Most of us agree that grilling is the only way to cook hot dogs properly. A hot dog that is boiled, steamed, or fried is not the same in terms of texture, flavor, and snap. But sometimes, especially when cooking for many people, we need to keep some warm while the rest is cooking. So, how should you keep your hot dogs warm and moist after you’ve grilled them?
There are a few ways to keep your grilled hot dogs warm and moist. First, you can transfer the grilled hot dogs to cool areas on the grill that aren’t over direct heat. You can also use the old and trusted method of wrapping the hot dogs in aluminum foil. Lastly, keep the hot dogs in a beer batter.
According to USDA food safety regulations, it is essential to keep hot food like hot dogs hot after cooking.
Since the hot dogs were already warmed up during the cooking process, and therefore you’re not planning to eat them cold, you should eat them sooner rather than later.
But let’s look at the process of keeping them warm and moist a little more closely.
How To Keep Hot Dogs Warm And Moist
Timing is everything when it comes to keeping a hot dog warm and moist after grilling. First, you want to do everything to please the crowd.
You’ve grilled enough hot dogs, but now you need to keep them warm and moist for second or even third helpings. Or maybe some guests are running late; you don’t want to disappoint them, either.
You must have your timing right to get the maximum flavor and juiciness out of the hot dog. Now the question is, how long do you need to keep the hot dogs warm and moist?
Will it only be a few minutes, or could it be for hours?
You can use three methods to keep those awesomely smoked hot dogs warm and moist after they are grilled.
The first method almost makes it too easy, and you will not want to use the other methods. But keep in mind that this way is also the one that carries the highest risk of the hot dogs becoming dry and shriveled after a few minutes.
Method 1: As Easy As 1, 2, 3
You already have a heated grill, so use it to your advantage. With this method, you can simply move all the coals to one side of the grill and place the grilled hot dogs on the side that does not have direct heat.
The same rule applies if you use a gas grill – only light the burners in one part of the grill while keeping the hot dogs in the cooler area where the burners aren’t lit.
The heat from the coals or burners will help the grill stay warm, keeping the hot dogs from going cold.
Also, close the grill lid if you have one to try and keep as much moisture inside as possible. Otherwise, you can place a large piece of aluminum foil over the hot dogs to keep them from losing their texture and flavor as they dry out.
There are two downsides to this method. The first is that if you use a charcoal grill, the coals are probably already dying out and losing heat fast, which means that your guests may have to eat fast, as this method will not keep the hot dogs warm and moist for long.
The second downside is that your hot dogs may dry out much faster than other methods, even with the cover.
When using this method, you should keep in mind the rules of food safety. The USDA states that hot food should be kept hot.
If the temperatures drop to 140 0F or lower, bacteria can grow, and you are at risk of foodborne illness.
Method 2: Using Aluminum Foil
The most crucial factor to always remember is whether the method you’re using compromises the flavor, texture, or smokiness of the cooked food.
Using the aluminum foil method ensures you are safe; the hot dogs will have the same texture and flavor as if they just came off the grill.
It does require some patience and a lot of aluminum foil, though. Once the hot dogs are grilled to perfection, you can place the rolls on the grill to warm and toast them up.
This will help to keep those hot dogs warm and moist.
Now place the hot dog in a roll and wrap each roll with aluminum foil. Do not add condiments or sauces to the hot dog, as this will only ruin the roll and make it soggy.
Once they are all individually wrapped, you can either place them in the grill that is already starting to cool down or place the hot dogs in an insulated cooler to keep the heat and moisture inside.
Method 3: Use Wisconsin Beer Batter
Wisconsin Beer Batter is regarded by many as one of the miracles of modern cuisine. It helps to add flavor and texture to meat (it is handy for fish), but it also helps to keep heat and moisture in the meat, which is great for hot dogs.
You can prepare the Beer Batter before you even start fueling up the grill to use after cooking the hot dogs to keep them warm and moist. In addition, you can alter the batter recipe depending on how many hot dogs you will be serving.
This allows the hot dogs to bathe in the beer batter and achieves the primary goal of having warm and moist hot dogs, and adds a new depth in flavor.
It isn’t overly complicated, either. Simply follow these steps:
- Bring four cans of beer to a boil in a big saucepan or crockpot. As soon as the liquid starts to boil, bring the temperature down to a simmer.
- In another saucepan, sauté three large sliced onions in two tablespoons of oil or margarine. Cover the saucepan containing the onions with a lid and cook them slowly. Turn the onions often until they’re soft; do not caramelize them.
- Add the sautéed onions to the beer and transfer this liquid to a large enough foil pan, saucepan, or crockpot that can host the Wisconsin Beer Batter and the hot dogs simultaneously. Add the grilled hot dogs to the batter, which should cover all the hot dogs. If this is not the case, you can add more beer to the mixture.
- Keep the batter simmering on the grill while everyone slowly finishes the hot dogs.
The Wisconsin Beer Batter method is arguably the best way to keep your hot dogs warm and moist for a more extended period, but it does change the taste and texture (though most people would agree that it changes in a good way).
Final Word
It’s essential to keep your hot dogs warm and moist for optimal enjoyment if you are not going to eat them immediately. Some methods work better than others.
For example, placing them on the cool part of the grill will work perfectly if you only need to warm them for a few minutes.
But wrapping them in foil or soaking them in Wisconsin Beer Batter are better long-term solutions.
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Sources
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/hot-dogs-food-safety
https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-keep-hot-dogs-warm-for-a-party
https://www.insider.com/mistakes-when-grilling-hot-dogs-2019-6