Hot Dog

Hot dogs, a popular and versatile ingredient, often raise questions about the best cooking methods, toppings and variety of uses. A common mistake when cooking hot dogs is exposing them to high heat for an extended period of time, which can result in a dried out, tough texture. For a juicy hot dog, they should be cooked on a medium heat and turned occasionally for even cooking. A well-cooked hot dog should have a bit of a 'snap' to the bite. While hot dogs are traditionally served in a bun with condiments, they can also be used in a different recipes like hot dog casseroles, bean dishes or even sliced and used on top of pizza for an unconventional topping. A less known trick for hot dogs is to make 'spiral' cuts along its length before grilling. This not only gives the hot dog an attractive look, but also provides more surface area for the hot dog to get crispy while cooking. Another tip to enhance the flavor is to simmer them in a beer, broth or water with various spices before grilling. This method adds a lot of flavor to the hot dog.