How to Grill Hot Dogs

Learning how to grill hot dogs can be an important step when it comes to grilling outdoors. Though cookouts and barbeques may take place most frequently in the summer when the weather is warmest, grilling hot dogs is an activity that can be done year round with the right equipment. Hot dogs can be barbequed using gas or propane grills as well as charcoal units.http://bbqright.com/category/natural-gas-vs-propane-vs-charcoal/

Most hot dogs are sold precooked, so food safety may not be as significant a concern as when cooking raw meat.http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/question177.htm However, whether cooking hot dogs made with beef, chicken or pork, an even roasting without significant burning is preferred.http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/question177.htm

The host talks about how she prefers to grill hot dogs. She starts by cutting slits into each hot dog before it is placed on the grill. Once properly cut, the dogs can be placed on the grill with the temperature turned to medium high. She emphasizes that the wieners should be turned frequently and seared on all sides, and that a small amount of blistering can help bring out the flavor.

• You won't need a whole lot of things to grill some hot dogs, but it's good to make sure you've got everything handy before you start.

1. Hot dogs - There's a good variety of them out there, so pick whatever suits your tastes.
2. Grill.
   1. A gas grill will generally be easier to light, and to regulate the heat.
   2. A charcoal grill, while a little more difficult to work with, is generally agreed to produce a better taste.http://www.amazingribs.com/BBQ_buyers_guide/grills/charcoal_grills_vs_gas_grills.html
3. Tongs.

You'll need to get the grill good and hot before you toss on the meat, so follow these steps, consulting the grill's instructions for more details, go get the fire going.

1. Turn on the grill.
2. If it's a gas grill:
   1. Make sure the fuel is properly attached, and that you have enough gas to cook with.
   2. Turn on the gas, then light the grill with either a match, or with a built in mechanism.http://www.barbecuen.com/begin-gs.htm
3. If a charcoal grill:
   1. Fill the bottom of the grill with charcoal.
   2. Spray lighter fluid over the coals.
   3. Use a match or a lighter to set the coals aflame.
   4. Wait for the coals to turn gray, then put the grill surface on top.http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/26/earlyshow/living/recipes/main4126513.shtml

Compared to most other foods, cooking hot dogs is pretty simple, since the dogs come pre-cooked. It's mostly a matter of getting them hot enough to eat without either burning them, or making them burst. Just keep an eye out and try not to let them burst, or else you might have a small grease fire on your hands. Keep in mind also that cooking hot dogs won't take very long. 7 minutes is all it takes with a good grill, or 10 minutes at most.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/ny-dog-recipe/index.html

1. Once the grill is good and hot, put the hot dogs on.
2. If the grill has an upper rack, that's a good place to put the hot dogs while you're cooking something else, like burgers, on the lower portion.
3. You may wish to close the grill while they cook.http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/grilled_bacon-wrapped_stuffed_hot_dogs/
4. Wait a few minutes, depending on how hot the grill was able to get, then turn the dogs so that the first side won't get burned.http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/grilled_bacon-wrapped_stuffed_hot_dogs/
5. Keep an eye on the hot dogs while they're cooking. Most hot dogs will plump when they cook, and they'll be about ready when they look darker than when you put them on.http://www.inmamaskitchen.com/SEASONS/hotdogs.html
6. When you're satisfied that the dogs are done, take them off and enjoy.

• Few things beat a well cooked hot dog on a nice summer day. They're quick, easy, and taste great, so follow the above steps to make your cookouts a success.

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