Hot dogs simmered in beer? This idea is just odd enough to make you think twice, yet holds such an intrigue that you’d still consider trying. Of course, if you’re already familiar with Midwestern cuisine and the culinary delight that is slow cooker beer brats, it probably doesn’t strike as too unusual. Gone are the days of bland sausages that rely on heavy seasonings to kickstart the taste buds. For such a simple change, a beer braise can really make a difference.
Beer has a special way of evoking a rustic joy in hot dogs. The two, after all, are hardly strangers. They go side by side all the time — at sports game bleachers, Oktoberfest celebrations, warm-weathered cookouts, and sometimes, you might even spot them in the corners of boisterous dive bars. It only makes sense that they eventually collide on the stovetop, where the beer’s complex flavors envelop the hot dogs’ savory, smoky base.
Depending on the type of beer you use, the notes could range from a light crisp, earthy tart, and deeply sweet malt to that signature hoppy bite. When they seep into the meat, every plump, al dente bite is layered with satisfying flavors — first comes the bitter, subtly caramelized beer taste, then the meaty richness that we adore. The two are fantastic separately, but when they come together? Expect only great things.
Simmering hot dogs in beer is no hard feat
There are many different ways to cook hot dogs, but simmering is one of the best choices with beer. It all starts with the right beer choice. You can play it safe with lager beers such as Budweiser, Bud Light, and Miller Lite, or a light ale for a delicate crisp that won’t overpower the hot dogs. Those who seek a hoppy kick and don’t mind the lingering bitterness will appreciate IPA beers. A flavor complexity, often with roasted fruity and nutty notes, will be more prominent with a Belgian lambic or a Stout.
Typically, a beer hot dog recipe calls for about six to 12 ounces of beer for four to six hot dogs. It depends on how strong you’d like the beer taste, as well as whether there are other ingredients included. Many like to braise the hot dogs with sauerkraut, onions, and chili peppers for more flavor dimensions — not to mention extra toppings that round out the dish. Sometimes, they’re even topped by hearty spoonfuls of hot dog chili.
The process is hardly different from usual. Simmering hot dogs in beer is simply leaving them in a covered pot on low heat for around 45 minutes. Once they have plumped up and slightly darkened in color, that’s when they’re done cooking. Running low on time? Consider boiling hot dogs in beer. All you need to do is bring the beer to a boil then drop the hot dogs and boil them uncovered for 4 to 6 minutes.
