Steaming Hot Dogs: How Long For Perfect Dogs?

Hot dogs are a versatile food that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steaming. Steaming is a simple and effective way to cook hot dogs, and it is favoured by many for its ability to produce juicy hot dogs with minimal risk of burning. The process involves placing hot dogs in a steamer basket or colander above boiling water and cooking them for around 2-5 minutes. This method is a great option for those who are kitchen-challenged or simply looking for a new way to cook hot dogs.

Stovetop steaming

If you're looking for a new way to cook hot dogs, steaming is a great option. You won't get grill marks, but your hot dogs will be juicy and there's little risk of burning or bursting. Here's a step-by-step guide to stovetop steaming hot dogs:

Step 1: Prepare the pot

Fill a pot with 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) of water and place it on a burner. Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil. You can speed up the process by covering the pot with a lid.

Step 2: Set up the steaming basket

Place a steaming basket over the pot, making sure it's resting on the pot's edges and not falling into the water. The water level should be low enough that it doesn't touch the bottom of the basket. If you don't have a steaming basket, you can use a colander instead.

Step 3: 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 will result in uneven cooking.

Step 4: Cover and steam

Cover the pot with a lid or a piece of aluminum foil to trap the steam inside. This will ensure that the hot dogs cook evenly on all sides. Be careful not to touch the sides of the pot as it will be hot. Let the hot dogs steam for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Check the temperature (optional)

If you want to be precise, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hot dogs. The ideal temperature range is 140–165 °F (60–74 °C).

Step 6: Remove the hot dogs

Carefully remove the lid, being mindful of the escaping steam. Then, use tongs to take the hot dogs out of the basket and place them on a plate or directly into buns. Remember not to touch the hot dogs with your bare hands as they will be extremely hot.

Step 7: Optional browning

If you want to add some colour to your hot dogs, pop them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. This will give them a bit of char while still retaining their juicy texture.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Your hot dogs are now ready to be devoured! You can serve them with your favourite toppings and condiments.

Using a microwave

If you're looking for a fast way to cook a hot dog, using a microwave is a good option. It's possible to have a hot dog ready to eat in under a minute. Cooking multiple hot dogs at once only takes a little longer. Since hot dogs are pre-cooked, you don't need to worry about undercooking them — you just need to get them warm enough to eat.

• Prep your hot dogs: Place 1-4 hot dogs on a microwave-safe plate, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each dog to ensure even cooking. If you're making more than 4 hot dogs, work in batches to avoid overcooking or undercooking. You can also place the hot dogs directly into the microwave, but remember to wipe down the interior afterward.
• Cover with a paper towel: Cover the plate with a paper towel to retain moisture and keep the hot dogs juicy. If you're cooking a single hot dog, wrap it in a paper towel instead of using a plate. The paper towel will absorb grease and moisture released during cooking, making cleanup easier. Tuck the ends of the paper towel under the edges of the plate to prevent it from falling off in the microwave.
• Cook on high: Start with 40-50 seconds for one hot dog and add about 20 seconds for each additional hot dog. Different microwaves have different wattages, so adjust the cooking time as needed. For example, if your microwave has a higher wattage, use a shorter cooking time.
• Check the doneness: When the initial cooking time is up, check if the hot dogs are warmed up all the way through. If not, microwave them for an additional 30 seconds and test again. Repeat this process until your hot dogs are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Remove and serve: Carefully remove the hot dogs from the microwave, being cautious of any trapped steam that may cause burns. Serve the hot dogs in buns and enjoy!

Some additional tips for using a microwave to cook hot dogs:

• It is recommended to pierce the hot dogs a few times with a sharp utensil before cooking. This allows steam to escape and prevents the hot dogs from bursting. However, some sources claim that piercing the hot dogs may dry them out during cooking. Ultimately, the choice is yours, especially if you're only cooking for a short time.
• You can also warm the buns in the microwave. Place the bun face-down on a paper towel, wrap it in the paper towel, and microwave for 10-15 seconds. Check if it has reached your desired warmth and texture, and add more time if needed. Avoid microwaving the bun with the hot dog inside, as the steam from the hot dog will make the bun soggy.
• If you prefer toasted buns, you can use a toaster or broiler, or rub the inside of the bun with oil and toast it in a hot pan or griddle.

How to check if your hot dogs are cooked

Hot dogs are typically precooked, so when you prepare them, you are just heating them up. Here are some ways to check if your hot dogs are cooked:

Using a Thermometer

The most accurate way to check if your hot dogs are cooked is to use a food-grade thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the hot dog, either through one of the ends or along the side. According to the USDA, if the internal temperature is 160°F or higher, it’s safe to eat.

Visual Inspection

You can also check if your hot dog is done by looking at it. A cooked hot dog will have a dry, crispy exterior with a slightly pink centre.

Listen for a Hissing Sound

When a hot dog is done cooking, you will start to hear a hissing or sputtering sound. This is caused by the juices inside the hot dog bubbling and indicates that the heat has reached the middle of the hot dog.

Check the Slits

Before cooking, you can cut slits into your hot dogs to help them cook faster and give the juices somewhere to go. As the hot dogs cook, you will notice these slits expanding. When the hot dogs are done, they will look like they are busting out of their skin.

Time and Temperature

Hot dogs typically take between 4 and 8 minutes to cook, depending on the environment, the type of grill or steamer you are using, and the size of the hot dog. The temperature for grilling hot dogs should be between 250°F and 350°F.

Remember, when in doubt, it is always best to throw out food that you are unsure about. Trust your instincts and don't take the risk of eating something that might be bad.

Why you shouldn't pierce your hot dogs

To cook hot dogs in a steamer, first fill a pot with 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steaming basket over the boiling water, add 2-3 hot dogs, and cover them to trap the steam inside. Let the hot dogs cook in the steam for about 2-3 minutes.

Now, here are some reasons why you shouldn't pierce your hot dogs:

• Piercing hot dogs releases their juices, making them dry and less juicy. The juices inside the hot dog are what give it flavour and moisture, so you want to keep them inside the hot dog during cooking.
• Piercing hot dogs can also cause them to split or burst. The casing of the hot dog may not be able to withstand the pressure from the steam building up inside, causing it to rupture. This will not only make a mess but will also result in dry, less tasty hot dogs.
• Poking holes in hot dogs can also increase the risk of food poisoning. The holes provide an entry point for bacteria, which can then grow and multiply during the cooking process. By keeping the hot dog intact, you reduce the risk of contamination and foodborne illness.
• Finally, piercing hot dogs is simply unnecessary. Hot dogs are usually pre-cooked, so there is no need to test for "doneness" by piercing or splitting them. A better way to check if your hot dogs are ready is to look for visual cues, such as browning and curling, or use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

How to steam hot dogs without a steamer

If you're craving a juicy hot dog but don't have a steamer, there are several ways to achieve that perfect steamed hot dog. You can use a stovetop, a microwave, or even make your own DIY steaming device! Here are some detailed instructions for each method:

Stovetop Steaming:

• Fill a medium-sized pot with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil.
• Wrap your hot dog with aluminum foil, leaving one end open.
• Place the wrapped hot dog diagonally across the pot, ensuring the open end is facing up.
• Cover the pot with a lid and let the hot dog steam for around 5-7 minutes.
• Remove the hot dog from the foil, and it's ready to be served in a bun with your favorite toppings!

Microwave Steaming:

• Place your hot dog in a microwave-safe dish.
• Add a small amount of water to the dish, just enough to cover the bottom.
• Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe wrap.
• Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the hot dog is thoroughly heated and steaming.
• Be cautious when removing the cover, as steam will escape.

DIY Steaming Device:

• Take a large pot and fill it with about 2 inches of water.
• Place a heat-safe plate or a steaming rack at the bottom of the pot, above the water level.
• Arrange your hot dogs on the plate or rack.
• Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium-high and let the hot dogs steam for approximately 10-12 minutes.
• Once steamed to your liking, serve them in soft buns with your favorite condiments.

Alternative Stovetop Method:

If you prefer, you can also use a stovetop steamer basket or a colander to achieve similar results. Here's how:

• Fill a pot with 3-4 inches of water and bring it to a boil.
• Place a steaming basket or colander over the boiling water, ensuring it doesn't fall into the pot.
• Add 2-3 hot dogs to the basket or colander, spacing them out evenly.
• Cover the hot dogs to trap the steam inside. You can use a lid or aluminum foil.
• Let the hot dogs cook in the steam for about 2-3 minutes.
• Remove the hot dogs carefully using tongs and serve.

So, there you have it! You don't need a steamer to enjoy delicious, juicy steamed hot dogs. With a few simple kitchen tools and a bit of creativity, you can make perfect steamed hot dogs right at home.

Frequently asked questions