Ever since I was a child, I have had this inexplicable love for hot dogs. Whether I am at a baseball game, a barbeque, or simply at home, I always find myself craving the juicy and flavorful goodness of a perfectly cooked hot dog. In fact, whenever I have a gathering at my place, hot dogs are always on the menu. However, there have been times when I have found myself in a rush or not wanting to go through the hassle of firing up the grill just for a couple of hot dogs. That’s when I discovered a quick and easy cooking hack – microwaving hot dogs in water. It might sound strange at first, but trust me, it works like a charm! In this article, I am going to share with you my tried and tested method for microwaving hot dogs in water, which will give you perfectly cooked hot dogs in no time.
Filling a microwave-safe container with water
Step 1: Choose the right container
The first and most crucial step in this cooking hack is selecting a microwave-safe container. You want to make sure that the container is big enough to hold all the hot dogs you plan on cooking but small enough to fit comfortably in your microwave. I prefer using a glass or ceramic container as they are more heat-resistant and less likely to splatter.
Step 2: Add water
Once you have chosen the perfect container, it’s time to fill it with water. You want to add enough water to fully submerge the hot dogs. Remember, the water is what will cook the hot dogs, so make sure there is an ample amount. I usually fill the container about three-quarters full.
Preparing the hot dogs
Step 3: Score the hot dogs
Before placing the hot dogs in the water, it’s a good idea to score them with a sharp knife. This will allow the hot dogs to absorb more of the flavors from the water while cooking and give them a nice texture. Simply make a few small cuts diagonally across each hot dog.
Step 4: Place the hot dogs in the water
Carefully place the scored hot dogs into the container filled with water. Make sure they are fully submerged. If needed, you can slightly adjust the water level so that the hot dogs are completely covered.
Microwaving the hot dogs
Step 5: Cover the container
To ensure that the hot dogs cook evenly and efficiently, cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or use microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help create a steamy environment, allowing the hot dogs to cook thoroughly. Remember to leave a small opening to release any built-up steam.
Step 6: Microwave on high
Set your microwave to high power and cook the hot dogs for about 3-4 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the number of hot dogs being cooked. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking or causing a mess.
Step 7: Check for doneness
After microwaving for the recommended time, carefully remove the container from the microwave. Remove the lid or plastic wrap, being cautious of the hot steam. Insert a fork or skewer into one of the hot dogs to check if it’s cooked to your desired level of tenderness. If it needs more cooking, simply put the lid back on and microwave for another minute or two.
Serving and enjoying your microwaved hot dogs
Once your hot dogs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Remove them from the water using tongs or a slotted spoon to drain any excess water. Place them in your favorite hot dog buns and dress them up with your desired toppings and condiments. Whether you prefer classic ketchup and mustard or more adventurous flavors, the choice is yours.
The beauty of microwaving hot dogs in water is that it takes hardly any time or effort. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights or impromptu get-togethers when you want a quick and tasty meal without the hassle. Plus, you’ll be amazed at just how juicy and flavorful the hot dogs turn out using this method.
So, the next time you find yourself craving a hot dog but are short on time or don’t want to fire up the grill, give this quick and easy cooking hack a try. You’ll have perfectly cooked hot dogs in a fraction of the time, and your taste buds will thank you.