Do you have that passion for hot dogs? Well, it’s National Hot Dog Day on July 17, so maybe you should.
Hot dogs are “high culture, they’re low culture, they’re sports food and they’re hangover food,” Jamie Loftus comments in her book “Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs.”
“They’re deeply American for reasons that few people can explain but everyone has been told their entire lives.”
Americans have a profound love for hot dogs, purchasing 20 billion hot dogs annually, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.
“When I think of hot dogs, I think of families coming together around the grill, and to me that is an American feeling,” Vanessa Lara, 30, co-owner of Coney Burger in Miami, previously shared with USA TODAY.
This versatile food is so cherished that there once was a giant, 65-foot hot dog sculpture in Times Square that shot confetti from the tip.
Debates often arise over whether Chicago’s dogs are superior to New York’s or Coney Island’s, but regardless, hot dogs hold a significant spot in American culture.
Ready to enjoy one? Here’s everything you need to know about cooking a hot dog.
How do you cook a hot dog?
There are various methods for cooking a hot dog. Some might even choose to eat them cold, straight from the package, though this might not be suitable for everyone.
The Food and Drug Administration advises that those at higher risk of foodborne illness should reheat hot dogs until steaming hot to avoid the threat of listeriosis.
Once you’ve purchased your hot dogs, these steps will help you create the perfect hot dog to celebrate the day, according to Nathan’s Famous.
Nathan’s, of course, suggests using their brand of hot dogs, but the brand choice is up to the cook. Make sure to check the brand’s specific cooking instructions.
Here’s what Nathan’s recommends for different cooking methods:
How to cook a hot dog on the stove
Pour some water into a frying pan or skillet, covering the surface with half an inch of water. Set the stove to medium-high heat and wait for the water to boil. Carefully add hot dogs, cooking a few at a time. Steam and roll frequently to brown the hot dogs on all sides. Use tongs to remove them from the pan and serve.
How to cook a hot dog on the grill
Turn on the grill and ensure one side is hotter than the other. Cook the hot dogs for one minute on each side on the cooler side of the grill until they turn a brownish-red color. Move them to the hotter side of the grill if they haven’t developed a rich brown color. Serve once they reach the desired shade.
“Lay the dogs at an angle for that beautiful, diagonal char mark that makes your mouth water,” Nathan’s website advises.
How to microwave a hot dog
Wrap the hot dog in a paper towel and place it in the middle of the microwave or put it on a plate and cover the plate with a paper towel. Cook on high for 40 to 50 seconds. If microwaving multiple hot dogs, add 20 seconds for each additional hot dog. Check if they are warmed up, and if not, cook for an additional 30 seconds. Once done, carefully unwrap the hot dog, being cautious of the steam which can burn you.
No matter how you choose to warm up your hot dogs today, relish the moment. This hot dog holiday only comes once a year.