Spicy Firecracker Hot Dogs (Print View)
Fiery hot dogs glazed with honey-chili marinade and topped with fresh veggies, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 beef hot dogs
→ Marinade
02 - 2 tablespoons hot sauce (Sriracha or Louisiana-style)
03 - 1 tablespoon honey
04 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
→ Buns & Toppings
08 - 4 hot dog buns, split and toasted
09 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
11 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
12 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
13 - 1 small cucumber, julienned
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, for drizzling
# How to Make:
01 - In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
02 - Using a sharp knife, make shallow diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep along the length of each hot dog to allow the marinade to penetrate and promote even cooking.
03 - Generously brush each scored hot dog with the marinade on all sides and let them rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the toppings.
04 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Place the marinated hot dogs on the grill and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until nicely caramelized and heated through.
05 - Split the hot dog buns and toast them on the grill cut-side down for 30 to 60 seconds until golden brown.
06 - Place each grilled hot dog into a toasted bun. Layer on shredded cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeños, chopped red onion, julienned carrot, and julienned cucumber.
07 - Drizzle mayonnaise over the assembled hot dogs, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The honey soy marinade caramelizes on the grill and creates a sticky, charred crust that makes regular hot dogs taste like a completely different food.
- All those fresh, crunchy toppings keep everything from feeling heavy, which means you can comfortably eat two without regretting it until much later.
02 -
- Do not skip the scoring step because uncut hot dogs will not absorb the marinade and you will end up with plain hot dogs wearing a disappointing spicy lipstick.
- Watch the grill like a hawk because the honey in the marinade can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt and bitter in about thirty seconds of inattention.
03 -
- Crispy fried onions scattered on top right before serving add a crunch that will make people physically close their eyes when they take the first bite.
- Make double the marinade and save half to brush on during the last minute of grilling for a glaze that coats everything in an extra layer of sticky, caramelized intensity.