Corn Dogs – Hot Dogs Coated in Cornmeal Batter and Fried
Crispy cornmeal-coated hot dogs that are fried to golden brown perfection, making them a classic and nostalgic American comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 6 hot dogs
- 6 wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Preheat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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Insert wooden skewers or popsicle sticks into the hot dogs, leaving a handle to hold onto.
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Dip each hot dog into the cornmeal batter, making sure it is evenly coated.
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Carefully place the coated hot dog into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
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Remove the corn dog from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
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Repeat the dipping and frying process with the remaining hot dogs.
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Serve the corn dogs hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition Facts
Introduction
Corn dogs are a popular American fast food item that combines two classic favorites: hot dogs and cornmeal batter. These delicious treats are made by coating a hot dog with a thick layer of cornmeal batter and then frying it until golden brown. The result is a crispy, savory exterior that perfectly complements the juicy hot dog inside. Whether enjoyed at a state fair, a carnival, or in the comfort of your own home, corn dogs are a nostalgic and satisfying treat that bring back fond memories for many.
Ingredients
To make your own corn dogs, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 egg
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Hot dogs
– Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
Steps
Follow these steps to make delicious corn dogs at home:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Preheat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. Insert wooden skewers or popsicle sticks into the hot dogs, leaving a handle to hold onto.
6. Dip each hot dog into the cornmeal batter, making sure it is evenly coated.
7. Carefully place the coated hot dog into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Remove the corn dog from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
9. Repeat the dipping and frying process with the remaining hot dogs.
10. Serve the corn dogs hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Variations
While traditional corn dogs are made with a simple cornmeal batter, there are endless possibilities for customization. Here are a few variations to try:
– Cheese-Stuffed Corn Dogs: Cut a slit down the center of each hot dog and insert a slice of your favorite cheese before dipping in the batter.
– Spicy Corn Dogs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the batter for an extra kick.
– Veggie Corn Dogs: Replace the hot dog with a veggie dog or even a skewer of assorted vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly option.
– Mini Corn Dogs: Use cocktail sausages or cut regular hot dogs into bite-sized pieces before dipping in the batter.
Tips
Follow these tips for the best results when making corn dogs:
– Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the corn dogs. If the oil is not hot enough, the batter may become soggy.
– Use wooden skewers or popsicle sticks that are long enough to create a handle for easy dipping and eating.
– Pat the hot dogs dry before dipping them in the batter. This will help the batter adhere better.
– Dip the hot dogs in the batter using a swirling motion to ensure even coating.
– Do not overcrowd the pot or fryer when cooking the corn dogs. Fry them in batches to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their shape.
Conclusion
Corn dogs are a delightful and nostalgic treat that are sure to please both kids and adults alike. With their crispy cornmeal exterior and juicy hot dog center, they are a perfect snack for any occasion. Whether enjoyed at a fair, carnival, or made at home, corn dogs are a classic American comfort food that are sure to bring a smile to your face.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of meat instead of hot dogs?
A: While hot dogs are the traditional choice for corn dogs, you can experiment with different types of sausages or even chicken or shrimp for a unique twist.
Q: Can I bake the corn dogs instead of frying them?
A: While baking the corn dogs will result in a slightly different texture, it is possible to bake them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the corn dogs on a greased baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, or until the batter is golden brown.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: It is best to make the batter just before frying the corn dogs to ensure a light and crispy texture. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately in advance and mix them together when you are ready to fry the corn dogs.
