Why Aren't You Marinating Your Hot Dogs?

Ingredient combinations for a hot dog marinade

If you're just starting out with marinating meat, a hot dog is an excellent choice. With the essential components of a marinade—acid, fat, and seasonings—you can create countless flavor combinations to enhance your hot dog, so choose one that complements your favorite toppings.

For a classic barbecue taste, mix BBQ sauce with honey, smoked paprika, and a dash of apple cider vinegar to create a sweet, savory, and tangy hot dog that pairs perfectly with baked beans and potato salad. For a more intricate Asian-inspired marinade, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for a rich umami flavor with a hint of spicy sweetness and a delightful allium kick. Don’t forget to add some slaw on top! If you prefer something straightforward, a marinade of olive oil, parsley, garlic, onion powder, and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice offers a familiar taste that goes well with any side dishes and toppings.

Whether you grill them to perfection or quickly fry them on the stovetop, marinating hot dogs will elevate your dining experience from mundane to remarkable. Who knows, you might even persuade your friends and family that yours are among the finest Chicago-style hot dogs in the country. Unless, of course, you lean towards New York-style dogs, but that’s a different topic altogether.