How long should you boil a hot dog

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Boiling is the most common way of preparing hot dogs. But do you know how to prepare them this way? Exactly how long to boil hot dogs?

How Long To Boil Hot Dogs?

How long do you boil hot dogs? The answer is simple.

You should leave your hot dogs in hot but not boiling water for 5 minutes.

No Need To Literally Boil Them

When you are searching for the answer to the question how long should you cook hot dogs, you should actually know that you don’t need to literally boil them.

Hot dogs are pre-cooked products. They are not raw when purchased. You could even eat them cold, right from the fridge, e.g. in a hot dog salad. So you don’t need to boil your franks as you would do with any raw products, you just actually need to warm them up. They should actually explode if left in boiling water for long, resulting in a not so desirable food.

That’s why the process of cooking or boiling your hot dogs is actually very simple. You bring up the water to a boil, then turn off the heat. Place your hot dogs in the water and cover it with a lid. Leave your hot dogs in the hot water for 5 minutes to let them heat all the way through.

And that’s it! That’s the way you boil hot dogs.

How long should you boil a hot dog

How long should you boil a hot dog
Balazs Szilagyi

Yummy franks ready in 5 minutes

  • Bring water to boil in a saucepan or pot.

  • Once it's boiling. put the hot dogs in the hot water and turn off the heat.

  • Leave hot dogs in the hot water for 5 minutes, covered.

  • Serve your franks in a bun with your favorite condiment or souce.

Learn how to boil hot dogs in just 10 minutes from start to finish. A quick and kid-friendly lunch idea that’s so simple to make! 

My kids love hot dogs. Which I definitely don’t mind, because they couldn’t be easier to whip up…especially when boiling on the stove. Sometimes we even cut them up and make mini corn dog muffins. So yummy!

How long should you boil a hot dog

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Now I know most of you don’t need a recipe for this, but since I get a lot of requests for easy lunch ideas for kids during the summer, I thought I would share one of our go to’s. Boiled hot dogs are so easy to make and are the perfect simple lunch option for when you don’t feel like cooking.

When grilling isn’t an option (or there isn’t room on the grill) it’s nice to be able to boil them instead. They’re super easy to make on the stove and only take 10 minutes from start to finish. Then place them on top of a toasted bun and add all your favorite toppings!

How long should you boil a hot dog

How long to boil hot dogs

Because they are already cooked, it doesn’t take long to boil them. Simply add them to a large pot of boiling water and cook over medium-high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes. They will be fully heated through at this point. Using tongs, remove them from the pot and then place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess water.

We always have a package or two in the freezer and it’s super easy to pull them out and boil them. Simply add the frozen hot dog to the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

How long should you boil a hot dog

Topping ideas

There are so many hot dog toppings that we love to add. In the summer we even love doing a hot dog toppings bar. Below are a few of our favorites:

  • Onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Jalapenos
  • Relish
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • BBQ sauce

How long should you boil a hot dog

Favorite sides dishes for serving:

How long should you boil a hot dog

Learn how to boil hot dogs in just 10 minutes from start to finish. A quick and kid-friendly lunch idea that's so simple to make! 

Servings: 7

  • Add water to a large pot over medium-high heat. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.

  • Add the hot dogs and boil for 4-5 minutes. If adding frozen hot dogs, cook for 8-10 minutes.

  • Remove with tongs and place on a paper towel lined plate. Add on top of a hot dog bun with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Tip: Place the buns in a toaster oven or broil for a minute to toast them before serving. 

Serving: 1hot dog | Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 316mg | Potassium: 66mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

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