The Authentic Chicago Hot Dog No Ketchup Zone

Chicago Hot Dog Recipe Dragged Through the Garden
By Fia MartinezUpdated:

Recipe Introduction

Ever wondered how they make those epic hot dogs in Chicago? Let's dive into the world of the Chicago hot dog recipe ! Honestly, it’s easier than you think. You know?

Taste of Chicago in Your Kitchen

The Chicago Style Hot Dog is a culinary icon. It represents the flavors of Chicago. Originating from the Windy City, it’s a source of local pride.

This recipe is easy and only takes about 20 minutes to make. This recipe yields one epic hot dog.

Why This Recipe Rocks

One of the best things? It's packed with veggies, making it almost healthy! It's perfect for a summer BBQ or a quick lunch.

What makes this authentic Chicago dog recipe special is the combination of fresh and pickled ingredients.

Let's Talk Chicago Dog Ingredients

Ready to make the best Chicago style hot dog ever? You'll need an all-beef frank, a poppy seed bun, yellow mustard, sweet green relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, chopped white onion, sport peppers, and celery salt.

Don't forget the poppy seed hot dog bun , it's a MUST.

No Ketchup?! Seriously?!

Now, before you even THINK about reaching for the ketchup, let me stop you right there! Ketchup on a Chicago dog? Fuggedaboutit! It's a cardinal sin in Chicago. Trust me on this.

Gear Up for Dragged Through The Garden Goodness

So, what do you need? A steamer basket and pot work great for that perfect steamed hot dog recipe . You'll also need tongs, a knife, and a cutting board.

Now, let’s get cooking!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, so you wanna nail a Chicago hot dog recipe ? Awesome! Let's talk about what you need. Trust me; it's all about the right ingredients.

You simply can’t fake the real deal!

Main Players

First things first, you need an all-beef frankfurter . Aim for one that is around 5-6 oz (140-170g) . Quality matters here.

Seriously. Get the good stuff. Next, poppy seed hot dog buns are vital, fresh and steamed for a legit Chicago style hot dog .

We are going to use 1 tablespoon of classic yellow mustard. Also, get ready for 1 tablespoon of that ridiculously green sweet relish! Do not be scared by the color! This is a quintessential Chicago dog ingredient .

You'll also want 1 large dill pickle spear . Finally, we need 2 firm tomato wedges . This is important! So they do not get too soggy on the bun.

Make sure that you have a 1/4 cup of finely chopped white onion. We will use 2 sport peppers (those little pickled bombs of spice).

Last, but certainly not least, you will need a dash of celery salt! Celery salt brings that unique taste. Oh my gosh, it makes all the difference.

Seasoning Secrets

Forget fancy spices! For an authentic Chicago dog recipe , simplicity is key. The mustard and relish are your base.

The sport peppers add the kick. Celery salt is the magic dust. Honestly, you are not making a best Chicago style hot dog without it.

If you can't find sport peppers, pickled jalapeños will add heat.

Gear Up!

You don't need a ton of fancy equipment to cook up this steamed hot dog recipe . A steamer basket and pot will do.

You can just put a little water in a pot if you do not have a steamer. Tongs are going to be your best friend.

Also, grab a knife and cutting board to get your veggies prepped. I cannot stress this enough, there is not a huge amount of equipment needed.

But you are going to need some basics.

Let's Make a Chicago Hot Dog Recipe: Dragged Through The Garden!

Okay, mate, let's tackle the legendary Chicago hot dog recipe ! Seriously, forget everything you think you know about hot dogs.

This isn't just any old frank in a bun. It's an experience. And remember, no ketchup! Seriously, don't even think about it.

It's a declaration of war on tastebuds.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First, get your ingredients ready. This is called mise en place , fancy, innit? Chop your onion, wedge your tomatoes, and get that neon green relish ready.

Honestly, finding the right relish can be a mission! Also, make sure you have your poppy seed hot dog bun ready to go.

Now's the time to also check you have all your Chicago Dog Toppings available.

step-by-step: Building Your Chicago Masterpiece

  1. Steam the bun. You can also warm it, but steamed is best.
  2. Steam the all-beef frank. About 3- 5 minutes does it. You want it hot, not rubbery.
  3. Place the frank in the bun. Obvious, but hey, gotta be thorough!
  4. Add 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard. Classic ballpark style. Don’t be shy.
  5. Add 1 tablespoon of that neon green relish. It's gotta be that colour, ya know?
  6. Add the dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, chopped onion, and sport peppers. Placement matters.
  7. Sprinkle generously with celery salt. This is key!
  8. Serve immediately! Don't let that masterpiece get cold.

Pro Tips for a Top-Notch Dog

  • Don’t boil the frank! Steaming keeps it juicy.
  • Find a good poppy seed bun. It really makes a difference.
  • Watch out you have enough Chicago Dog Ingredients to serve.

Honestly, learning how to make a chicago dog is a game changer, it is a unique experience, one you can share with family and friends at your BBQ.

If you’re looking for the best chicago style hot dog , this is the authentic Chicago dog recipe . Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Chicago Hot Dog Recipe

Alright, so you're gonna tackle this Chicago hot dog recipe , huh? Awesome! Here are some things I learned along the way that will really level up your Chicago style hot dog .

Serving Suggestions: Chicago Dog Toppings Galore!

Presentation wise, don't overthink it. Pile those Chicago dog toppings high! You want it to look like a real garden party on a bun.

I like to make sure the dill pickle spear is super visible. It adds a nice height. For sides, I always go with fries.

Honestly, what's a Best Chicago Style Hot Dog without fries? Maybe some lemonade to cut through all the flavor.

Storage Tips: Handle with Care

Honestly, this authentic Chicago dog recipe is best eaten right away. Who wants a soggy poppy seed hot dog bun ? But if you really need to store it, keep the toppings separate from the frankfurter and bun.

Reheat the frank (steaming is best - like 3- 5 minutes , remember!), then assemble everything fresh. I wouldn't even think about freezing this.

Seriously, just don't.

Variations: Tweak It (But Not Too Much!)

Okay, so, gotta watch the salt? Find low-sodium frankfurters and pickles. You could even try a veggie dog. If you can’t find sport peppers, pickled banana peppers or jalapenos can offer a similar tangy, spicy kick.

Nutrition Basics: What's in that Chicago Dog?

Roughly speaking, you're looking at around 350-450 calories. It is also a good source of protein. Remember, that bright green relish is surprisingly sweet.

So, yeah, there's sugar. I am not a nutritionist, so don't hold me to it!

So, there you have it! Honestly, making a Chicago hot dog recipe at home is so rewarding. I know, at first, you are intimidated with How To Make A Chicago Dog , but once you nail it, you'll never go back.

Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Okay, I'm intrigued! But what exactly makes a hot dog a Chicago Hot Dog? It's not just a dog with some onions, right?

You're spot on! It's way more than just a hot dog. A true Chicago Hot Dog recipe is an all-beef frankfurter in a poppy seed bun, loaded with yellow mustard, neon green sweet relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, chopped onion, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.

Ketchup is strictly forbidden think of it like wearing socks with sandals; just don't do it!

Finding all those specific ingredients sounds like a mission! Any substitutions if I can't find everything for this chicago hot dog recipe?

Totally understandable, sometimes tracking down those sport peppers is like searching for a needle in a haystack. If you can't find sport peppers, pickled banana peppers or jalapenos can offer a similar tangy, spicy kick. If you can't find neon green relish, a milder sweet relish is the next best option.

And a plain hot dog bun will do in a pinch if you can't get your hands on a poppy seed bun, but it won't be quite the same!

Is there any way to make this Chicago Hot Dog recipe a little healthier? All those toppings look delicious, but also…substantial!

You bet! Look for low-sodium frankfurters and pickles to reduce the salt content. You can also load up on the tomato, onion, and sport peppers for more veggies! Alternatively, you can substitute the all-beef frankfurter with a vegetarian hot dog. Just ensure the other ingredients are also plant based.

What's the best way to cook the frankfurter? Boiling, grilling, something else entirely?

For an authentic Chicago dog, steaming or poaching is the way to go. Steaming the frankfurter keeps it nice and plump. Boiling can make it rubbery and grilling isn't traditional. Try steaming the frankfurter in a steamer basket over simmering water until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party, or do I have to assemble them right before serving?

Chicago hot dogs are best enjoyed fresh, like a perfectly brewed cuppa. Assembling them ahead of time will make the bun soggy. The toppings will lose their crispness. You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the onions, slice the tomatoes, have your relish and mustard ready to go.

That way you can assemble them quickly when your guests arrive.

The Authentic Chicago Hot Dog No Ketchup Zone

Chicago Hot Dog Recipe Dragged Through the Garden Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:15 Mins
Cooking time:5 Mins
Servings:1 hot dog

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories400
Fat25g
Fiber3g

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineAmerican
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