Wirecutter did a cook-off and declared Seattle-style hot dogs the winner, so of course we had to do our own taste test. The dog they presented had a toasted potato bun spread on one side with cream cheese, a grilled and butterflied beef hot dog, caramelized onions, squirts of sriracha and spicy brown mustard, and a topping of sliced jalapeños. We had to improvise somewhat, using a supermarket roll with our poppyseed bun hack and a natural casing Kayem beef and pork frank because that’s what we had on hand, but I don’t think it had a major effect on our judging.
Here’s our rendition of the Seattle-style hot dog.
There’s a lot to like about this dog. The cream cheese adds substance and a background richness I’d like to try with other toppings. The jalapeños offer a vegetal freshness your nose will appreciate as you load it into your mouth. (The finished Seattle-style hot dog is bulky enough that you have to insert it end-forward like a torpedo going into its launcher.) Judge José Andres described the various ingredients as “diplomats” in the sense that they work well together, but the combo seemed a little… Seattle for us. We’ll stick with the street smarts of a New York dirty dog with a generous amount of onion sauce, or a Chicago-style dog when we want to kick up our heels a bit. (And note that the Chicago dog is topped with sport peppers to give those jalapeños a run for their money with a bonus kick of vinegar.)
Incredibly, the Chicago dog and New York dog were paired against each other in the first round of judging. That’s like seeing France and Spain paired up in the group stage of the World Cup. New York won but was knocked out in the next round by the Cincinnati dog, which is essentially Cincinnati Chili on a bun finished with a huge amount of grated cheese. (José Andres loved the cheese and is obviously swayed by muchness.)
You can watch the full video of the Wirecutter hot dog cook-off here.
Someone I know celebrated a signature birthday on July 4th, maybe that is why the fascination about hot dogs. The lowly dog is a reliable American food that is not for anyone who desires only healthy food inside their temple (body). I like Hebrew National (they answer to a HIGHER source) and really enjoy Nathan’s (not so much as to do a Joey Chestnut and down 60 plus at a sitting). I like the idea of caramelized onions, and a dill pickle and maybe a slice of tomato. That’s it, no mustard, no sauerkraut, certainly no ketchup. I will try the cream cheese, never thought of that option. The great thing about a hot dog is everyone can dress that puppy anyway they want. There is no one size fits all . . . be creative, add some heat, to each his own. On Independence Day in America each of us can crave and build the dog that makes us smile and yes, have another one just like the first one.
Yes it is true that anybody can dress the pup as they want which is the American way. Unless you try putting on ketchup of course in which case you are escorted out of the building.
A charming video with the new authentic like serial endorser José Andres. The Sonoran hot dog, which they call Arizona, is my favorite of this comically overdone style. And yep, once in a while, why not.