Juicy Grilled Hot Dogs Recipe | How to Cook Them Just Right?

Unlock the secret to incredibly juicy and flavorful grilled hot dogs with this simple recipe. By simmering them in a savory beer bath with onions or sauerkraut before giving them a final char on the grill, you’ll achieve a perfect snap and an unforgettable taste.

This method ensures your hot dogs are moist on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside, making them the star of any barbecue or cookout. Get ready to elevate your grilling game!

What You’ll Need for Perfect Hot Dogs?

Here are the simple ingredients to make the most of your grilled hot dogs.

• 4 cups stewed hot-dog onions or 1 (1-pound) package sauerkraut
• 2 (12-ounce) bottles lager or light ale
• 2 pounds (about 16) natural casing all-beef hot dogs (such as Boar’s Head or Dietz & Watson)
• Hot dog buns, for serving
• Mustard, for serving

How to Grill the Juiciest Hot Dogs?

Follow these steps for a flawless grilled hot dog experience.

Step 1: Prepare the grill

Light a chimney full of charcoal. Once lit and covered with gray ash, arrange the coals on one side of the grate. For a gas grill, set half the burners to the highest heat. Cover and preheat for 5-10 minutes, then clean and oil the grilling grate.

Step 2: Combine ingredients

In a 12-inch or larger cast iron skillet, place the stewed onions (with juices) or sauerkraut and add the beer. Nestle the hot dogs into the mixture.

Step 3: Simmer the hot dogs

Place the cast iron pan on the hot side of the grill and cook until the liquid is simmering, which takes about 7-10 minutes. Then, slide the pan to the cooler side of the grill. Cover the grill and cook until the hot dogs are heated through, about 10 minutes, turning them once halfway through.

Step 4: Grill and serve

Remove the hot dogs from the skillet and place them directly on the cooking grates over the hot side of the grill. Cook, turning occasionally, until they are well-browned and crisp, about 3 minutes in total. Return the hot dogs to the cast iron pan. Toast the buns on the grill if desired. Serve the hot dogs with buns, mustard, and the onions or sauerkraut.

Your Grilling Questions Answered

What are the best hot dogs for grilling?

Natural casing all-beef hot dogs are highly recommended for their superior flavor and satisfying snap when you bite into them. Brands like Boar’s Head or Dietz & Watson are excellent choices.

How do I keep my hot dogs from splitting on the grill?

The key is to simmer them first in a liquid like beer. This heats them through gently. Then, a quick sear on the hot side of the grill gives them color and char without causing them to burst.

Can I make this recipe without a charcoal grill?

Absolutely! You can use a gas grill. Just set half the burners to high heat to create a hot zone and a cool zone, mimicking a charcoal grill setup.

What’s the purpose of the beer bath?

The beer, along with the onions or sauerkraut, not only adds a tremendous amount of flavor to the hot dogs but also keeps them incredibly moist and juicy throughout the cooking process.

Pro-Tips for Next-Level Hot Dogs

• Toast Your Buns: Don’t forget to lightly toast the hot dog buns on the grill for a minute or two. It adds a nice texture and warmth.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure your cast iron skillet is large enough to comfortably hold the hot dogs and liquid without being too crowded.
• Experiment with Toppings: While mustard is a classic, feel free to get creative with other toppings like relish, chili, cheese, or different types of onions.