Steaming Hot Dogs: The Perfect Cooking Method

There are many ways to cook a hot dog, but steaming is one of the simplest methods. It's almost impossible to mess up, and it's a great option if you're short on time or kitchen equipment. Steaming produces juicy hot dogs with a clean, simple flavour, and there's little risk of burning or bursting the skin. You can steam hot dogs on the stove, in the microwave, or using a countertop steamer.

Stovetop steaming

Step 1: Prepare the equipment and ingredients

You will need a pot with a lid, a steaming basket or colander, and 2-3 hot dogs. You can also use a skillet with a lid instead of a pot and steaming basket.

Step 2: Boil the water

Fill the 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 3: Set up the steaming basket

Once the water is boiling, place the steaming basket or colander over the pot, ensuring that the water level is not too high and does not touch the bottom of the basket. Make sure the hot dogs are spaced out and not touching each other. If using a skillet, add 1 inch of water and place the hot dogs in the skillet.

Step 4: Cover and steam

Cover the pot with a lid or aluminium foil to trap the steam inside. This will ensure even cooking on all sides of the hot dogs. Be careful not to burn yourself on the sides of the pot when placing the lid.

Step 5: Cook the hot dogs

Let the hot dogs steam for about 2-3 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on how many hot dogs you are cooking and your desired level of doneness. The hot dogs are already cooked, so steaming is mainly to heat them to your preferred temperature.

Step 6: Check the temperature (optional)

If you want to be precise, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hot dogs. Aim for a temperature between 140-165 °F (60-74 °C) for the best consistency.

Step 7: Remove the hot dogs

Carefully remove the lid, being mindful of the escaping steam. Then, use tongs or a fork to take the hot dogs out of the colander and place them on a plate or directly into buns. Remember that the hot dogs will be very hot, so avoid handling them with your bare hands.

Step 8: Optional browning (optional)

If you prefer your hot dogs with a bit of browning on the sides, you can place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after steaming. This will give you the best of both worlds—a juicy steamed hot dog with a bit of char.

And that's it! You now have perfectly steamed hot dogs that are juicy and cooked evenly. Enjoy your delicious stovetop steamed hot dogs!

Using a microwave

Microwaving is the quickest way to cook a hot dog, taking less than a minute. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare Your Hot Dog

Use a fork or a small knife to pierce the hot dog a few times. This will let the steam escape from the hot dog and prevent it from exploding. However, some sources suggest that piercing the hot dog will let the juices run out, resulting in a dry hot dog. If you are using a particular brand of hot dog that claims this, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Place the Hot Dog on a Plate

Place the hot dog on a microwave-safe plate. Line the plate with a paper towel to absorb any grease and moisture. Leave some space between multiple hot dogs to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Cover the Hot Dog

Cover the hot dog with another paper towel. This will help retain moisture and ensure a plump, juicy hot dog. If you are cooking only a few hot dogs, you can roll them up in the first paper towel, ensuring the ends are tucked in so that the towel doesn't unravel.

Step 4: Microwave

Place the hot dog in the microwave and heat on high power. The cooking time will depend on the number of hot dogs and the wattage of your microwave. As a general guide:

• 1 hot dog: 30-45 seconds
• 2 hot dogs: 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds
• 3-4 hot dogs: 2 minutes to 2 minutes 30 seconds
• 5-6 hot dogs: 3 minutes to 3 minutes 30 seconds
• 7-8 hot dogs: 4 to 5 minutes
• 9-10 hot dogs: 6 minutes

Check on your hot dog halfway through the cooking process. If it is still cold, continue cooking. If it is already warm, consider reducing the cooking time.

Step 5: Serve

Use oven mitts to carefully remove the hot dog and paper towel from the microwave, as steam may be trapped and cause burns. Serve the hot dog in a bun with your choice of toppings.

Tips:

• If you want to warm the bun, place it in the microwave without the hot dog for 10-15 seconds.
• Microwaving hot dogs in water is another option. Place the hot dog in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with water, and microwave on high for 75 seconds.
• You can also add flavour to your hot dog by microwaving it with liquid smoke. Add 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke to 1 cup of water, stir, and then submerge the hot dog in the mixture before microwaving.

Pan-frying

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Add water to a skillet or frying pan, ensuring the water level is about half an inch deep. You can also add a generous dab of butter or a few tablespoons of oil for a richer flavour. Turn the stove on to medium-high heat and heat the pan until the water starts to boil off.

Step 2: Cook the Hot Dogs

Gently place the hot dogs into the pan. It's best to cook only a few at a time with this method to ensure even cooking. Roll the hot dogs frequently to achieve an even browning on all sides.

Step 3: Serve

Once the hot dogs are browned to your liking, use tongs or a fork to remove them from the pan. You can also use this opportunity to toast your hot dog buns. Turn off the heat and place the buns face down in the leftover juices in the pan. Let them simmer for about 45 seconds for a rich and toasty flavour.

Tips:

• If you want to add an extra kick of flavour, try splitting the boiled hot dogs almost in half and opening them up. Then, add them to a hot pan with a little olive oil and cook over medium heat until browned on both sides.
• For a classic summertime experience, try grilling your hot dogs instead. You can achieve that iconic summer flavour by grilling your hot dogs over a charcoal or gas grill, giving them a smoky taste.

Grilling

If you're going to grill your hot dogs, here's how to do it. First, you'll want to prep your grill. Make sure it's free from any remnants of last time you used it, and that you have plenty of propane or charcoal. If you're using a charcoal grill, stack more coals on one side to create a hotter side and a cooler side. If you're using a gas grill, adjust the knob settings accordingly.

Turn on your grill and let it preheat. For a gas grill, preheat on high for 10-15 minutes. For a charcoal grill, preheat until the charcoal is covered with white ash. Once the grill is hot, reduce the heat to medium for standard beef franks and to medium-low for beef franks with lower fat content.

Now it's time to cook the hot dogs. Place them on the cooler side of the grill so that they can heat through without burning on the outside. You're looking for a perfect brownish-red colour. Cook for one minute on each side, then move them to the hot side of the grill and keep grilling until they're cooked to your liking.

Once your hot dogs are grilled to perfection, dress them up with your choice of toppings and dig in!

Oven-roasting

Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that your hot dogs cook evenly and develop a nice colour and texture.

Prepare the Hot Dogs:

Place your desired number of hot dogs in a pan or tray. You can use a casserole dish, a roasting pan, or even a baking tray, as long as it has a rim to catch any juices that may escape during cooking. For easier cleanup, consider lining your chosen dish with foil.

Cook the Hot Dogs:

Place the pan or tray with the hot dogs in the preheated oven and cook them for around 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the type of hot dogs you're using. You'll know they're done when they start to brown and curl slightly. Listen for that irresistible sizzle!

Serve:

Once your hot dogs have reached the perfect level of doneness, remove them from the oven and serve them up! You can top them with your favourite condiments and enjoy that juicy, oven-roasted goodness.

Customisation:

If you prefer your hot dogs extra crispy, you can turn on the broiler for a few minutes after cooking to give them a final char.

Tips:

• For an even easier cleanup, you can line your pan or tray with foil before placing the hot dogs in it.
• Keep an eye on your hot dogs to prevent overcooking or burning.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of hot dogs and toppings to find your perfect combination.

Frequently asked questions