Hot dogs are enjoyed in endless ways, but one of the most iconic and beloved iterations of the dish is the Chicago-style way of preparing them.
This was popularized by a fast-food restaurant chain called Flukey’s back in 1929, (Flukey’s used to be on Western Avenue just north of Touhy Avenue.
Unfortunately with the neighborhood demographic changed Flukeys has gone the way of many Chicago institutions like Riverview. Gone, but not forgotten. Today, their version remains arguably one of the best ways to make a hot dog.
Now, you might be wondering what actually makes a Chicago-style hot dog different. The answer is the ingredients used. There’s a very specific list of components that comprise an authentic Chicago-style hot dog, and we’ll be going over each one.
1. All-beef frankfurter.
The star of the hot dog is the 100 percent pure beef sausage, of course. These were popularized by Vienna Beef, and their version is the best choice you can go for in making a true Chicago-style dog but in a pinch you can substitute any ALL BEEF hot dog. Traditionally, the frankfurter is steamed or boiled in a bath to keep it juicy. I prefer to grill the dog or heat it in the oven in a cast iron pan to simulate a flat-top grill.
2. Poppyseed bun.
Take a regular bun but make it many times better by painting it with melted butter and rolling it in poppyseeds. This is what a real
Chicago-style hot dog requires, and there’s no debating that fact. You can get these buns prepared beforehand or just make them yourself. They are typically steamed so that they are
tender, while the poppy seeds add a unique texture.
3. Yellow mustard.
Plain, yellow mustard is the best choice here. You don’t need the fancier stuff, as a real Chicago-style hot dog has roots based in modest origins. This ingredient will add moisture and a tangy zing to the hot dog.
4. Chopped onions.
Raw, white onions will add flavor and crunch to the hot dog, simply peeling and chopping them will suffice.
5. Fresh tomatoes.
Red tomatoes cut into semi-circular slices are added for texture and sweetness. They also add a fresh flavor to balance all the other ingredients.
6. Martian Green relish
Sweet, green relish is layered on top of the hot dog to add sweetness, sourness, and even more texture. The original Chicago Dog neon green relish is available mail order through Vienna Beef in Chicago. This type of relish gets its unique color from the addition of dye.
7. Pickled sport peppers.
Pickled sport peppers are mild chili peppers that are pickled in brine. They provide more tang and a touch of heat to the final dog.
8. Dill pickle spear.
A spear of dill pickle is added to the top of the hot dog as one final addition of sweet and sour. Try using a home made refrigerator dill spear as found in an earlier recipe in this blog.
9. Celery salt.
This type of salt is flavored with celery and adds a vegetable flavor to the entire hot dog. It also acts as a seasoning to bring out the taste of all the other ingredients.
If you want an authentic Chicago-style dog, only stick to the ingredients listed above and NEVER, NEVER, NEVER put ketchup on a hot dog. (In Chicago you can get excommunicated for that!)