Steaming Hot Dogs: The Perfect, Easy Method

Steaming is a great way to cook hot dogs, and you can achieve perfectly steamed hot dogs in several ways. One simple method is to use a pot with a steamer basket. Fill the pot halfway with water, place the steamer basket on top, add the hot dogs, cover with a lid, and cook on high heat until the water boils and steam is produced. You can also use a skillet with a lid, adding an inch of water to the bottom and cooking on high heat. Another option is to use a microwave – place the hot dogs in a microwave-safe bowl with an inch of water at the bottom, cover with plastic wrap, and cook until the water is hot and steaming. If you want to get creative, you can even use a pan with a lid or a slow cooker!

How to steam hot dogs in a microwave

Steaming hot dogs in the microwave is a convenient and quick way to cook them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparing the Hot Dogs

Firstly, decide on the number of hot dogs you want to cook. It is best to cook no more than four at a time to ensure even cooking. Place the desired number of hot dogs on a microwave-safe plate, leaving about one inch of space between each hot dog to allow for even heat distribution. If you are cooking for a larger group, work in batches to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Creating Steam

To create steam and prevent the hot dogs from drying out, cover the plate with a paper towel. The paper towel will absorb the moisture released from the hot dogs as they cook. If needed, tuck the ends of the paper towel under the edges of the plate to prevent it from falling off during microwaving. Alternatively, if you are cooking a single hot dog, you can wrap it in a paper towel instead of using a plate.

Cooking the Hot Dogs

Set your microwave to high power and cook the hot dogs for about 45 seconds. The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave's wattage and your desired level of doneness. After the initial 45 seconds, add extra cooking time in 30-second intervals until the hot dogs are at the desired temperature. To check if they are ready, carefully lift a corner of the paper towel and touch the centre of a hot dog. If it feels cool or warm, continue cooking in 30-second intervals until they are hot to the touch.

Final Steps

Once the hot dogs are cooked to your liking, remove them from the microwave and carefully take off the paper towel, being mindful of the escaping steam. Use a fork or tongs to transfer the hot dogs to a bun. It is recommended to let the hot dogs rest for a minute or two before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly and prevent burning your mouth. Enjoy your juicy microwave-steamed hot dogs!

How to steam hot dog buns

There are several ways to steam hot dog buns to make them soft and chewy. Here are some common methods:

Stovetop Steamer:

• Fill a pot with 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) of water and bring it to a boil.
• Place a steaming basket, a cooling/baking rack, or a toaster oven cooking grate over the pot.
• Put the buns on the steaming equipment and cover them with a lid or aluminium foil to trap the steam.
• Steam for about 30-60 seconds.
• Remove the buns from the steamer and serve.

Microwave:

• Wrap the buns in a damp paper towel.
• Place the wrapped buns in the microwave.
• Microwave for about 10 seconds for fresh buns or 30 seconds for frozen ones. Adjust the time depending on your microwave's power.
• Remove the buns from the microwave and serve.

Double Boiler or Chinese Bamboo Steamer:

• Boil a small amount of water in a double boiler or Chinese bamboo steamer.
• Put the buns in the steamer for about 20 seconds.
• Remove the buns from the steamer and serve.

Pot of Boiling Water:

• Boil a pot of water.
• Using tongs, hold the buns over the steam for about 30-60 seconds.
• Remove the buns from the steam and serve.

Grill:

• Lightly mist the outsides of the buns with water. If the buns are older, you can also mist a little water on the insides.
• Wrap the buns tightly in foil.
• Place the wrapped buns on the grill, flipping them once, while your hot dogs cook.

How to steam hot dogs on a stovetop

Steaming is a great way to cook hot dogs, as it ensures they are juicy and plump. It's also a very simple method, with little risk of burning or bursting the skin of the hot dog. Here's a step-by-step guide to steaming hot dogs on a stovetop.

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

You will need a pot with a lid, a source of heat (a stovetop burner), and a steaming basket or similar item such as a colander. You can also use a skillet with a lid, or a pan with a heatproof dish.

Step 2: Fill the Pot with Water

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

Step 3: Prepare the Steaming Basket

Place the steaming basket over the pot, ensuring it rests on the edges and doesn't fall in. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the basket. If you are using a colander or a heatproof dish, place this in the pot upside down.

Step 4: Add the Hot Dogs

Place 2-3 hot dogs in the steaming basket, making sure they are evenly spaced and not touching. If you are cooking more than this, you will need to do so in batches, as too many hot dogs will cook unevenly.

Step 5: Cover and Steam

Cover the pot with a lid or aluminium foil to trap the steam inside. Allow the hot dogs to steam for around 2-3 minutes. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 140–165 °F (60–74 °C).

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Carefully remove the lid, being mindful of the escaping steam. Then, take the hot dogs out of the basket with tongs and place them on a plate or straight into buns. You can add some char to the hot dogs by placing them under a broiler for 1-2 minutes.

Tips:

• If you want to steam your hot dog buns as well, you can place them on a cooking grate or cooling rack over the pot of boiling water.
• You can also wrap the buns in a damp paper towel and place them in the microwave for around 20 seconds.
• If you want to add flavour to your hot dogs, you can add ingredients such as beer or broth to the boiling water.

How to steam hot dogs without a steamer

Steaming is a great way to cook hot dogs, and you don't necessarily need a steamer to do it! Here are some methods you can use to steam hot dogs without a steamer.

Method 1: Using a Pot and Strainer/Colander

This method involves using a pot and a strainer or colander to steam your hot dogs. Here's what you need to do:

• Fill a pot with water: Start by pouring water into a pot until it reaches about one to two inches in height. Make sure the water level is below the strainer or colander when placed inside the pot.
• Place the strainer/colander in the pot: Put the strainer or colander into the pot, ensuring it rests above the water level. The hot dogs should sit on the strainer without touching the water.
• Add the hot dogs: Arrange the hot dogs on the strainer or colander, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not touching each other. This allows steam to circulate and cook them evenly.
• Cover the pot: Put a lid on the pot to trap the steam and create a sealed, moist environment for cooking.
• Heat the pot: Place the pot on the stove over medium to high heat and bring the water to a simmer or boil. The steam generated will cook the hot dogs.
• Steam the hot dogs: Let the hot dogs steam for about 2-3 minutes if using a colander, or 8-10 minutes if using a strainer. Cook until they are heated through and reach your desired level of doneness.
• Remove from heat and serve: Once done, carefully remove the hot dogs using tongs or a slotted spoon. Serve them in buns with your favorite toppings.

Method 2: Using a Microwave

If you're looking for a quicker method, you can use your microwave to steam hot dogs. Here's how:

• Prepare the hot dogs: Prick the hot dogs with a fork to allow steam to escape and prevent them from exploding in the microwave.
• Wrap the hot dogs: Take a damp paper towel and wrap it around each hot dog to create more steam during cooking.
• Arrange on a microwave-safe plate: Place the wrapped hot dogs on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
• Microwave on high power: Set your microwave to high and cook for about 1-2 minutes per hot dog. Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on your microwave's wattage and the desired level of doneness.
• Check for doneness: After cooking, carefully remove one hot dog and insert a meat thermometer into its center. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Allow to rest and cool: Let the hot dogs rest for a minute to distribute the heat evenly. Be cautious when removing them from the microwave, as they will be very hot.
• Serve and enjoy: Place the hot dogs in buns, add your favorite toppings, and savor your steamed creation.

Method 3: Using a Pan and Lid

If you don't have a steamer or a microwave, you can still steam hot dogs using a regular pan and a lid. Here's how:

• Add water to the pan: Fill a pan with about an inch of water, ensuring the water level is below the height of the hot dogs.
• Bring the water to a simmer: Place the pan on the stove over medium heat and bring the water to a simmer to create steam.
• Place a heatproof dish on top: Use a heatproof dish that is slightly smaller than the pan and place it upside down in the center. This will elevate the hot dogs above the water, allowing them to steam.
• Add the hot dogs: Arrange the hot dogs on the dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced for even cooking.
• Cover the pan: Put a lid on the pan to trap the steam inside and create a steamy environment.
• Steam the hot dogs: Allow the hot dogs to steam for about 8-10 minutes or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Remove from heat and serve: Once done, carefully remove the hot dogs using tongs or a slotted spoon. Serve them in buns with your favorite toppings.

Method 4: Using a Slow Cooker

If you have a slow cooker, you can use it to steam hot dogs without a steamer. Here's the process:

• Add water to the slow cooker: Fill the slow cooker with about an inch of water, being careful not to overfill it.
• Place a heatproof rack inside: Put a heatproof rack or a steamer basket inside the slow cooker to elevate the hot dogs and allow steam to circulate.
• Add the hot dogs: Arrange the hot dogs on the rack, ensuring they are evenly spaced for even cooking.
• Cover the slow cooker: Put the lid on to create a sealed, steamy environment.
• Cook on low heat: Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the hot dogs steam for about 2-3 hours, adjusting the time as needed depending on size and desired tenderness.
• Check for doneness: After cooking, remove one hot dog and check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Remove and serve: Carefully remove the hot dogs using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place them in buns, add toppings, and enjoy!

How long to steam hot dogs for

The length of time you steam your hot dogs for depends on the equipment you are using. If you are using a skillet with a lid, you should cook your hot dogs on high heat for about 2-3 minutes. If you are using a pot with a steamer basket, you should cook your hot dogs on high heat until the water boils and steam is produced. If you are using a countertop steamer, you should follow the instructions for your specific model, but most involve filling a water reservoir, setting the temperature, and steaming until the hot dogs reach an internal temperature of 165 °F. If you are using a microwave, you should cook your hot dogs for about 45 seconds on high, then add an extra 30 seconds at a time until they are at the right temperature.

Frequently asked questions