The Chicago style hot dog, also known as a red hot, is a staple of the city’s culinary scene. This delicious dish has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike for generations. But, have you ever wondered how to eat a Chicago style hot dog the right way? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the Chicago style hot dog, its key components, and most importantly, how to enjoy it like a true Chicagoan.
A Brief History of the Chicago Style Hot Dog
The origins of the Chicago style hot dog date back to the late 19th century, when German immigrants brought their sausage-making traditions to the city. The hot dog quickly became a popular street food, with vendors selling them from carts and stands throughout the city. Over time, the Chicago style hot dog evolved to include a unique set of toppings and condiments that set it apart from other hot dog styles.
The Key Components of a Chicago Style Hot Dog
So, what makes a Chicago style hot dog so special? Here are the key components:
- All-beef hot dog: A Chicago style hot dog starts with an all-beef hot dog, typically made from 100% beef and seasoned with a secret blend of spices.
- Poppy seed bun: The hot dog is served on a poppy seed bun, which is soft and lightly sweetened.
- Yellow mustard: A thin layer of yellow mustard is applied to the hot dog, adding a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Chopped white onions: Thinly sliced white onions are sprinkled on top of the hot dog, adding a pungent flavor and crunchy texture.
- Bright green relish: A sweet and tangy relish made from pickled cucumbers is applied on top of the onions.
- Sliced sport peppers: Thinly sliced sport peppers, which are a type of pickled pepper, are added on top of the relish.
- Kosher dill pickle spear: A kosher dill pickle spear is served on the side, adding a salty and sour flavor to the dish.
- Celery salt: A sprinkle of celery salt is applied on top of the hot dog, adding a savory and slightly bitter flavor.
How to Eat a Chicago Style Hot Dog
Now that we’ve covered the key components of a Chicago style hot dog, let’s talk about how to eat it the right way. Here are some tips:
- Start with the hot dog: Begin by taking a bite of the hot dog, making sure to get a little bit of each topping in your mouth.
- Add the toppings: As you eat the hot dog, add the toppings in the following order: mustard, onions, relish, sport peppers, and celery salt.
- Use the pickle spear: Use the pickle spear to add a salty and sour flavor to the dish. You can either eat it on the side or use it to add flavor to the hot dog.
- Don’t put ketchup on it: This is a cardinal sin in Chicago. Ketchup is not a traditional topping for a Chicago style hot dog, and it’s generally frowned upon.
- Eat it with your hands: A Chicago style hot dog is a casual, street food-style dish. Eat it with your hands, and don’t be afraid to get a little messy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when eating a Chicago style hot dog:
- Don’t overdo it with the toppings: While the toppings are an essential part of a Chicago style hot dog, too many can overpower the flavor of the hot dog. Stick to the traditional toppings and avoid adding too many extras.
- Don’t eat it with a fork and knife: A Chicago style hot dog is a casual, street food-style dish. Eating it with a fork and knife can make you look like a tourist.
- Don’t put mayonnaise on it: Mayonnaise is not a traditional topping for a Chicago style hot dog, and it can add a rich and overpowering flavor to the dish.
Where to Get a Chicago Style Hot Dog
If you’re looking to try a authentic Chicago style hot dog, here are some popular places to check out:
- Portillo’s: This popular hot dog chain has been serving up Chicago style hot dogs for over 50 years.
- Alinea: This Michelin three-star restaurant offers a unique take on the Chicago style hot dog, with a focus on creative toppings and presentation.
- Gene’s Sausage Shop: This family-owned sausage shop has been serving up traditional Chicago style hot dogs for over 40 years.
How to Make a Chicago Style Hot Dog at Home
If you can’t make it to Chicago to try a authentic hot dog, don’t worry. You can easily make a Chicago style hot dog at home with a few simple ingredients. Here’s a recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 all-beef hot dog
- 1 poppy seed bun
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup chopped white onions
- 1/4 cup bright green relish
- 1/4 cup sliced sport peppers
- 1 kosher dill pickle spear
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
Instructions:
- Grill or cook the hot dog according to your preference.
- Toast the poppy seed bun on the grill or in a toaster.
- Apply a thin layer of yellow mustard to the hot dog.
- Sprinkle the chopped white onions, bright green relish, and sliced sport peppers on top of the hot dog.
- Serve the hot dog on the poppy seed bun, with the kosher dill pickle spear on the side.
- Sprinkle a pinch of celery salt on top of the hot dog.
Conclusion
The Chicago style hot dog is a delicious and iconic dish that’s steeped in tradition. With its unique set of toppings and condiments, it’s a must-try for anyone visiting the city. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can enjoy a authentic Chicago style hot dog like a true local. Whether you’re a native Chicagoan or just visiting, the Chicago style hot dog is a culinary experience you won’t want to miss.
What is a Chicago-style hot dog?
A Chicago-style hot dog is a type of hot dog that originated in Chicago, Illinois. It is typically served on a poppy seed bun and topped with a variety of ingredients, including mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, sport peppers, and pickle spears. The hot dog itself is usually made from all-beef and is steamed or cooked in hot water before being served.
The combination of flavors and textures in a Chicago-style hot dog is what sets it apart from other types of hot dogs. The sweetness of the relish and the tanginess of the mustard complement the savory flavor of the hot dog, while the crunch of the pickle spears and the spiciness of the sport peppers add depth and complexity to the dish.
What is the history of the Chicago-style hot dog?
The Chicago-style hot dog has a long and storied history that dates back to the early 20th century. The hot dog itself is believed to have originated in Germany, where it was known as a “dachshund sausage” or “little dog.” German immigrants brought the hot dog to the United States, where it became popular at amusement parks and fairs.
In Chicago, the hot dog became a staple of the city’s street food scene, with vendors selling hot dogs from carts and stands on street corners and at ballparks. Over time, the Chicago-style hot dog evolved to include the distinctive toppings and condiments that are characteristic of the dish today.
What are sport peppers, and why are they a key ingredient in Chicago-style hot dogs?
Sport peppers are a type of pickled pepper that is commonly used as a topping for Chicago-style hot dogs. They are made from a variety of hot pepper that is pickled in a spicy brine, giving them a distinctive flavor and texture. Sport peppers are a key ingredient in Chicago-style hot dogs because they add a spicy kick and a burst of flavor to the dish.
Sport peppers are typically sliced thin and served on top of the hot dog, where they add a crunchy texture and a spicy flavor. They are a beloved ingredient in Chicago, where they are often served as a side dish or used as a topping for other foods.
Can I customize my Chicago-style hot dog with different toppings?
While traditional Chicago-style hot dogs are served with a specific set of toppings, there is no rule that says you can’t customize your hot dog with different toppings. In fact, many Chicagoans enjoy experimenting with different toppings and condiments to create their own unique hot dog creations.
That being said, some toppings are more traditional than others. If you’re looking to try a authentic Chicago-style hot dog, it’s best to stick with the classic toppings, such as mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, sport peppers, and pickle spears. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try adding other toppings, such as cheese, chili, or bacon.
Where can I find the best Chicago-style hot dogs in Chicago?
Chicago is home to many restaurants and hot dog stands that serve delicious Chicago-style hot dogs. Some of the most famous hot dog joints in the city include Portillo’s, Alinea, and Gene & Georgetti. These restaurants have been serving up classic Chicago-style hot dogs for decades, and are a must-visit for anyone looking to try an authentic Chicago-style hot dog.
In addition to these restaurants, there are many other hot dog stands and carts throughout the city that serve delicious Chicago-style hot dogs. You can also try making your own Chicago-style hot dogs at home, using ingredients from a local grocery store or butcher.
How do I make a Chicago-style hot dog at home?
Making a Chicago-style hot dog at home is easy, as long as you have the right ingredients. You’ll need an all-beef hot dog, a poppy seed bun, and a variety of toppings, including mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, sport peppers, and pickle spears. You’ll also need a way to cook the hot dog, such as a steamer or a pot of hot water.
To assemble the hot dog, simply place the cooked hot dog in the bun and add your desired toppings. Be sure to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh tomatoes and sport peppers, to get the best flavor. You can also try adding other toppings, such as cheese or chili, to create your own unique hot dog creation.
Are Chicago-style hot dogs healthy?
Chicago-style hot dogs are not typically considered a healthy food option, due to the high calorie and fat content of the hot dog and toppings. A typical Chicago-style hot dog can range from 300 to 500 calories, depending on the ingredients and portion size.
However, there are ways to make a Chicago-style hot dog healthier. For example, you can use a lower-fat hot dog or add healthier toppings, such as avocado or salsa. You can also try baking or grilling the hot dog instead of steaming it, to reduce the calorie content.