Instead, I like to opt for higher quality all-beef hot dogs with natural casings, which are delicious and hold up well to a variety of condiments. All hot dogs were heated in simmering water (to avoid introducing any flavors that grilling or griddling might impart) and served both plain and with mustard. Make sure the grates are clean and free of gunk from previous grill sessions. However, if you're using raw hot dogs you get at the butcher's, you might find that splitting them open helps them cook more thoroughly. Once all the water evaporates, add a tablespoon of butter and cook the hot dogs a little longer to get a nice sear on them; Lightly toast the buns while the hot dogs are cooking. Overall Score: 3.5/10Snappiness: 4.1/10Saltiness: 4.5/10. Very sweet with not enough salt to balance it out. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Michigan has some of the highest hot dog standards in the country, disallowing the use of mechanically separated beef, an excess of fat and offal, and limiting the amount of water a hot dog can contain to just 10%. There are regional variations in flavor and style, but the basic concept is pretty much the same state-wide (and into New York state) and relies heavily on the quality of the hot dog. An all around tasty dog, if not archetypical. Question is: in a state full of great dogs, who makes the best? A hot dog isn't a hot dog unless it's hot, dog. Our favorite dog was the snappiest of the lot and the second saltiest. I'm originally from the bay area of California and had a craving for home. But a traditional... by Sarah Perry | What kind of turkey should you buy for Thanksgiving? © 2020 CHOWHOUND, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. 10 mistakes everyone makes when cooking hot dogs, usually made with a combination of beef and pork. Instead, I like to opt for higher quality all-beef hot dogs with natural casings, which are delicious and hold up well to a variety of condiments. Doing so allows steam to escape and avoids burning the exterior before you're finished cooking. Michigan has some of the highest hot dog standards in the country, disallowing the use of mechanically separated beef, an excess of fat and offal, and limiting the amount of water a hot dog can contain to just 10%. So I got some casper’s hot dogs because I love the snap of the casing. To prevent the casings from splitting, use the tines of a fork to poke holes all over the hot dogs and cook them over indirect heat on the grill grate. Cooking up a proper hot dog isn't rocket science, but it's not a fool-proof endeavor, either. The snappier the dog, the more people liked it. I was just wondering, what does everyone think is the best way to cook, or I guess reheat really, hot dogs with the casing like these? A surprise powerhouse, beating out the top seeded Koegel's by a 0.3 point margin for their saltier, snappier dogs. Fair criticisms both. Just for fun, what do you like with your hot dog? This hot dog stood out for having a deep smoky flavor that our tasters enjoyed, despite the fact that it's not a traditional component of a Michigan-style wiener. Dearborn dogs are mushy, but they're at least relatively tasty with a good level of seasoning. To avoid undercooking or overcooking your hot dogs, place them on the grill grate in indirect heat away from the flames. Sign up to discover your next favorite restaurant, recipe, or cookbook in the largest community of knowledgeable food enthusiasts. Boiling Hot Dogs on the Stove Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Avoid flatbreads. I know the latter sound less than ideal, but trust me, natural casing hot dogs beat skinless ones, for one very good reason: the casing's snappy texture. You want to place them just right so you don't lose any between the grates, and (just as important) you want to get those stunning grill marks. By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. Today, loyal fans worldwide can’t get enough of our Natural Casing Frankfurters. It's not a hoagie so you don't want a bun that's overly firm. If You're Not Spiral Cutting Your Hot Dogs, You're Making a Huge Mistake, How to Make Thanksgiving for One (or Two), The Best Turkey to Buy for Thanksgiving and How Much You Need, December 2020 Cookbook of the Month NOMINATIONS. Of all the brands we tried, with the exception of Greenfield Village, Kowalskis were the only ones to have a distinct (but very mild) smokiness. J. Kenji López-Alt is a stay-at-home dad who moonlights as the Chief Culinary Consultant of Serious Eats and the Chef/Partner of Wursthall, a German-inspired California beer hall near his home in San Mateo. If you see something not so nice, please, report an inappropriate comment. Add relish, sauerkraut, or even kimchi if you're feeling adventurous. Since most store-bought hot dogs are precooked anyway, they're already cooked through. Tasters were asked to comment on flavor and texture, and to rate the dogs on a scale from 1 to 10 for snappiness, saltiness, and overall preference. While hot dogs belong in the category of casual foods, that doesn't mean you should opt for the cheapest options available. Serious Eats' Halal Cart-Style Chicken and Rice With White Sauce, Taste Test: Jarred Pasta Sauces from Celebrity Chefs and Restaurants, Taste Test: The Best Spicy Brown Mustards, Taste Test: Frozen Versus Fresh Pearl Onions. Fresh Turkey for Thanksgiving - How Long in Frig? Hot dogs are a great food for experimenting with balancing different flavors. Join the discussion today. While some might argue that splitting a hot dog partway down the center or making small slashes on top keeps the casing from bursting and lets the frank cook all the way through, I see it as a wholly unnecessary step. You may unsubscribe at any time. Two bucks on a street corner, less than that if I'm lucky to be near a And how much turkey do you need per person? Sign up to discover your next favorite restaurant, recipe, or cookbook in the largest community of knowledgeable food enthusiasts.