The 47-Second Trick for Infinitely Better Hot Dogs
The "dog days of summer" might actually be named after Sirius (aka the Dog Star), but I choose to believe it's an homage to hot dogs, which we all know are best consumed when it's hot outside. Whether you're at a campsite, a cookout, a picnic in the park, or just standing on your deck or fire escape, hot dogs are the correct summer meal move.
But what if I told you I could help you make your hot dogs a whole lot better? You see, I've been a spiralized hot dog evangelist for a long time. That passion stretches back at least 11 years, when I saw a Chowhound video (RIP) starring the springy sausages. More recently, the superior sausages have gone viral on TikTok.
When I saw the Chowhound video I was instantly intrigued. Once I made them my hot dog life changed and I started annoying all of my friends with my new-found passion. Are you ready for your hot dog life to be forever changed? Read on!
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What Are Spiralized Hot Dogs?
Back when I first heard about these delicious dogs, spiralized vegetables weren't a thing, so I spent a lot of time explaining the meaning of spiralized. But we're all well-versed in zoodles now, so you get the general idea. You cut down the length of the hot dog (more details on how to do that below) so the sausage opens up in a corkscrew shape.
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How Do You Make Spiralized Hot Dogs?
You have a few options here.
1. Use a knife. If you want to keep things super simple, you can simply slice the hot dog with a knife. You'll start at one end of the hot dog and slice down the sausage at a 45-degree angle, being very careful not to cut all the way through.
Pros: No extra equipment.
Cons: You have a high chance of cutting through the dog if you're not careful and not using a super-sharp knife.
2. Use a skewer and a knife. This is the most common method, and the method that we use in our house most often. Carefully stick a skewer (wooden or metal) through the hot dog. Go slowly to keep the skewer centered in the dog. If the skewer pops through one side, just slowly pull it back toward you and try again. In addition to being delicious, hot dogs are very forgiving.
Once the skewer is all the way through the hot dog, use a sharp knife to make a 45-degree cut all the way down the length of the dog. To create deep grooves you want to cut all the way down to the skewer.
Pros: Virtually foolproof.
Cons: You might not have a skewer handy.
3. Use a hot dog spiralizer. In case you didn't believe me when I professed my passion for spiralized hot dogs, let me share with you that my husband once bought me a tool that's tailor-made for this very task. If that's not love, I don't know what is.
To use this tool, insert the hot dog in one end, then push your finger against the hot dog as you roll the tool along a cutting board or counter. The plastic blade in the tool with slice through the dog.
Pros: It's fun to use and is a conversation starter.
Cons: It's a single-use gadget and it takes a while to get the hang of using the tool. Also, the plastic blade doesn't create as deep a cut as the skewer method.
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Charcoal Companion CC2032 Hot Dog Spiralizer Grilling Tool
Nina Elder
Why Are Spiralized Hot Dogs So Great?
You might be wondering if this extra work is worth it. Of course I think it is, but let me try to convince you further with this compelling list.
1. Cool grooves for trapping toppings. Plain old hot dogs are tubes and tubes are great at catching things. But spiralized dogs have lots of grooves that things like relish and caramelized onions can snuggle into. Since my spiralized hot dog journey began I can confidently say that I haven't had a single relish sliding situation, which wasn't the case in the before-spiralized-hot-dog times.
2. More crispy bits. We all know that the best part of a hot dog are the crispy caramelized bits that happen when the sausage crisps up on the grill or in a skillet. The many many edges created when you spiralize a hot dog give you more spots for that browning to happen and more browning equals more flavor.
3. A better bun-to-dog ratio. Does this sound nerdy? It sure does, but it's also true. Spiralized hot dogs are longer than regular dogs, so they fill the hot dog bun more fully. No more dry, boring bites of just hot dog bun!
4. Just look at them! Sure, there are practical reasons why spiralized hot dogs are superior, but let's not forget about the fun factor. It's summer. Live a little! If a hot dog that looks like a spring doesn't make you smile, let's talk.
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What To Top Spiralized Hot Dogs With?
I mean pretty much anything goes, but here are some ideas to get you started.
? Ketchup, mustard and relish
? Barbecue sauce
? Coleslaw
? Potato salad (don't knock it til you try it)
? Chili
? Cheese sauce
? Kimchi
? Fried onions
? All the peppers (sweet and/or spicy)
? Mac and cheese (why not?)
? Crispy bacon
