Spicy Hot Dogs in Beer

4 servings Prep: 5 m Cook: 25 m Total: 30 m Beginner
5.0/5 (1)
Baseball, Hot dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet! Ok everyone, date yourself - Do you remember that commercial in the 70’s? Now we hear - LSU! LSU! Go team go! Try this delicious easy appetizer with hot dogs simmered in beer and glazed with spicy Tabasco sauce for your next tailgate party.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 lbs Hot Dogs, sliced
  • 1 can or bottle of beer
  • Tabasco sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Slice hot dogs into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place sliced hot dogs in a medium saucepan and add beer. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer lightly for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Retain 1/8 cup of the cooking liquid and drain the rest.
  4. Add 30 drops of Tabasco sauce to the hot dogs and reserved liquid. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces to a glaze that coats the hot dogs, about 5-8 minutes.
  5. Serve hot with toothpicks as an appetizer.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I adjust the heat level?

A: Absolutely! Start with 15-20 drops of Tabasco if you want it milder, or go up to 40-50 drops if you like it really spicy. You can also use a milder Louisiana hot sauce instead of Tabasco.

Q: The glaze won't thicken - what am I doing wrong?

A: Make sure you're cooking over medium heat and have retained only 1/8 cup of liquid. If you kept too much liquid, it will take longer to reduce. Keep simmering until the liquid becomes syrupy and coats the hot dogs.

Tips and Techniques

Use a good quality beer - the flavor does come through! A lager or amber ale works great. Don’t skip the simmering time as it allows the hot dogs to absorb the beer flavor before you add the spicy glaze.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • hot dogs: smoked sausage or kielbasa
  • beer: chicken broth or beef broth
  • Tabasco sauce: Louisiana Hot Sauce or Crystal hot sauce

Equipment Needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cup
  • Toothpicks for serving