8 Hot Dog Topping "Nos" That Are Really "Yesses"
The best hot dogs are about balance. Sometimes toppings are sweet and the frank is savory, but sometimes the classic roles are flip-flopped. Things get more complicated when you consider franks and toppings that are sour, umami-rich, and spicy. There is no one perfect formula, and if there are any rules, they are meant to be broken.
That’s why we were confused by a recent hot dog primer by London newspaper The Guardian, which insisted upon putting the hot dog in a very confining box. Toppings like mild mustard, ketchup, and mac ‘n’ cheese got an OK, but fried onions, pulled pork, and mayonnaise were given the thumbs down.
Sorry, but no one puts hot dogs in the corner. Here are eight notable hot dog toppings “don'ts” that are totally “do’s.”
1. Pulled Pork
Photo credit: Kansas City Royals
Who says pulled pork and hot dogs can’t live in harmony on the same bun? The “All Star BBQ Dog” at the Kansas City Royals’ Kauffman Stadium proves the naysayers wrong.
2. Fried Onions
Photo credit: Flickr/cyclonebill
The Guardian turned its collective nose up at fried onions—”bitter, stringy, a Zantac attack!” wrote the publication—but clearly didn’t confer with anyone from Copenhagen, where fried onions are a beloved topping. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, we suggest checking out the organic dog at Andersen Bakery, about which Serious Eats is head over heels.
3. Jalapeños
Photo credit: Crif Dogs
Not everyone loves spicy food, but the right jalapeños—in correct proportion— are heaven for those who can handle the heat. Case in point: The “spicy red neck” at Crif Dogs in New York City, in which a bacon-wrapped dog is topped with chili, cole slaw, and jalapeños.
4. Mayonnaise
Photo credit: Dog Haus
Mustard purists may protest, but mayonnaise on a hot dog isn’t a sacrilege. Dog Haus in Pasadena, California shows us how it’s done with its “Downtown Dog.” This bacon-wrapped frank (we see a theme developing…) is topped not only with mayo, but mustard and ketchup for good measure.
5. Guacamole
Photo credit: Pink’s
Few things are not improved by a bit of guacamole. Cool and creamy avocado is the perfect foil for a savory dog, a combo expertly explored by the “millennium dog” at Pink’s in Los Angeles (which also gets some grilled onions for good measure).
6. Raw Onions
Photo credit: DC3
We give you that raw onions are too powerful a force to eat on their own, but they’re simply divine on a dog. It’s actually a classic combo—the onions provide a sharp and spicy note that round out a dog’s rich, fatty flavor. We’re partial to the “Chicago 7” dog at DC-3 in Washington, D.C.
7. Nori
Photo credit: Japadog
Japadog in New York City tops several of its franks with strips of savory nori—a combo that may be a little “out there” for some. But nori is packed with umami, which lends this dog a surprisingly complex (if somewhat odd) flavor.
8. Kimchi
Photo credit: Asiadog
Before you pass judgement on this combo, think about it—sauerkraut, another fermented cabbage topping, is great on hot dogs. Why shouldn’t kimchi be? If you’re interested in trying it, the “Ginny” at Asiadog in New York City is a great place to start.
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