When cooking the all-beef hot dog, make sure you only gently simmer it as outlined in the recipe above. Avoid overcooking the hot dog, as it should retain a slight snap when served.
For an even spicier finish, you can use sport peppers with the seeds in. If you can’t find these peppers at your local grocery store, pickled jalapeños can be used instead to bring a tangy bite that’s comparable to the taste of sport peppers.
What is a Chicago-Style Hot Dog?
Key ingredients for a Chicago-style hot dog include an all-beef hot dog, a poppy seed bun, and a host of toppings. A Chicago-style hot dog typically features yellow mustard, a bright green relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a light sprinkling of celery salt.
For truly authentic Chicago-style hot dog toppings, never use ketchup, and nestle the tomato wedges down the side of the hot dog. It’s not a classic Chicago-style hot dog without a neon green relish. If unavailable you can add two drops of green food coloring to a sweet pickle relish as an easy alternative. Don’t skip the celery salt as this gives the hot dog its signature flavor kick.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog History
This style of hot dog is thought to have reached Chicago via German and Austrian immigrant communities in the late 19th century. Street vendors were selling hot dogs in Chicago as a cheap and portable meal, before they became staple fixtures at fairground stands and ballparks.
The Chicago-style hot dog with mustard, green relish, onion, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt evolved in the 20th century. Highlighting local ingredients and flavors, it’s a dish described as being “dragged through the garden” with vendors stacking the hot dogs high with fresh vegetables.
Outside of Chicago-style hot dogs, there are plenty of other recipes to explore from around the world, from a Korean corn dog to a Hawaiian sweet bread roll.
Where to Get the Best Chicago-Style Hot Dog
When visiting the Windy City, there’s a wide variety of restaurants to sample a traditional Chicago-style hot dog at. Top-rated spots include The Wiener’s Circle, known for serving hot dogs with a vibrant atmosphere. Or head to Jimmy’s Red Hots for a Chicago-style hot dog on a steamed bun with a welcoming neighborhood feel. For more inspiration when visiting Chicago read our latest guide covering all the best places to eat in this popular city.
