cooking setting. The buns should take around 1-2 minutes to steam, depending on their size and the power of your rice cooker. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not overcook or burn.

Step 4: Serve

Once the buns are steamed to your liking, turn off the rice cooker and carefully remove the steaming tray or basket. Serve the buns immediately while they are still warm and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you are also cooking hot dogs, you can steam them first and then steam the buns while you prepare the rest of your toppings and sides.
• You can also use this method to steam other types of bread, such as hamburger buns or even pita bread.
• Experiment with adding different herbs or spices to the water to infuse your buns with extra flavor.

How to steam hot dogs in a microwave

Steaming is a great way to cook hot dogs, as there's little risk of burning and the skin is less likely to burst. If you don't have a stove, you can still achieve juicy hot dogs by using a microwave. Here's how:

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Place 1-4 hot dogs on a microwave-safe plate, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each dog. This ensures that the heat is evenly distributed. If you're cooking for a crowd, work in batches so that the hot dogs are evenly cooked.

Step 2: Cover the Plate

Cover the plate with a paper towel. This will help to keep the hot dogs juicy by capturing the moisture released during cooking. If you're making a single hot dog, you can wrap it in a paper towel instead of using a plate.

Step 3: Microwave the Hot Dogs

Cook the hot dogs on high power for about 45 seconds. Each microwave is different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time. Keep in mind that the goal here is not to cook the hot dogs through, as they are already cooked, but to make them juicier and more enjoyable to eat.

Step 4: Check the Temperature

Add an extra 30 seconds of cooking time until the hot dogs are at the desired temperature. To check, carefully move the paper towel and lightly touch the centre of a hot dog. If it feels cool or warm, continue cooking in 30-second intervals until the hot dogs are hot to the touch.

Step 5: Remove from the Microwave

Be careful when removing the hot dogs from the microwave, as the plate and hot dogs will be very hot. Use a fork or tongs to transfer the hot dogs from the plate to a bun. Allow the hot dogs to rest for a minute or two before serving, as they will be extremely hot.

Tips:

• When purchasing hot dogs, avoid those with corn syrup as a main ingredient, as this can make them sweeter rather than juicier.
• Avoid piercing the hot dogs before cooking, as this releases juices during cooking, which is the opposite of what you want to achieve.
• Always be cautious when removing hot dogs from the microwave, as the steam and dishes can be very hot.

How to steam hot dogs on a stovetop

Yes, you can steam hot dogs with a rice cooker. Here is a guide on how to steam hot dogs on a stovetop:

If you're not into grilling or are looking for a new way to cook hot dogs, steaming is a great option. It's a simple and quick way to cook juicy hot dogs with little risk of burning them. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam hot dogs on a stovetop:

• Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil: Use a pot that is large enough to accommodate the steaming basket and has a lid. Fill it with 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) of water and place it on a burner. Turn the heat to high to bring the water to a boil. You can speed up the process by covering the pot with a lid.
• Prepare the steaming basket: Place a steaming basket over the pot, ensuring it rests on the pot's edges and doesn't fall inside. The water level should be below the bottom of the basket. If you don't have a steaming basket, you can use a colander instead.
• Add the hot dogs: Place 2-3 hot dogs in the steaming basket, making sure they are evenly spaced out and not touching. Cooking too many hot dogs at once may result in uneven cooking.
• Cover the pot: Use a lid or a piece of aluminium foil to cover the pot. This will trap the steam inside and ensure even cooking. Be careful not to touch the sides of the pot as it will be hot.
• Steam the hot dogs: Let the hot dogs cook in the steam for about 2-3 minutes. Since hot dogs are already cooked, steaming is just to heat them to a perfect temperature. If you want to check the temperature, use a meat thermometer and aim for 140-165 °F (60-74 °C).
• Remove the hot dogs: Carefully remove the lid, allowing the steam to escape. Then, use tongs to take the hot dogs out of the basket and place them on a plate or directly into buns. Remember, they will be very hot!
• Optional browning: If you want that classic browning on your hot dogs, place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after steaming.
• Storing leftovers: If you have any leftover hot dogs, store them in a resealable plastic bag in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds on a plate covered with a paper towel.

By following these steps, you can easily steam hot dogs on your stovetop, resulting in juicy and delicious hot dogs every time!

How to steam hot dogs in an Instant Pot

Steaming hot dogs in an Instant Pot is a great way to cook hot dogs for a crowd, or a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

First, pour about 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot. You can also use beer, or a combination of the two, for a unique flavour. If you are using an 8-quart Instant Pot, you may need to use 2 cups of liquid.

Step 2: Add the Hot Dogs

Next, add your desired number of hot dogs to the Instant Pot, making sure they are below the max fill line. You can put the hot dogs directly into the water, or use a steamer basket to keep them out of the liquid.

Step 3: Secure the Lid and Set the Valve

Lock the lid in place and make sure the valve on top is set to "Sealing".

Step 4: Cook the Hot Dogs

Select High Pressure and set the cook time to ZERO minutes. The hot dogs will cook while the pot comes to pressure. If you are cooking frozen hot dogs, they may need a little longer to come to pressure.

Step 5: Quick Release the Pressure

When the Instant Pot beeps, do a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve on top to "Venting".

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the pressure is released, simply remove the lid and enjoy your hot dogs! You can serve them with any desired toppings and sides, such as french fries or sweet potato fries.

Tips:

• Choose all-beef hot dogs for the best flavour.
• If you are cooking a large number of hot dogs, you may want to use a steamer basket to prevent them from sticking together and to make them easier to remove from the pot.
• If you want to cook the buns as well, you can wrap them in foil and place them over the hot dogs for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Frequently asked questions