Discover the Authentic Mexican Hot Dog: An LA Street Food Delight

LA Hot Dogs, often hailed as Mexican Hot Dogs, are a true Los Angeles street food sensation. While diverse regional variations exist, we’re diving deep into this iconic version today. Forget your average glizzy – we’re talking about a flavor explosion crafted from just seven key ingredients, featuring quality meats and that irresistible “con TODO” experience! Make this iconic treat at home with our easy, step-by-step recipe and bring the vibrant streets of LA to your kitchen.

A vibrant and delicious Mexican Hot Dog, showcasing the bacon wrap, grilled toppings, and generous condiments.

While this recipe brings the street flavors home, remember to support your local hot dog vendors! Each cart and eatery adds their unique touch and creative spins to this classic, offering tasty fusions that reflect their neighborhood’s spirit.

The Allure of the Hot Dog Cart: A Taste of LA Culture

Imagine the scene: bustling streets after a game, the energy of a concert crowd, the eclectic vibes of Venice Beach, or simply your neighborhood corner. There, amidst the action, you’ll find the iconic hot dog carts, serving up quick, delicious bites to hungry locals and visitors alike.

The tantalizing aroma of sizzling bacon and savory salchicha franks hangs in the air, an irresistible siren call, especially when hunger strikes. For a quick, satisfying, and undeniably flavorful meal on the go, a Los Angeles street-style Mexican hot dog is the answer.

Priced around six or seven dollars at most carts, these Mexican hot dogs remain a fantastic value for a fast and fulfilling meal.

While some jokingly call them “danger dogs” due to their street food origins, don’t let the playful nickname fool you. These are a beloved part of LA’s culinary landscape, a testament to the city’s vibrant and lighthearted spirit.

Why This Mexican Hot Dog Recipe is a Must-Try

This isn’t just another hot dog recipe; it’s an invitation to experience authentic LA street food in your own kitchen. Making these Mexican hot dogs is surprisingly straightforward, offering a gourmet twist on the everyday hot dog.

Street food often unfairly carries a reputation for being unhealthy. However, just like any food scene, street food offers a spectrum of choices. From lighter options to indulgent treats, the power to choose rests with you. Street food, much like a diverse grocery store, provides options for every palate and preference. So, embrace the variety and remember, it’s about conscious choices, not just the location.

Returning to the heart of the matter – la comida – this recipe unveils the secrets to creating that perfect bacon-wrapped, flavor-packed Mexican hot dog. We prioritize quality ingredients, opting for healthier alternatives and top-tier meats, all while guiding you with clear photo instructions. The result? A Mexican hot dog that not only tastes incredible but also feels good to eat.

You deserve a hot dog that transcends the ordinary, a culinary experience that’s simply danggg-good. That’s precisely what this recipe delivers.

Authentic Mexican Hot Dog Ingredients

Your Quick Grocery List: hot dogs, bacon, buns, onion, bell pepper (your choice), ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard.

Ingredient Spotlight: We recommend nitrate-free hot dogs and bacon. Why? Because when you’re making homemade bacon-wrapped delights, only the best will do!

A vibrant display of fresh ingredients, including nitrate-free hot dogs and bacon, bell peppers, onions, and jalapenos, ready to be grilled.

4 beef uncured and nitrate-free hot dogs (weiners)
4 hot dog buns
1 pack of uncured and nitrate-free bacon (or 4 slices), 1 strip per hot dog
1 red bell pepper
½ whole onion
1-2 jalapeños

Essential Toppings for the Full Mexican Hot Dog Experience:

10 sprigs fresh cilantro, thoroughly washed
Ketchup
Mustard
Mayonnaise (choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor)

Seasonal Upgrade: For an extra layer of deliciousness, consider adding a scoop of The Best Guacamole to your Mexican hot dog.

Ingredient Notes and Flavor Variations

Hot Dogs: The beauty of homemade is customization! Choose your favorite brand and style of franks. Even vegetarian dogs work wonderfully with these grilled toppings, ensuring a satisfying meal you crafted yourself.
- For recipe adherence: Opt for organic, nitrate-free beef hot dogs.
- Leftover hot dogs? Don’t worry! We’ve got creative repurposing ideas below.
Bacon: The key to that irresistible salty, meaty bite. Traditional tocino is ideal. Turkey bacon can be used, but it doesn’t wrap quite as effectively.
- For recipe adherence: Choose organic, nitrate-free, regular-cut bacon. No need for extra-thin slices unless preferred.
- Wrap each hot dog snugly with a full strip of bacon for maximum flavor and texture.
Hot Dog Buns: Classic white buns are readily available and a staple. Feel free to choose your favorite – and decide whether you’ll steam, toast, or grill them for this one-pan wonder.
- Bun options: Classic white, gluten-free, sesame, wheat, birote bread, or soft brioche.
Grilled Onions and Peppers with Classic Condiments: Don’t skimp on the toppings! Grilled onions and peppers are essential, and a generous squeeze of ketchup, mayo, and mustard completes the authentic Mexican hot dog experience.
- Onion and Pepper Flexibility: Brown or white onions are perfect. Sweet peppers can substitute for bell peppers if needed. Use what you have on hand!

Fresh vegetables are always best for this recipe; avoid frozen vegetables for optimal flavor. That’s part of what makes these Mexican hot dogs so exceptional.

Erika’s Turkey Bacon Tip: If you prefer turkey bacon, cook it separately and place it alongside the hot dog in the bun. Add your toppings and condiments as usual. Remove cooked turkey bacon promptly from the griddle to prevent it from becoming tough. We’re all about maximizing flavor in your Mexican-inspired hot dog!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mexican Hot Dogs

Crafting Your LA Street-Style Hot Dog

Bacon Wrap: Prepare the hot dogs by wrapping each tightly with a strip of bacon. Tuck the bacon ends behind the dog or slightly underneath to secure.
Griddle Prep: Heat your griddle over low heat. Wash and dice the bell pepper, onion, and jalapeño; set aside.
Grilling the Dogs: Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs on the preheated griddle, keeping them together. Increase heat to medium. Cook for approximately 7 minutes on one side before turning.
Adding Veggies: Around the 5-minute mark, as bacon fat renders, add the diced peppers and onions to the griddle alongside the hot dogs.
Enhancing Flavors: Add about 2 teaspoons of olive oil to the griddle, followed by the sliced toppings.

(Use tongs to toss the vegetables lightly in the oil, ensuring they are coated and will grill beautifully.)

Printer-friendly recipe card with detailed instructions is available at the end of this post.
Season and Finish Grilling: Sprinkle the hot dogs and vegetables gently with sea salt or your favorite seasoning salt. Turn the hot dogs and rotate them to ensure even cooking. You’ll notice that signature, mouthwatering aroma developing!

A close-up shot of Mexican hot dogs grilling on a comal, surrounded by sizzling peppers and onions, showcasing the golden-brown bacon and cooked toppings.

Comida-Maker Tip: Warm your hot dog buns while everything else finishes cooking. They only need a minute or two to steam, toast, or warm through.

Hungry yet?

They’re ready! Assemble your Mexican hot dogs by placing a bacon-wrapped dog in a bun and generously topping with the grilled vegetables and your favorite condiments. You’re gonna love it! (See photos below for inspiration.)

Spice Up Your Mexican Hot Dog

For those who crave extra heat, consider adding chiles torreados. Options like chiles güeros, jalapeños, and serranos are all fantastic choices for a spicy kick.

If canned jalapeños are all you have, simply drain the excess vinegar to prevent it from overpowering the delicious flavor of your perro. 🙂

Four fully assembled and delicious Mexican hot dogs, ready to be enjoyed, showcasing various toppings and condiments.

Perfect Sides for Your Homemade LA Hot Dogs

One of the joys of making these at home is the opportunity to pair them with delicious side dishes and enjoy a complete meal with a proper plate! Here are some of our favorite accompaniments:

Nopales Preparados (Prepared Cactus Pads)
Macaroni Salad (with or without eggs)
Olive oil Kettle Chips

And don’t forget a refreshing agua fresca, like jamaica, Mexican Coca-Cola, or simply water to stay hydrated and wash down all the deliciousness of your homemade Mexican Hot Dog feast.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Hot Dogs & Bacon

Leftovers? With these incredible Mexican hot dogs, it’s unlikely! But just in case, here are some tasty ways to repurpose any leftover perros and bacon:

Breakfast Burritos (try Scrambled Eggs with Weenies)
BLT Sandwiches
Cobb or Wedge Salad

If you’re cooking for a crowd and have extra ingredients, consider whipping up breakfast tacos, burritos, or even bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers as appetizers, or a hearty chili! We’ll keep adding more ideas as they come to mind. Enjoy!

Pro Recipe Tips & Notes

Recipe Yield: 4 mouthwatering 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.

Weiner Storage: Leftover hot dogs? Freeze them or share the deliciousness with family and friends.

Storage Tip: Keep assembled hot dogs and toppings separate until serving to prevent soggy buns.

A Glimpse of Hot Dog Magic

THE ULTIMATE PERRO CALIENTE EXPERIENCE 🔥

A hand holding a fully loaded Homemade Mexican Hot Dog, showcasing all the toppings and condiments, emphasizing the deliciousness and authenticity.

Rate This Recipe!

Please give our Latinas Que Comen Mexican Hot Dog recipe a star rating below! Your ratings and shares help us reach more Comida-Makers. Thank you for your support!

Follow & Share LatinasQueComen

Mexican Hot Dogs Recipe Card

5 stars from 4 reviews

Description:

Known as LA Street Dogs, and often called Mexican Hot Dogs, Tijuana hot dogs, or even “Danger Dogs,” there are countless variations of Perros Calientes. This recipe provides a guide to crafting that savory, bacon-wrapped delight using top-quality ingredients and authentic flavors at home. Experience the taste of Famoso L.A. Street Food wherever you are. And when you can, visit LA for the real deal – we’d love to welcome you!

Author: Erika Garibay – LQC Recipes (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 for prep

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 jalapeños, halved
10 sprigs cilantro, fresh, washed well
2 tsp ketchup
2 tsp mustard
1 tsp mayonnaise

Instructions

How to Make Hot Dogs

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. A large pan is recommended to cook everything together and allow flavors to meld.
Place bacon-wrapped weiners on the hot skillet, bacon-end down. Cook for at least 7 minutes to ensure bacon crisps and doesn’t curl.
Add olive oil to the pan (or wait for bacon grease to render). Use a spatula to spread the grease across the unused pan area before adding vegetables for grilling. A light coating of oil or bacon grease and medium heat prevent burning. Veggies may dry out and burn if cooked without a binder and not monitored.
Flip hot dogs to the other side and cook for 5 minutes, or until crispy. Continue rolling until all sides are evenly cooked.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Warm buns on the same griddle until toasted to your preference.
Place crispy bacon-wrapped hot dog in a warm bun. Top with grilled onions, peppers, and optional chili pepper. Add fresh toppings and condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and a dollop of fresh guacamole, if desired.
Enjoy your homemade bacon-wrapped hot dog! Visit LA when you can to experience a perro caliente in person. Happy eating!

Recipe Notes

Recipe Yield: 4 grilled perros calientes (hot dogs).
Storage: For best flavor, eat fresh.
Seasonal Toppings: Avocado for homemade guacamole.
Get creative with your favorite toppings for a unique hot dog experience.
This recipe is relatively high in fat.

Find more Mexican hot dog topping ideas and tips in the full post at LatinasQueComen.com. Thank you for your ratings, shares, and support of LQC Recipes!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Mexican Hot Dogs

Serving Size: 1 hot dog

Amount per Serving		% Daily Value*
Calories	522
Fat	48g	74%
Saturated Fat	15g	94%
Trans Fat	0.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat	9g
Monounsaturated Fat	20g
Cholesterol	75mg	25%
Sodium	877mg	38%
Potassium	388mg	11%
Carbohydrates	8g	3%
Fiber	2g	8%
Sugar	4g	4%
Protein	15g	30%
Vitamin A	1737 IU	35%
Vitamin C	56mg	68%
Calcium	22mg	2%
Iron	1mg	6%

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.