Introduction
When it comes to iconic street food, the Chicago-style hot dog reigns supreme. Known for its unique combination of fresh toppings, an all-beef frank, and a poppy seed bun, this hot dog is a favorite across the Windy City. The special blend of ingredients creates a balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re enjoying one at a baseball game or on a lazy summer afternoon, the Chicago-style hot dog is sure to hit the spot. Just remember – no ketchup allowed!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 all-beef hot dog
- 1 poppy seed hot dog bun
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet green pickle relish
- 1 tbsp chopped onion
- 2 tomato wedges
- 1 dill pickle spear
- 2 sport peppers
- 1 dash of celery salt
Instructions
- Boil the hot dog: Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, place the hot dog in the water, and cook for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. Remove the hot dog from the water and set aside.
- Steam the bun: While the hot dog is resting, place a steamer basket in the same pot and steam the poppy seed bun for about 2 minutes until it’s warm and soft.
- Assemble the hot dog: Place the hot dog in the steamed bun. Pile on the toppings in this order: yellow mustard, sweet green pickle relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Make sure to nestle the tomato wedges between the hot dog and the top of the bun on one side, and the pickle spear on the opposite side between the hot dog and the bottom of the bun.
- Enjoy: Now your Chicago-style hot dog is ready to eat! Remember, no ketchup – it’s a Windy City rule.
Hot dog recipe
Ingredients
- 1 all-beef hot dog
- 1 poppy seed hot dog bun
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet green pickle relish
- 1 tbsp chopped onion
- 2 tomato wedges
- 1 dill pickle spear
- 2 sport peppers
- 1 dash celery salt
Instructions
- Boil the hot dog: Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, place the hot dog in the water, and cook for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. Remove the hot dog from the water and set aside.
- Steam the bun: While the hot dog is resting, place a steamer basket in the same pot and steam the poppy seed bun for about 2 minutes until it’s warm and soft.
- Assemble the hot dog: Place the hot dog in the steamed bun. Pile on the toppings in this order: yellow mustard, sweet green pickle relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Make sure to nestle the tomato wedges between the hot dog and the top of the bun on one side, and the pickle spear on the opposite side between the hot dog and the bottom of the bun.
- Enjoy: Now your Chicago-style hot dog is ready to eat! Remember, no ketchup – it’s a Windy City rule.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Total Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 10g |
Pro Tips
- Use all-beef hot dogs: For an authentic taste, make sure your HD is 100% beef. This is key to getting that true Chicago flavor.
- Don’t skip the poppy seed bun: The poppy seed bun is a classic element of a Chicago-style hot dog. If you can’t find one, you can sprinkle poppy seeds on a regular bun before steaming it.
- Steam, don’t toast: Steaming the bun makes it soft and pillowy, which contrasts nicely with the crunch of the toppings. Toasting won’t give you the same result.
- Layer the toppings in the right order: Follow the traditional order to get the perfect bite each time. This small detail makes a difference in the flavor balance.
- Go easy on the celery salt: A little goes a long way. It enhances the flavor of the toppings but too much can overpower the hot dog.
Tasty Tips:
- Add a dash of pickle juice: If you love pickles, drizzle a tiny bit of pickle juice over the hot dog before adding the toppings for an extra tangy kick.
- Chill the toppings: Keep your toppings cold before assembling the hot dog. The contrast between the HD and the fresh, cool ingredients makes each bite refreshing and flavorful.
- Try sport peppers on the side: If you’re unsure about the heat of the sport peppers, serve them on the side first. This way, you can add them gradually and adjust the spiciness to your liking.
- Double the relish: For an extra burst of sweetness, don’t be afraid to add a little more of that signature neon green pickle relish. It pairs wonderfully with the mustard.
FAQ’s
What makes a Chicago hot dog different?
A Chicago HD is unique for its all-beef frank, poppy seed bun, and strict topping order, with no ketchup allowed.
What are the 7 toppings on a Chicago hot dog?
The 7 toppings are mustard, sweet relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.
What is the hot dog rule in Chicago?
The golden rule is no ketchup on a Chicago-style HD
Why are Chicago hot dogs so good?
The mix of fresh, savory, and tangy toppings perfectly complements the all-beef frank and poppy seed bun.
Why is it called a Chicago Dog?
It’s named after the city of Chicago, where this specific style of hot dog was created and popularized.
Why is ketchup not allowed on a Chicago-style hot dog?
Traditional Chicagoans believe the flavor balance of the HD is perfect with mustard and relish, and that ketchup’s sweetness ruins it.
What kind of relish is used in a Chicago-style HD?
A sweet, bright green pickle relish is the standard for a Chicago-style HD.
Can I use a regular bun instead of a poppy seed bun?
While it’s not a traditional Chicago-style HD without a poppy seed bun, you can substitute it with a regular HD bun if needed, though purists might disagree!
What are sports peppers?
Sport peppers are small, green, and mildly spicy pickled peppers, adding just the right amount of heat to a Chicago dog.
More info
This Chicago-style dish is a beloved classic that captures the essence of the city’s street food culture. It stands out with its combination of fresh, bold ingredients that bring out a variety of flavors. The beef sausage is juicy and flavorful, nestled in a soft poppy seed bun. The toppings are what set this creation apart—tangy mustard, sweet relish, crunchy onions, and spicy sports peppers provide a delightful contrast. The addition of a dill pickle spear and tomato wedges brings in freshness, while a dash of celery salt ties everything together with a savory punch.
Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors: soft, crunchy, sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once. It’s a simple yet thoughtfully layered meal, making it an irresistible choice for anyone who loves a hearty and flavorful bite.
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