Craving an explosion of flavor in every bite? Then you need to experience Mexican Hot Dogs, also known as LA Street Dogs – a West Coast culinary icon that takes the humble hot dog to a whole new level. Forget your average ballpark frank; we’re talking bacon-wrapped deliciousness grilled to perfection and loaded with vibrant toppings. These aren’t just hot dogs; they’re a street food experience, a taste of Los Angeles sunshine, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
You might have heard them called Tijuana hot dogs, or even “danger dogs” – a playful nod to their irresistible street-side charm. But whatever you call them, one thing’s for sure: Mexican Hot Dogs are a must-try. And the best part? You don’t need to hop on a plane to LA to enjoy them. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can bring the authentic taste of Mexican hot dogs right into your kitchen, using just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients. Get ready to ditch the boring hot dog routine and dive into a world of flavor that will have you saying “¡Delicioso!” after every bite.
A Taste of the Streets: The Story Behind Mexican Hot Dogs
Mexican Hot Dogs are more than just a meal; they’re a vibrant part of the Los Angeles street food scene. Imagine strolling down Venice Beach or leaving a Dodgers game, and the irresistible aroma of sizzling bacon and grilled onions fills the air. That’s the magic of the hot dog carrito – the iconic street food cart serving up these flavor-packed delights.
These carts, often family-run businesses, are a staple in LA, found at bustling events, lively markets, and even your friendly neighborhood parking lot. They offer a quick, affordable, and incredibly satisfying meal for hungry locals and tourists alike. For around six or seven dollars, you get a taste of LA culture, a burst of flavor, and a satisfying meal on the go.
While some jokingly call them “danger dogs” due to their street food origins, don’t let the nickname fool you. Mexican Hot Dogs are made with care and pride, using quality ingredients and time-tested techniques. They are a testament to the delicious and diverse food culture that thrives on the streets of Los Angeles. So, embrace the street food spirit and get ready to create your own authentic Mexican Hot Dogs at home!
Why This Mexican Hot Dog Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t your average backyard BBQ hot dog. This Mexican hot dog recipe elevates the classic to gourmet street food status, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Street food often gets a bad rap, but let’s be real – just like any restaurant, you can find both healthy and indulgent options. Mexican Hot Dogs, when made with quality ingredients like we’re using here, can be a delicious and satisfying treat.
We’re taking the guesswork out of recreating this street food favorite. This recipe focuses on healthier choices without sacrificing flavor. We’re using nitrate-free, top-quality meats and skipping unnecessary oils and excess salt. Plus, the step-by-step photo guide makes it foolproof, even for beginner cooks.
Why should you try this recipe? Because you deserve a hot dog that’s anything but ordinary. You deserve a bacon-wrapped hot dog bursting with flavor, topped with fresh, grilled vegetables, and your favorite sauces. You deserve a taste of LA sunshine, no matter where you are. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable Mexican Hot Dog experience.
Mexican Hot Dog Ingredients: Quality is Key
Before we fire up the grill, let’s gather our ingredients. For the best Mexican hot dogs, quality is key. Here’s what you’ll need:
Grocery Quick List: Hot dogs, bacon, hot dog buns, onion, bell pepper (your choice), ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard.
Detailed Ingredient Breakdown:
- Hot Dogs: 4 beef uncured and nitrate-free weiners. Choosing nitrate-free and uncured hot dogs ensures a healthier and more flavorful base for your Mexican hot dogs.
- Hot Dog Buns: 4 standard hot dog buns. Feel free to choose your favorite type – white, sesame, wheat, or even brioche for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Bacon: 1 pack (or 4 slices), uncured and nitrate-free. You’ll need one strip of bacon per hot dog. Again, opting for nitrate-free bacon enhances the flavor and quality.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 whole, for a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Feel free to experiment with other colors like yellow or orange bell peppers.
- Onion: ½ whole onion. Yellow or white onions work perfectly for grilling and adding that classic hot dog flavor.
- Jalapeño: 1-2 jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick). Adjust the amount to your spice preference, or omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
Essential Toppings for Authentic Mexican Hot Dogs:
- Fresh Cilantro: 10 sprigs, washed and chopped. Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that’s crucial for authentic Mexican flavors.
- Ketchup: For that classic tangy sweetness.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard is traditional, but Dijon or spicy brown mustard can also be delicious.
- Mayonnaise: Use a good quality mayonnaise for richness and creaminess. Don’t skimp on this – it makes a big difference!
Seasonal Topping Upgrade:
- Guacamole: For an extra special touch, top your Mexican hot dogs with homemade guacamole. Check out this recipe for The Best Guacamole.
Fresh ingredients for grilling Mexican hot dogs including red bell pepper, jalapeno, and onions
Ingredient Notes and Variations for Your Perfect Mexican Hot Dog
Want to customize your Mexican hot dogs? Here are some helpful notes and variations to consider:
-
Hot Dogs: The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Use your favorite brand and type of hot dog. Vegetarian hot dogs will also work well – just ensure they are grill-friendly.
- For recipe purists: Stick to organic, nitrate-free beef hot dogs for the most authentic flavor.
- Leftover hot dogs? Don’t let them go to waste! We’ll share some creative leftover ideas later on.
-
Bacon: Bacon is essential for that crispy, savory wrap. “Tocino” (Spanish for bacon) is traditionally used. Turkey bacon can be used as a lighter alternative, but regular pork bacon provides the best flavor and crispness.
- For recipe purists: Choose organic, nitrate-free, regular-cut bacon. No need for thick-cut unless you prefer it.
- Bacon Tip: Wrap the bacon tightly around each hot dog for best results. Use a full strip of bacon per hot dog.
-
Hot Dog Buns: Classic white buns are the go-to, but feel free to get creative!
- Bun Options: White, gluten-free, sesame, wheat, “birote” (a crusty Mexican roll), or soft brioche buns all work wonderfully.
- Bun Prep: Decide if you want to steam, toast, or grill your buns for added texture and flavor.
-
Grilled Onions and Peppers: The grilled veggies are a key component of authentic Mexican hot dogs.
- Pepper Variations: If you don’t have bell peppers, sweet mini peppers are a great substitute. Use what you have on hand!
- Onion Options: Brown or white onions are both excellent choices for grilling.
-
Fresh Veggies are Best: For the most vibrant flavor, use fresh vegetables. Frozen vegetables are not recommended for this recipe.
Erika’s Turkey Bacon Tip: “If you’re using turkey bacon, cook it separately on the griddle until crispy, then place it next to the hot dog in the bun. Turkey bacon can become tough if overcooked, so remove it from the griddle as soon as it’s done. My goal is for you to have the best Mexican-inspired hot dog, even with lighter alternatives!”
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Authentic Mexican Hot Dogs
Ready to cook? Let’s make some delicious Mexican Hot Dogs!
How to Make Mexican Hot Dogs: A Simple Guide
- Bacon-Wrap the Hot Dogs: Tightly wrap each hot dog with a strip of bacon, tucking the ends underneath or slightly behind the dog to secure.
- Prep Veggies and Heat Griddle: Warm your griddle or large skillet over low heat. Wash and dice the bell pepper, onion, and jalapeño (if using). Set the diced vegetables aside.
- Grill the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs: Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs on the preheated griddle. Keep them close together. Increase the heat to medium. Cook for about 7 minutes on one side, until the bacon begins to crisp.
- Add Veggies to the Griddle: Around minute five, as the bacon begins to render its grease, add the diced bell peppers and onions to the griddle alongside the hot dogs.
- Add a Touch of Olive Oil (Optional): Drizzle about 2 teaspoons of olive oil over the vegetables. This helps them grill nicely and prevents sticking. Toss the vegetables with tongs to coat them lightly in the oil and bacon grease.
(A printer-friendly recipe card with detailed instructions is available at the bottom of this post.)
- Season and Finish Grilling: Gently sprinkle the hot dogs and vegetables with sea salt or your favorite seasoning salt. Turn the hot dogs and rotate them to ensure even cooking. You’ll notice a delicious, savory aroma as they grill!
Mexican hot dogs and toppings grilling on a comal
Comida-Maker Tip: Warm your hot dog buns on the griddle once everything else is cooked. They only need a minute or two to steam, toast, or warm through.
Are you hungry yet?
Your Mexican Hot Dogs are ready! Now it’s time to assemble them. Place a bacon-wrapped hot dog in each bun, and generously top with the grilled onions and peppers. Add your favorite toppings – ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, cilantro, guacamole – the possibilities are endless! You’re gonna love it! See the photos below for inspiration.
Spice it Up: Adding Extra Flavor to Your Mexican Hot Dogs
Want to kick up the heat? Chiles torreados (roasted chiles) are a fantastic way to add a spicy punch to your Mexican hot dogs. Options like chiles güeros, jalapeños, and serranos are all excellent choices.
If you only have canned jalapeños on hand, simply drain off the excess vinegar before adding them to your hot dog. This will prevent the vinegar flavor from overpowering the other delicious flavors.
Four finished Mexican hot dogs ready to eat
What to Serve with Mexican Hot Dogs: Complete the Feast
One of the best things about making Mexican hot dogs at home is that you can easily create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some delicious side dishes to serve alongside your hot dogs:
- Nopales Preparados (Mexican Cactus Salad)
- Macaroni Salad
- Olive oil Kettle Chips
And don’t forget the drinks! A refreshing agua fresca, jamaica (hibiscus tea), Mexican Coca-Cola, or even just ice water are perfect for washing down all that deliciousness and staying hydrated.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Hot Dogs and Bacon
While it’s unlikely you’ll have many leftover Mexican hot dogs, here are a few ideas for using any leftover hot dogs and bacon:
- Breakfast Burritos: Scramble eggs with leftover hot dogs for a hearty breakfast burrito. Try this recipe for Scrambled Eggs with Weenies (Huevos con Salchichas).
- BLT Sandwich: Add leftover bacon to a classic BLT for extra flavor.
- Cobb or Wedge Salad: Crumble cooked bacon over a Cobb or Wedge salad for a savory topping.
For larger families or gatherings, you can easily double or triple this recipe. Leftover hot dogs and bacon can also be used in breakfast tacos, bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, or even chili. The possibilities are endless!
Pro Tips and Recipe Notes for Mexican Hot Dog Success
Recipe Yield: 4 tasty Mexican hot dogs, one per serving.
Important Note: If the bacon wrap is loose, it may unravel during cooking. Feel free to use toothpicks to secure the bacon if needed. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Leftover Hot Dogs: If you have leftover uncooked hot dogs, freeze them or share them with family and friends.
Storage: For best results, assemble and eat your Mexican hot dogs fresh. Store components separately to prevent the buns from becoming soggy.
A Glimpse of Mexican Hot Dog Magic
MOST VALUABLE PERRO 🔥
A hand holding a Mexican hot dog with all the toppings
Please Rate This Mexican Hot Dog Recipe!
If you enjoyed this Mexican Hot Dog recipe, please give it a star rating below! Your ratings and shares help us reach more “Comida-Makers” like you. Thank you for your support!
Follow & Share LatinasQueComen
[Social Media Icons Here]
Mexican Hot Dogs Recipe Card
[Recipe Card Plugin or Markdown Recipe Format Here – Replicating the original recipe card information]
Mexican Hot Dogs
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 from 4 votes
Description:
This recipe brings the iconic LA Street Dog, often called a Mexican Hot Dog, to your home kitchen. Enjoy bacon-wrapped hot dogs loaded with flavorful toppings – a taste of Los Angeles street food perfection!
Author: Erika Garibay – LQC Recipes (https://www.latinasquecomen.com/about/)
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 522
Category: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Bacon-wrapped hot dog with Toppings, Hot Dog Recipe, LA Hot Dogs, LA Street Food Recipe, Mexican Hot Dogs
Equipment:
- Large Pan/Skillet
- Knife
- Plate
- Chopping board
Ingredients:
- 4 hot dogs, beef uncured and nitrate free weiners
- 4 hot dog buns
- 1 pack bacon (1 strip per dog), uncured and nitrate free
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ whole onion, sliced
- 2 jalapeño, halved
- 10 sprigs cilantro, fresh, washed well
- 2 tsp ketchup
- 2 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp mayonnaise
Instructions:
- Heat a large skillet on medium heat.
- Place bacon-wrapped weiners on the skillet, bacon ends down. Cook for at least 7 minutes.
- Add olive oil (or bacon grease) to the pan and spread. Add veggies to grill.
- Flip dogs after 7 minutes and cook for another 5 minutes, or until crispy, rolling to cook evenly.
- Lower heat to medium-low. Heat buns on the same skillet until toasted.
- Place bacon-wrapped hot dog in a bun, top with grilled onions, peppers, optional jalapeño, fresh cilantro, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.
- Enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
- Yield: 4 hot dogs.
- Storage: Best eaten fresh.
- Seasonal Toppings: Avocado for guacamole.
- Get creative with your favorite toppings!
- High in Fat.
Nutrition Facts:
[Nutrition Facts Table – Replicating the original table]
Tried this recipe? Pin it for later! Mention @latinasquecomen or tag #latinasquecomen!
Equipment (Optional – Duplicated in Recipe Card)
- Bowl
- Knife
- Vegetable Peeler
- Large Spoon
If You Loved This Recipe…
Try these too!
Previous Recipe Link Next Recipe Link
