Authentic Chicago-Style Vienna Beef Hot Dogs
Indulge in the classic flavors of Chicago with these Authentic Chicago-Style Vienna Beef Hot Dogs. A cherished family recipe, this version closely mirrors what you would find at a bustling hot dog stand on a summer's day. Featuring natural casing beef franks that deliver that satisfying 'pop' upon biting, this dish is layered with an array of traditional toppings including bright green sweet pickle relish, crispy diced onion, and tangy Dijon mustard. Each element, from the soft poppy-seed bun to the crunchy dill pickle and crunchy sport peppers, works in harmony to create a delicious balance of flavors. Perfect for lunch, snacks, or summer barbecues, this recipe is a delightful ode to a Chicago classic that can be easily replicated in your own kitchen, ensuring you won't miss out on the iconic taste even if you're far from the Windy City!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
natural casing beef frankfurters
4 (none)
hot dog buns
4 (with poppyseeds if available)
small onion
1 (diced fine)
sweet pickle relish
3-4 teaspoons (bright green type preferred)
cold-pack kosher dill pickle
1 (quartered lengthwise)
small tomatoes
1 (sliced into julienne strips)
pickled sport bell peppers
4-8 (or tiny hot peppers as an alternative)
Düsseldorf-style brown mustard
to taste (with horseradish; yellow mustard may be used)
celery seed
to taste (none)
poppy seed
to taste (omit if using seeded buns)
beer
for simmering (standard golden lager preferred; not authentic (optional))
Instructions
1
In a medium pot, bring beer or water to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2
Carefully add natural casing beef frankfurters and simmer them for approximately 10 minutes, ensuring they are heated thoroughly.
3
While the franks are simmering, place the hot dog buns in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until they are slightly warm and soft.
4
Once the franks are ready, use tongs to remove them from the pot and place one frankfurter in each warm bun.
5
Drizzle your favorite mustard (Düsseldorf-style brown mustard with horseradish recommended) over each frank to your liking.
6
Layer on the toppings: place a quartered dill pickle spear on one side, followed by a few teaspoons of bright green sweet pickle relish, the diced onions, julienne tomato strips, and one or two pickled sport peppers (or jalapeños if you're substituting).
7
Finally, sprinkle celery seeds and poppy seeds (if not using seeded buns) over the top for that authentic touch.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy your Chicago-style hot dog experience!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Authentic Chicago-Style Vienna Beef Hot Dogs?
They are a classic Chicago dish featuring natural casing beef franks on poppy-seed buns with a specific set of traditional toppings including bright green relish, onions, and sport peppers.
What kind of hot dogs are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for natural casing beef frankfurters, specifically mirroring the Vienna Beef style.
Why are natural casing beef frankfurters recommended?
Natural casing beef franks are used because they deliver a satisfying "pop" upon biting into them.
How do I cook the beef frankfurters?
Bring a medium pot of beer or water to a gentle simmer and cook the franks for approximately 10 minutes.
Can I use beer to simmer the hot dogs?
Yes, a standard golden lager is preferred for simmering, though it is optional and not strictly required for authenticity.
How long should I simmer the Vienna Beef franks?
The frankfurters should be simmered for approximately 10 minutes until they are heated thoroughly.
What kind of buns are used for Chicago-style hot dogs?
Traditional hot dog buns are used, preferably with poppy seeds.
How do I warm the hot dog buns?
Place the buns in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until they are slightly warm and soft.
What are the traditional toppings for a Chicago-style hot dog?
Toppings include mustard, bright green sweet pickle relish, diced onion, tomato strips, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery seed.
What type of mustard is recommended?
Düsseldorf-style brown mustard with horseradish is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I use yellow mustard instead of brown mustard?
Yes, standard yellow mustard may be used if you prefer it over brown mustard.
What kind of relish is used for an authentic look?
A bright green sweet pickle relish is preferred to achieve the iconic Chicago-style appearance.
How should the onions be prepared?
One small onion should be diced finely for layering onto the hot dog.
How do I prepare the dill pickle?
Take a cold-pack kosher dill pickle and quarter it lengthwise to create spears.
How should the tomatoes be sliced?
The tomatoes should be sliced into julienne strips.
What are sport peppers?
Sport peppers are small, tangy, pickled peppers that provide a signature crunch and heat to the hot dog.
Can I substitute sport peppers with something else?
Yes, you can use jalapeños or other tiny hot peppers as an alternative to sport peppers.
Is ketchup included in a Chicago-style hot dog?
No, ketchup is not used in this authentic recipe; the focus is on mustard and other traditional toppings.
Why is celery seed used in the recipe?
Celery seed is sprinkled over the top at the end to provide an authentic finishing touch to the flavor profile.
When should I add the poppy seeds?
If you are not using pre-seeded buns, sprinkle poppy seeds over the top of the assembled hot dog.
What is the correct way to layer the toppings?
Drizzle mustard first, then layer the pickle spear, relish, onions, tomato strips, and sport peppers.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on the ingredients, this recipe makes 4 individual Chicago-style hot dogs.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer barbecue?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for lunch, snacks, or summer barbecues.
Can I make these if I am far from Chicago?
Yes, this recipe is designed so you can easily replicate the iconic taste in your own kitchen regardless of location.
What gives the hot dog its signature pop?
The use of natural casing beef frankfurters provides the distinctive snap or pop when bitten.
What type of beer is preferred for simmering the franks?
A standard golden lager is the preferred choice if you choose to simmer the dogs in beer.
How many sport peppers should be added per hot dog?
Typically, one or two pickled sport peppers are placed on each hot dog.
Should the dill pickle be served cold?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions using cold-pack kosher dill pickles.
Is this recipe considered a family tradition?
Yes, the description identifies it as a cherished family recipe.
What is the overall flavor profile of this hot dog?
It offers a delicious balance of savory beef, tangy mustard and pickles, sweet relish, and spicy sport peppers.