Grilled Hot Dogs

By Ali Slagle

Published June 28, 2024

Grilled Hot Dogs
Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
35 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Rating
4(131)
Comments
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A crisp, snappy, juicy hot dog isn’t necessarily difficult to achieve, but two key steps ensure that yours won’t end up wrinkly, burnt or dry. First, let the flame mellow to a moderate heat, which will prevent bursting and provide ample time to pick up smoke from the grill. Second, arrange the hot dogs parallel to the grates. That way, the rods act like a sling, exposing more of the hot dogs for more browning and keeping them from rolling around. With a well-cooked hot dog, toppings can be as minimal or imaginative as you’d like. (For natural-casing hot dogs, see Tip.)

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Ingredients

Yield:As many as you like
  • Hot dogs, patted dry
  • Hot dog buns
  • Toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, relish and chopped white onions
Ingredient Substitution Guide
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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare a medium fire, setting a gas grill to moderate heat or waiting for charcoal to ash over after its flames die down. (Medium is 325 degrees to 375 degrees. You should be able to hold your hand 4 to 5 inches above the grates for 6 to 7 seconds.) Arrange the coals on one side of the grill or turn off one burner so part of the grill is unheated.

  2. Step 2

    Clean the grates. Place the hot dogs on the hot side of the grill parallel to the grates with at least an inch between each. Cook, rotating every minute or so, until plump and browned to your liking, 6 to 10 minutes. If using a gas grill, close the lid between turns.

  3. Step 3

    Move the hot dogs to the unheated part of the grill, then toast the insides of the buns over the fire, just a minute. Place the hot dogs in the buns, then top as you like.

Tip
  • Hot dogs made with natural casings split very easily on the grill. To avoid bursting and drying out the hot dog, prick the hot dog all over with a fork before grilling or simmer in water until warmed through, then char quickly on the grill for a minute or two.

Ratings

4 out of 5
131 user ratings
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Comments

Volinvs

If you need use these instructions to cook hot dogs on a grill you have no business being near one.

Fast Marty

Great recipe! I swapped out the hot dogs and used carrots. I blanched them first, then shocked them in ice water before placing them on the grill. For a special treat, I topped the grilled carrots with kale chips and fresh mango. Of course, I toasted the gluten-free buns and topped the carrots with kim chee. It was a big hit and part of our family's weekly rotation.

Joe

From Buffalo NY MUST use Sahlens hot dogs with natural casing My parents always simmered the hot dogs in water before grilling Webers mustard and piccalily Local Texas sauce also makes me happy

Pincho

I swapped hot dogs for my own arm and ended up with a third-degree burns :(

Michael Napa

Alas it seems neither Hoffy NC7 (the one used at famed Tommy’s Chiliburger around LA, or at least used to be ) or Vienna natural casing are available in California without going to a wholesaler and getting a five pound box, sometimes frozen. We use Caspers, locally made in the SF Bay Area, which are terrific, but would love to compare them with Hoffy (NC7 means natural casing seven inch hot dog) and Vienna, both delicious. Both were nationally available at retail at one time.

tim.martino

Maybe if you need this recipe, you have never had a grill, want to perfect your cooking, correct your method of cooking, or you just want to see how other doing it. Deciding who could even be remotely near a grill is just a wonderful, insightful, and helpful cooking note.Thank you, Volinvs

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