A Chicago-style hot dog is a traditional Vienna all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun. The hot dog is topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, a dill pickle relish, a mix of hot peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt.
The traditional way of eating a Chicago-style hot dog is to hold it twirled in the air and chomp down. This famous city treat has become an iconic symbol of the Windy City and draws tourists from all over.
What do Chicago people put on their hot dogs?
Chicagoans tend to top their hot dogs with an array of condiments including yellow mustard, neon green relish, chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and a sprinkling of celery salt.
This combination of condiments is sometimes referred to as the “drag it through the garden” style. This style of hot dog is incredibly popular in and around Chicago, but it can be difficult to find elsewhere.
Do you put sweet or dill relish on a Chicago dog?
The decision of whether to include sweet or dill relish on a Chicago dog is ultimately up to the individual eater. A typical Chicago dog is traditionally served with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, Piccalilli relish (either sweet or dill, also known as a “relish ‘runny pretty'”), two tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, two sport peppers, and a shake of “celery salt” on a steamed poppyseed bun.
Some Chicagoans will only use the traditional sweet pickle relish, while others prefer the dill. To truly experience a classic Chicago-style hot dog, you must use at least one of the two relishes, though it’s perfectly acceptable to use a little of both!.
Why can’t you put ketchup on a hot dog in Chicago?
It is considered a matter of “local custom” among Chicagoans not to put ketchup on a hot dog, and many locals would be outraged if someone slathered ketchup on their beloved Chicago-style hot dog. The Chicago-style hot dog is composed of a steamed poppy seed bun, an all-beef hot dog, yellow mustard, chopped onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.
The emphasis on the flavor combinations created by these ingredients is the key to a true Chicago-style hot dog, and the use of ketchup could inadvertently mask the complexity of the flavors that make the Chicago-style hot dog so beloved by die-hard fans.
What is the difference between a Chicago dog and a New York dog?
A Chicago dog and a New York dog are two different styles of hot dogs. The main difference between them is the topping and condiment choices. A Chicago dog is topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, sport peppers, celery salt, and a dash of hot sauce.
This combination screams “Chicago Style” and is the iconic way to enjoy a hot dog in the Windy City. A New York dog, on the other hand, is topped with sauerkraut and a smear of spicy brown mustard. Unlike the Chicago dog, which is traditionally served on a steamed bun, the New York dog is usually served on a toasted bun.
Some New Yorkers may also opt for raw onions, but this is not as common as the other toppings.
What are hot dog toppings?
Hot dog toppings are an essential part of the classic American hot dog experience. Popular hot dog toppings include mustard, ketchup, chili, chopped onions, relish, jalapenos, sauerkraut, cheese, and bacon.
Of course, everyone has their own favorite toppings and preferences, so feel free to get creative with your hot dogs! Popular regional hot dog toppings include coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce. Some bolder topping options include kimchi, guacamole, or even macaroni and cheese.
Ultimately, the perfect topping combination is whatever you think tastes best!.
How do you assemble a hot dog?
Assembling a hot dog is a simple process that only requires a few steps.
First, you will need to prepare the hot dog bun. This can be done by either toasting the bun in the oven or heating it up on a stovetop.
Then, you can cook your hot dogs. This can be done on the grill, in a pan, or even simply microwaved.
Once your hot dog and bun have been cooked, you can assemble your hot dog. Start by spreading any desired condiments on the bun. Then, carefully place the hot dog inside of the bun. If you wish, you can then add your favorite toppings and condiments to the top.
Your hot dog is now ready to enjoy. Enjoy with some chips and a favorite beverage for an enjoyable meal.
Why is ketchup not allowed on hot dogs?
Ketchup is not typically allowed on hot dogs because of the way it affects the flavor and texture of the food. Hot dogs are made with highly seasoned toppings, such as mustard, onion, chili, and dill pickles, that already have a lot of flavor.
Adding ketchup would adulterate the taste of the toppings, making it less savory and overpowering the other flavors. Additionally, the sweetness of the ketchup and the vinegar in it could make the hot dog soggy and create a mess when eating.
Thus, out of respect for the flavors of the other classic toppings, ketchup is not typically allowed on hot dogs.