I just love a hot dog. It doesn’t matter the protein either. Something about making it myself and that velvety smooth emulsified texture makes it one of my favorite types of sausages and when it comes to emulsified sausages, texture is king. It’s got to have a springy bounce with a good bite and a nice snap. It does take a little practice to really hone in your emulsified sausage making skills but in time you’ll be able to make mortadella, weisswurst, bologna, and lots more.
You will need some special equipment in order to make a good hot dog. For starters a good food processor with sharp blades (we use one called Robot Coupe) is a great tool for making emulsified sausages (and lots of other things). The Robot Coupe is quite possibly the best food processor I’ve ever owned and trust me when I tell you, I run a commercial kitchen and this guy does the work of 4 employees. It’s a little pricy but you get what you pay for. Just make sure your food processor has a strong motor and sharp blades. If the blades are dull, you will “whip” air into the meat batter causing the texture to become pillowy.
No matter the food processesor you choose to use just make sure it has a strong motor (commercial grade). I’ve seen many folks burn up their residental food processors trying to make emulsified sausages.
If you don’t have a smoker another great way to cook your emulsified sausage is sous vide. Cooking sous vide allows you to cook at a lower temperature ensuring that your hot dogs stay juicy with a great texture. We use the Kitchen Boss Immersion Circulator coupled with the Kitchen Boss Vacuum sealer to make this happen. To cook your hot dogs sous vide just vacuum seal your hot dogs and set your immersion circulator to 145f and once it gets to temperature place the bag of hot dogs in the preheated water and cook for 2 hours. Voila. It’s as easy as that.
If you don’t have an immersion circulator you could always poach your hot dogs for 18-20 minutes in 175f water. Just make sure to manage the temperature so it doesn’t get too hot.
Chicken hot dogs have become a ubiquitous staple in many households and backyard barbecues. Their convenience, taste, and perceived health benefits compared to pork or beef hot dogs have made them a go-to for families, parties, sporting events, and more.
But when you bite into the succulent grilled goodness of a chicken hot dog, have you ever wondered what exactly you’re eating? What mysterious ingredients come together to create the unique taste and texture of chicken franks?
In this article, we’ll unpack the components of chicken hot dogs and reveal what’s really inside those plump, savory sausages.
A Blend of Poultry Parts
The primary ingredient in chicken hot dogs is unsurprisingly chicken. However, it may not be the prime cuts of breast or thigh meat you imagined. Most chicken hot dogs contain “mechanically separated chicken” – a mash of tissue and flesh scraped from the bones and other cuts after the prime portions have been removed.
This processed meat paste allows manufacturers to use up chicken scraps and waste that would otherwise be discarded While it sounds unappetizing, mechanically separated chicken has been approved by the USDA and provides an affordable source of protein and meat bulk in products like chicken nuggets and hot dogs
Along with mechanically separated chicken, whole cuts of meat like breast, thighs or wings may be used in chicken franks as well. Some premium or natural chicken hot dogs advertise only using breast meat.
Binders and Fillers
Gluers and fillers are used to shape the soft meat paste into a hot dog shape that looks good. For better sausage making, these give the meat more bulk and texture.
Common binders and fillers in chicken franks include:
While these agents help create the final product, some consumers try to avoid hot dogs with a lengthy list of non-meat ingredients. Reading the label to know exactly what’s included is advised, especially for guests with food allergies or sensitivities.
Flavorings and Spices
Onion and garlic are commonly used seasonings, as are paprika, mustard, black pepper, coriander, and more. Many hot dog recipes also include a touch of sugar or brown sugar to balance out the other robust flavors.
As with the fillers, consumers concerned about preservatives or additives may want to scan the ingredients list for artificial flavors, MSG, or other questionable additions.
The Importance of Preservatives
While some consumers try to avoid nitrites due to health concerns, these preservatives are strictly regulated and essential for preventing foodborne botulism in processed meats. Some natural and organic hot dogs use alternative preservatives like celery salt.
When enjoyed in moderation, chicken hot dogs containing regulated preservatives remain a safe choice for an easy meal.
The Casing Conundrum
A few high-end or gourmet brands advertise using old-fashioned natural casings, but these premium picks come at a higher cost. For most family cookouts, the artificial casings get the job done just fine.
Casing choice comes down to personal preference and budget. Just know that the skin on those store-bought chicken franks is probably made of plastic and not real intestines.
Nutritional Content
However, some chicken franks can still be high in sodium, with around 450-600 milligrams per hot dog. Look for low-sodium options if limiting salt intake.
Overall, chicken hot dogs make a flavorful, protein-packed addition to any meal when enjoyed in moderation. Just be mindful of any highly processed ingredients or unnecessary additives on the label.
Satisfying That Hot Dog Craving
Some people may be wary of processed meats or artificial ingredients, but chicken franks are still a tasty and easy food option for family meals, backyard barbecues, and ball games.
Next time you bite into a succulent grilled chicken dog at a picnic or potluck, you can dazzle your friends and family with your newfound knowledge of their inner workings. From mechanically separated poultry to natural casings, you now know the real scoop on what’s inside these backyard favorites.
So go forth and keep satisfying those hot dog cravings, armed with the facts on chicken franks. Just be sure to lather on the ketchup – some mysteries are best left unsolved when it comes to certain hot dog ingredients!
Here are a few things you might find useful when making this sausage.
Enjoy the video and the recipe. If you have any questions, feel free to ask away. If you make this at home, I’d love to hear about how it came out!!.
If you want to see the different things that we use in operation our be sure to check out our new Amazon Store.
How It’s Made Hot Dogs
FAQ
What are chicken hotdogs made of?
Ingredients. Modified corn starch, wheat flour, water, salt, sugars (dextrose), onion powder, garlic powder, pea protein, spices, Sodium lactate, Sodium acetate, Sodium diacetate, Sodium erythorbate, Sodium nitrite, modified corn starch, and smoke
Is a chicken hot dog healthy?
Yes, chicken and turkey hot dogs may be better for people on a low-cholesterol diet than beef or pork hot dogs. Here are a few points to consider: Lower Saturated Fat: Chicken and turkey typically have lower saturated fat content than red meats, which can help manage cholesterol levels.
Are chicken franks just chicken?
Ingredients. Mechanically separated chicken, water, salt, contains 2% or less of corn syrup solids, potassium lactate, potassium acetate, spices, sodium phosphate, sodium diacetate, flavorings, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite.
Can Muslims eat chicken hot dogs?
Hot dogs can be halal but can also be haram (forbidden). There are several types of hot dogs out there made by different brands. Though the overall method of making a hotdog isn’t the issue, problems enter with ingredients. Hot dogs made from chicken, beef, or lamb are halal.