Did you know that every year, Americans eat over 7 billion hot dogs during the summer between the Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays? With that many frankfurters in the mix, you’ll want to know how long to cook hot dogs on the grill so that they are both juicy and delicious.
Here you’ll find tips from grill masters on ways to do it right at your next tailgate party, backyard bbq, or anytime your family wants a taste of this American favorite.
Check Out the Grill Situation
If you’re working with your set-up at home, then you’ll already know if you have a gas or charcoal grill and its condition. However, if you’re at a campsite, park, or beach, you’ll need to inspect the equipment before you get started.
Check to make sure the grill is clean, and you have enough charcoal or propane to get the job done.
Use Non-Stick Spray
Avoid a scenario where your hot dogs stick to the grill grate by using non-stick cooking spray on the cold surface before you get started. Look for a formula that’s made for bbq grills to ensure it can withstand the heat.
Heat it Up
When determining how long to cook hot dogs on the grill, it’s important to note that you’ll always want to start after your equipment has had a proper warm up.
If you’re cooking with gas, preheat the grill by setting it on high. Charcoal grills require a little more finesse. Light your goals and let them burn until they are covered with white ash to get it preheated to the right temperature.
Once your grill is warmed up, reduce your heat to the appropriate temperature for your franks. If you’re using all-beef links, then medium heat is appropriate. Lower-fat options require a lighter touch and do best in medium-low heat.
Get the Perfect Grill Mark
When you place your hot dogs on the grill, lay them so that they are perpendicular to the grates to achieve beautiful grill marks as they cook.
Keep Them Moving
Another thing to keep in mind when determining how long to cook hot dogs on the grill is that you’ll need to roll your franks around during the process.
There are some visual cues that can help you determine when to flip them. When the ends of the hot dog start to split, that’s a good indicator that it’s time to grab your grill tongs and roll them over.
The exact amount of time it takes your hot dog to cook will vary depending on the type of grill you use, what the outside elements are like, and the size of your hot dog.
In general, standard beef franks need five to seven minutes, jumbo franks require seven to ten, and the oversized quarter-pound hot dogs can take up to 15 minutes to cook through.
Enjoy
Once you have your split ends and beautiful grill marks, your hot dogs are ready to eat. You can toast your buns lightly by placing them on the grill surface, and then load them up with your favorite condiments like:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Relish
- Fresh or grilled onions
- BBQ sauce
There’s no limit to the tasty creations you can make with a high-quality hot dog and your imagination.