Boiling hot dogs plumps them up and leaches out some salt, but experts say this leaves them soggy and drags out flavor. Steaming plumps dogs and keeps them moist but does not create a smoky grilled flavor. Grilling can blacken hot dogs and burnt meat has potentially cancer-causing substances that should be avoided.
Hot Dog Consumption and Nutrition
According to Fox News, Americans eat 7 billion hot dogs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hot dogs are made of emulsified meat trimmings, traditionally from beef, pork or chicken, and are also processed with preservatives, coloring, and spices.
From a nutritional standpoint, hamburgers are usually considered a better option, providing about six times more protein than a hot dog, and contain significantly less sodium.
Cooking Techniques and Health Tips
It requires less propane to keep hot dogs hot in boiling water than to grill them. Boiling is also a faster method to prepare hot dogs compared to grilling.
To check if boiled hot dogs are done, consider their texture; wrinkled and darker skin usually indicates that they are cooked through. When cooking a larger batch, they may require additional time to fully heat.
To grill hot dogs in a skillet, warm it over medium heat and place the hot dogs directly in the skillet with no water, butter, or other substances. Steaming is an alternative method, reheating the hot dogs fully without adding any flavor.
For boiling, about six minutes is typically sufficient to cook hot dogs without causing them to split. Boiling or braising for an extended time can also render out much of the fat, although not eliminating it completely.
When selecting healthier hot dogs, look for options with less than 8 grams of fat, organic and nitrite-free, with less than 400 mg of sodium and more than 6 grams of protein. Over 60% of Americans prefer grilled hot dogs; however, care should be taken not to char them, as this process can produce carcinogens.
A healthy preparation of hot dogs includes seasoning the boiling water with garlic powder, spices, and cayenne pepper. Mustard is the preferred topping in America, with many frowning upon the use of ketchup.
For the healthiest consumption, choose hot dogs lower in fat and sodium, with less than 8 grams fat and 6 grams of protein. Fat-free versions may contain higher sodium levels, so opt for brands with less than 500 mg sodium. It’s advised to resist eating more than one to maintain a healthier diet.
Grilling provides the best flavor for hot dogs, resulting in a smoky exterior and a juicy interior. To mitigate the effects of sodium, stay hydrated to help flush it from your system and reduce bloating. It is also advisable to avoid processed meats that are high in sodium, such as chili-topped hot dogs.
Rinsing over-salted meats like salt pork or bacon can reduce salt content before consumption. However, "skinless" hot dogs often have more calories and fat than "natural casing" ones. Hot dogs sourced from grass-fed beef offer fewer calories and contain more beneficial fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
In summary, hot dogs should be enjoyed in moderation, cooked in a healthy manner, and topped with condiments like mustard, avoiding overly processed options and those high in fats and sodium.