How do the hot dog stands make their hot dogs? (grill, polish)

[mstoyac]

I love hot dogs. Especially the ones you get form the hot dog stands. Their hot dogs taste much better than the ones I make at home. What do they do differently? I always get the Polish Kielbasa, I sauté onions, add sauerkraut, cheese and I use good chili. The same add-ons, I thought, as the stands. But their’s is always much better. Why? What am I missing? Do they do something special to the water? I am in the DC area and our dogs are not as good as you NY and Chicago folks, but they are ok. Any pointers?

[SuSuSushi]

Extra chicken lips and pig anuses for the tasty win!

[mstoyac]

I'll pass on the chicken, but the pig anuses sound good. Thanks for the recommendation.

[PennyLane2]

Are you steaming your bun? That seems to make a big difference to me.

[NicoleJ]

Try it like Rachel Ray does - it makes them taste like the ones downtown DC. She puts them in a pan w/ a little butter (not a lot) and rolls them around until they are browned. Add a little water and let it steam out.

They come out w/ a crisp outside and taste just like the halfsmokes downtown.

[litlux]

Nathan's secret was to add a bit of garlic. As previously stated, some grill them with a bit of butter. That makes anything taste better.

Truth is, most hot dog places just buy food service hot dogs. They don't make them from scratch. BUT since most Americans only buy the mass produced industrial hot dogs which are full of filler, and things that don't belong there like HFCS and water etc. they are amazed when they have a 100% pure beef hot dog that was really fresh.

Boar's Head makes a 100% beef hot dog that is sold at some deli counters and nothing short of terrific, but most people won't pay the premium. Indeed, there are great frankfurters available, but not at WalMart and most supermarkets that operate on the low price gimmick.

You get what you pay for, and most people think paying more for a wiener is silly. I don't.

[LaceyEx]

Usualy the carts use Sabrett brand and they make a big difference.

[NJ Chutzpah]

The NYC Hawt Dawg carts just boil their sabrett brand hot dawgs

If you buy a packet of sabrett dogs, it should tell you how long to boil them on the package itself

[spiderbear]

I hate sabretts, but a steamed Nathan's dog is amazing everytime. Hot dog carts steam or boil their dogs, I prefer mine grilled. Steaming your buns also makes a huge difference.

[mstoyac]

I have not tried steaming my buns. That sounds like that would work. The butter idea is interesting also. Thanks I will try that.