Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Bacon-Wrapped Sonoran Dogs?
They are a gourmet take on classic Southwest hot dogs, featuring bacon-wrapped franks served in soft bolillo buns with pinto beans, fresh vegetables, and a signature jalapeño salsa.
What type of bun is best for this recipe?
A soft Mexican bolillo bun is the best choice for an authentic touch and the proper texture.
How should I prepare the bolillo buns?
Slit each bun lengthwise without cutting all the way through, then gently remove excess dough from the center to create a pocket for the toppings.
Can I toast the buns?
Yes, you can either lightly toast or steam the buns based on your personal preference.
How do I wrap the hot dogs in bacon?
Take a thin slice of bacon and start at one end of the hot dog, wrapping it tightly in a spiral until the entire dog is covered.
What kind of bacon is recommended?
Thin-sliced bacon is recommended because it wraps more easily and crisps up more effectively during cooking.
How do I cook the bacon-wrapped hot dogs?
Cook them in a skillet over medium heat, starting on one side until the bacon is crisp and adhered before carefully flipping to brown all sides evenly.
What is the key to the Jalapeño Salsa?
The key is charring the onions and jalapeños in a cast-iron skillet to develop deep, smoky flavors before blending.
How do I char the onions for the salsa?
Place chopped onions in a preheated cast-iron skillet over high heat and stir frequently for about 5 minutes until they are slightly charred.
When should I add the garlic to the salsa mixture?
Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds of charring the onions to ensure it doesn't burn.
How are the jalapeños prepared for the salsa?
Stem, seed, and halve the jalapeños, then cook them in olive oil in a hot skillet until they are slightly charred and softened.
What ingredients are blended into the salsa?
The charred onions, garlic, and jalapeños are blended with olive oil, lime juice, fresh oregano, and salt.
How do I achieve a squeezable consistency for the salsa?
If the salsa is too thick, add more lime juice and water during the blending process until you reach the desired consistency.
What toppings go on a Sonoran dog?
Typical toppings include heated pinto beans, chopped onions, diced tomatoes, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and jalapeño salsa.
How do I prepare the pinto beans?
Use a 15-ounce can of pinto beans, then rinse, drain, and heat them before adding them to the hot dogs.
Is the Jalapeño Salsa very spicy?
The spice level is moderated by seeding the jalapeños, but the 10 peppers used provide a vibrant heat that balances the rich bacon.
Can I use torpedo rolls if I can't find bolillo buns?
Yes, torpedo rolls are a suitable substitute if bolillo buns are unavailable.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 6 servings.
Should the bacon be cooked before wrapping?
No, wrap the raw bacon around the hot dog and then cook them together in the skillet so the bacon adheres to the dog.
What order should I assemble the hot dog?
Place the hot dog in the bun, then add the beans, onions, and tomatoes, followed by the mayo, mustard, and salsa.
How do I apply the condiments neatly?
Using squirt bottles for the mayonnaise, mustard, and salsa allows you to layer them smoothly over the other ingredients.
Can I prepare the salsa in advance?
Yes, the jalapeño salsa can be made ahead of time and stored for easier assembly.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total, including the components for the homemade salsa and the hot dog toppings.
Do I need to use oil to cook the bacon-wrapped hot dogs?
Usually, the fat rendering from the bacon is sufficient, though the recipe uses olive oil for charring the salsa vegetables.
What type of oregano is used?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano for the salsa.
How much lime juice is needed for the salsa?
The recipe starts with 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice, with more added as needed for flavor and consistency.
Are the tomatoes cooked?
No, the tomatoes are diced and served fresh as a topping to provide a cool contrast to the hot ingredients.
What is the best way to serve these?
They should be served immediately while the bun is soft, the beans are warm, and the bacon is crispy.
Can these be served as a snack?
Yes, they are versatile enough to be served as either a hearty lunch or a substantial snack.
Is a cast-iron skillet necessary?
A cast-iron skillet is recommended for the salsa ingredients as it provides the high heat needed for proper charring.