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Flavorful Grilled Hot Dogs Recipe with Jalapeño Relish and Crispy Onion Strings

grilled hot dogs with jalapeño relish - featured image

This recipe features smoky grilled hot dogs topped with a spicy-sweet homemade jalapeño relish and crunchy crispy onion strings, perfect for summer gatherings and backyard parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 all-beef hot dogs
  • 8 fresh hot dog buns, lightly toasted
  • Jalapeño Relish:
  • 3 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Crispy Onion Strings:
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Additional Toppings (Optional): yellow mustard, ketchup, shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Make the Jalapeño Relish: In a medium bowl, combine diced jalapeños, red onion, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Can be made a day ahead.
  2. Prepare the Crispy Onion Strings: Place sliced onions in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Soak for 10 minutes.
  3. In another bowl, mix flour, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Drain onions from buttermilk and toss in flour mixture until well coated.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry coated onions in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels. Keep warm if needed.
  5. Grill the Hot Dogs: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill hot dogs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until grill marks appear and heated through.
  6. Lightly toast hot dog buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Assemble Hot Dogs: Place grilled hot dog in toasted bun. Spoon generous amount of jalapeño relish on top, then pile on crispy onion strings. Add mustard or cheese if desired.
  8. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

Keep an eye on the onion strings while frying to avoid burning. The jalapeño relish can be made ahead and tastes better after resting. For less heat, remove jalapeño seeds or substitute with milder peppers. Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for crispy onion strings. Avoid poking hot dogs before grilling to keep them juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled hot dogs, jalapeño relish, crispy onion strings, summer recipe, backyard BBQ, spicy hot dogs, easy grilling