How to Boil a Hot Dog

How to Boil a Hot Dog
Written By
James Holloway
James Holloway
Published: Apr 16, 2015
Updated: Dec 13, 2021
1 minute read

The mention of hot dogs brings the idea of grilling to mind, but when the weather fails to cooperate -- or you just can't be bothered -- you can cook hot dogs quickly and easily in a pot of boiling water.

Getting Started

Fill a saucepan with enough water to completely cover the hot dogs. Bring the water to a boil, and add the hot dogs just as the water begins to boil. Don't put hot dogs in water that's already at a rolling boil as this makes them more likely to split. Alternatively, you can put the hot dogs in cold water, and then bring it to a boil -- this also reduces the likelihood of a split.

Ready to Eat

When the water returns to a boil, cover the pot and let it boil for a minute. Turn off the heat and let the hot dogs stand in the pot for 5 to 7 minutes. Once the hot dogs float, they should be heated through and ready to eat.

James Holloway

Dr James Holloway has been writing about games, geek culture and whisky since 1995. A former editor of "Archaeological Review from Cambridge," he has also written for Fortean Times, Fantasy Flight Games and The Unspeakable Oath. A graduate…

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