Spicy Firecracker Hot Dogs (Printable)
Fiery hot dogs with zesty marinade, cheddar cheese, and fresh veggie toppings.
# What You 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 and 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 It:
01 - In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
02 - Make shallow diagonal cuts along the length of each hot dog to allow the marinade to penetrate and promote even cooking.
03 - Brush each hot dog generously with the marinade on all sides and let them rest for 10 minutes while preparing the toppings.
04 - Julienne the carrot and cucumber, finely chop the red onion, slice the pickled jalapeños, and chop the fresh cilantro. Set aside.
05 - 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, until caramelized and heated through.
06 - Split the hot dog buns and toast them on the grill or in a skillet until golden brown.
07 - Place each grilled hot dog in a toasted bun. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeños, red onion, julienned carrot, and cucumber. Drizzle with mayonnaise and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The honey soy marinade caramelizes on the grill and creates a sticky, spicy crust that makes ordinary hot dogs taste completely irresistible.
- All the fresh crunchy toppings balance the heat perfectly, so even people who shy away from spicy food end up reaching for more.
02 -
- Do not skip scoring the hot dogs because without those cuts the marinade slides right off and you end up with plain grilled dogs wearing a sad puddle of sauce.
- If your grill is too hot the honey in the marinade will burn before the hot dogs cook through, so keep it at medium and be patient.
03 -
- Make a double batch of the marinade and use half as a basting sauce while grilling for an extra sticky, intensely flavored crust.
- Prep all your toppings before the hot dogs hit the grill because once they are done you will want to assemble and eat immediately.