Teresa's Recipes
Chicago Char Dog
Dive into the vibrant culinary scene of Chicago with the legendary Chicago Char Dog! This iconic street food staple features a juicy, grilled hot dog nestled in a soft poppy seed bun, and is crowned with a colorful medley of traditional toppings. Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors and textures: the satisfying crunch of sport peppers, the tangy sweetness of pickle relish, and the freshness of ripe tomatoes. A dash of celery salt adds a unique touch, making this dish a celebration of Chicago's rich food heritage. Perfect for backyard barbecues or a quick weeknight treat, the Chicago Char Dog is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 4, preferably all-beef Hot dogs
- 4 Poppy seed buns
- to taste Yellow mustard
- to taste Sweet green pickle relish
- 1/4 cup Chopped onion
- 1 large, sliced Tomato slices
- 4 Pickle spears
- 4 Sport peppers
- to taste Celery salt
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it's hot enough for a good char.
- Place the hot dogs directly on the grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are charred and heated through.
- While the hot dogs are grilling, prepare the buns. Cut them open and place them on the grill, cut side down, for 1-2 minutes until they are golden and lightly toasted.
- Once the hot dogs are perfectly charred, remove them from the grill and place each one into a toasted bun.
- Generously drizzle yellow mustard over each hot dog, followed by a spoonful of sweet green pickle relish.
- Sprinkle the chopped onion over the top, then layer two slices of tomato on each hot dog.
- Add a pickle spear and two sport peppers to each hot dog for that authentic Chicago touch.
- Finish with a light sprinkle of celery salt to enhance all the flavors.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Chicago Char Dog with a side of crispy fries or a refreshing coleslaw.
Tips
- For an extra kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños.
- If you prefer a smoky flavor, consider using a charcoal grill instead of gas.
- Feel free to customize your toppings – some locals enjoy adding a dash of vinegar or even a slice of cheese.