If you’re cooking for a crowd, the oven is your friend. It’s a great way to heat multiple hot dogs evenly, so they all have that gorgeous char on the outside and are perfectly cooked on the inside.
Grilling
Grilling is a quick and easy way to make the best all-beef hot dogs. Before you start, clean the grates with a wire brush to ensure that any contaminants won’t be transferred from the grill onto your franks, which could taint their flavor or cause unwanted side effects like contamination or sickness.
Grill your franks over medium-low heat, rotating them occasionally to ensure even cooking and a nice crispiness on all sides. Make sure the flame is a good distance away from your franks so they don’t burn, and be careful not to overcook them, which will result in a mushy texture.
Soak your hot dogs in water for 3 to 5 minutes before grilling them to prevent overcooking. It allows the hot dog to cook through while retaining its shape. It is also recommended to spread just a dab of butter (he prefers garlic butter) on the bun before removing the frank to avoid burning it. Once it’s time to eat, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Pan-Frying
Pan frying is a great alternative to grilling when you want your hot dogs with that perfectly browned and crispy skin. Just add water to your frying pan and cook over medium heat. It should start to sizzle and steam; then, you can add your hot dogs and cook them, rolling them around frequently until they’re browned on all sides.
This method can also be useful if you’re cooking for a crowd and must prepare more than one pack of franks at a time or if the weather outside isn’t cooperating. Just use a high-quality nonstick skillet or pan and watch the heat. Turn down the heat if your pan starts to smoke or the food isn’t browning promptly!
You can also steam your hot dogs to save time. To do so, add water to a pan and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add your hot dogs and let them cook for 2-3 minutes. This will steam them and prevent their casings from bursting when cooked over high heat.
Boiling
If you love the charred texture and flavor of grilling but aren’t a fan of putting your franks on a hot plate or over a campfire, try boiling them instead. Start by filling a pan with water and bring it to a simmer, then add your hot dogs. They should cook for four to six minutes and then be removed with tongs to drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Add some beer to your boiling liquid if you’d like to give them extra flavor. (Just be sure to choose a low-sugar brand to avoid affecting the texture of your franks.)
Roasting hot dogs in the oven is another method for cooking them boiled. This technique is easy to clean up and works well for cooking a lot of hot dogs, like those for a party. They should be roasted for about 15 minutes on a baking sheet with parchment paper until browned.
Microwaving
When you’re in a hurry, microwaving is your best bet for getting the most bang for your buck. This method heats pre-cooked hot dogs quickly without drying them out.
The key to successful microwaving is covering the hot dogs with a paper towel or putting them on a plate covered with microwavable plastic wrap. This will help keep the heat trapped in the center of the hot dog and prevent exploding tough ends.
For optimal results, microwave the hot dogs for one minute per inch of their length. Rotating the hot dogs halfway through heating is a good idea to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Oven-Roasting
When it comes to hot dogs, only some agree on the best way to prepare them. Some swear by the classic grill, while others prefer a pan-fried frank, that’s crisp on the outside with a satisfyingly juicy interior. Others like to boil or microwave their dogs, but whichever method you choose, the key is achieving that perfect combination of the plump and juicy inside, crispy and golden (or even charred) on the outside.
Consider oven-roasting your hot dogs to achieve a result halfway between grilled and boiled. This method cooks them evenly so that they’re browned on all sides, and you don’t have to worry about overcooking them or turning them constantly. The method also works well if you’re cooking for a large crowd since it’s easy to bake multiple hot dogs at once.
Place the franks on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until heated and sizzling. If you’d like a crispier exterior, broil the hot dogs for two to four minutes.