Steaming Hot Dogs: The Perfect, Easy 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 results in juicy hot dogs with a clean, simple flavour. To steam hot dogs, you can use a stovetop steamer, a microwave, or a countertop steamer. Here's a step-by-step guide to steaming hot dogs on the stovetop:

Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steaming basket over the boiling water and add the hot dogs, making sure they're spaced out evenly. Cover the hot dogs to trap the steam and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes. Carefully remove the lid, take out the hot dogs, and enjoy!

Using a stovetop steamer

Steaming hot dogs is a simple and effective way to cook them, and it's almost impossible to mess up! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam hot dogs using a stovetop steamer.

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

You will need a stovetop steamer, which consists of a pot with a steamer basket inside. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a skillet with a lid.

Step 2: Fill the Pot with Water

Fill the pot halfway with water. If using a skillet, add about 1 inch of water, just enough to cover the bottom of the skillet.

Step 3: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Place the hot dogs in the steamer basket or directly into the skillet. If using a skillet, make sure the water covers the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Cover and Cook

Cover the pot with a lid and place it on the stove. Turn the heat to high and wait for the water to boil and steam to form. If using a skillet, cover with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 5: Monitor and Add Water if Needed

Keep an eye on the steamer and add more water if the steam runs out before the hot dogs are fully cooked.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Hot dogs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Alternatively, a fully cooked hot dog will appear steaming hot all the way through the centre when broken in half.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once your hot dogs are cooked, serve them in toasted buns with your favourite condiments and toppings such as ketchup, mustard, onions, relish, sauerkraut, or cheese. Enjoy your delicious, steaming hot dogs!

Using a microwave

How to Steam Cook Hot Dogs in the Microwave

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

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Place the desired number of hot dogs on a microwave-safe plate. You can use a glass or ceramic plate. Avoid using plastic or metal plates. Line the plate with paper towels to absorb any grease and moisture that may leak out during cooking. Leave a little space between each hot dog to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Optional Piercing

You can optionally pierce the hot dogs a few times with a sharp utensil. This is a traditional step to release steam and prevent the hot dogs from exploding. However, some sources claim that this is not necessary and may dry out the hot dogs. If you are cooking multiple hot dogs or only microwaving for a short time, you may choose to skip this step.

Step 3: Cover and Cook

Cover the hot dogs with another layer of paper towel to retain moisture and ensure juicy hot dogs. Microwave on high power for the appropriate time, depending on the number of hot dogs:

• 1 hot dog: About 40 seconds
• 2 hot dogs: About 1 minute to 1 minute and 15 seconds
• 3-4 hot dogs: About 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes and 30 seconds
• 5-6 hot dogs: About 3 minutes to 3 minutes and 30 seconds
• 7-8 hot dogs: About 4 to 5 minutes
• 9-10 hot dogs: About 6 minutes

Check on the hot dogs halfway through the cooking process, as microwave power can vary. Adjust the cooking time as needed until the hot dogs are warmed to your desired temperature.

Step 4: Serve

Carefully remove the hot dogs from the microwave, being cautious of any trapped steam. Serve the hot dogs in buns or on their own with your favourite toppings and condiments. Enjoy!

Tips:

• You can enhance the flavour of the hot dogs by using broth, beer, or seasoning the water with spices like garlic powder, chilli flakes, or dried herbs before microwaving.
• If you want to warm the buns, place them in the microwave separately from the hot dogs to avoid sogginess.
• Always use microwave-safe dishes and utensils to avoid any hazards.

How to avoid soggy bread

Steamed hot dogs are a delicious treat, but no one wants to bite into a soggy bun. Here are some tips to avoid soggy bread when steam-cooking hot dogs:

Choose the Right Bun:

Start by selecting the right type of bun. Whole-grain products are recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians because they contain complex carbohydrates that help you feel fuller faster and stay satiated longer. Avoid bread products that are overly sweetened. Check the ingredient list to ensure whole grain is the first ingredient and there is no added sugar.

Stovetop Steaming:

If you're steaming hot dogs on the stovetop, fill a pot with about a quarter-inch of water. Place a steam basket inside the pot, ensuring the water level is below the bottom of the basket. Bring the water to a boil. Place the buns inside the basket, cover the pot, and steam for about 30 seconds. Use hot tongs to remove the buns from the steamer basket to avoid getting them soggy.

Oven Steaming:

To steam buns in the oven, first, heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spritz the buns with a fine mist of water, then wrap them in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped buns in the oven for approximately 10 minutes. This method helps keep the buns moist without becoming soggy.

Microwave Steaming:

For steaming in the microwave, spritz a towel (either cloth or paper) with water. Wrap the buns in the damp towel and place them in the microwave. Cook on high power for approximately one minute. The towel helps trap the moisture and prevents the buns from drying out or becoming soggy.

Remember, the key to avoiding soggy bread is to not over-steam the buns. Keep a close eye on them during the steaming process, as even a few extra seconds of steam can make a difference. With these tips, you can enjoy perfectly steamed hot dogs with buns that are warm and moist, but not soggy.

How to get the perfect temperature

The perfect temperature for a hot dog is between 140-165°F (60-74°C). This is the range in which the hot dog will be at its juiciest, and you'll avoid drying out or bursting the skin.

Using a Meat Thermometer

The best way to ensure your hot dog is at the perfect temperature is to use a meat thermometer. Poke the thermometer into the centre of the hot dog to get a reading. If you don't have a thermometer, you can check by halving the hot dog and ensuring it is steaming hot all the way through.

Stovetop Steaming

If you are steaming your hot dogs on the stovetop, bring a pot with 3-4 inches of water to a boil. Place 2-3 hot dogs in a steaming basket above the water, cover, and steam for 2-3 minutes. Check the temperature, and continue to steam in 30-second intervals until the perfect temperature is reached.

Microwave

When microwaving, wrap your hot dog in a paper towel and cook on high for about 45 seconds. Check the temperature, and continue to cook in 30-second intervals until the hot dog is hot all the way through.

Poaching

Poaching is an effective way to get your hot dog to the perfect temperature. Heat water in a saucepan to between 150-155°F. Slip in your hot dogs and let them warm up. If the water gets too hot, drop in a few ice cubes to cool it down. After 10 minutes, your hot dogs should be at the perfect temperature.

Grilling

Grilling can be a little more tricky as the high heat is hard to regulate. To avoid drying out or burning your hot dogs, cook them on the cooler side of the grill, turning them every minute or so, until they are heated through. If you want to add some colour, finish them on the hotter side of the grill for a few seconds.

Broiling

Broiling is a good way to finish off your hot dogs and get them to the perfect temperature. Place the broiler tray about 6 inches from the heating element and broil for a few minutes until you see some charring.

How to store leftovers

When storing leftover hot dogs, it's important to act fast. Bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature, so make sure to refrigerate your hot dogs within two hours of cooking.

To maximise the shelf life of cooked hot dogs, store them in shallow, airtight containers. You can also wrap them tightly with heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Properly stored, cooked hot dogs will last for three to four days in the refrigerator. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Frozen hot dogs will maintain their best quality for about one to two months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time.

When freezing hot dogs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Place them in a freezer bag or container, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. This will help to prevent freezer burn, which can affect the taste and texture of the hot dogs.

Remember, hot dogs are highly processed and full of preservatives, so they can last a long time. However, it's still important to practise food safety and store your leftovers correctly.

Frequently asked questions