Stephie's Family Fun, Quirky, and Absolutely Scrumptious Hot Dog Taco Recipe

The Hot Dog Taco Delight

Welcome to a culinary adventure that marries two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible creation: the hot dog taco. This delightful fusion dish takes the classic American hot dog and combines it with the flavorful elements of a Mexican taco, resulting in a fun and quirky meal that promises to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re planning a family get-together, game night, or a casual dinner, the hot dog taco offers a unique twist that will leave both kids and adults asking for seconds.

The charm of the hot dog taco lies in its simplicity and the unexpected blend of flavors and textures. Imagine the savory taste of a perfectly grilled hot dog nestled in a warm taco shell, topped with vibrant, fresh ingredients that provide a burst of flavor with every bite. It's a dish that not only satisfies the taste buds but also adds a playful element to your meal, making it a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe brings together the best of both worlds and I've personally been creating this culinary excitement for my family for decades. You’ll enjoy the familiar, comforting taste of a hot dog, enhanced by the zesty, fresh toppings typically associated with tacos. The ingredients are straightforward and easily customizable, allowing you to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. From crunchy lettuce and juicy tomatoes to tangy salsa and creamy avocado, the possibilities are endless. I encourage you to create your very own unique flavors that meet you and your family's taste buds.

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the joy of eating and the fun of experimenting with flavors. The hot dog taco is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings excitement to the dinner table. Stay tuned as we explore the ingredients and steps to create this scrumptious dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Gathering and Preparing the Ingredients

Creating the perfect hot dog taco begins with gathering all the essential ingredients. For Stephie's unique recipe, you'll need-

• hot dogs (Ball Park angus, my favorite)

Select high-quality hot dogs. Opt for those with natural casings and minimal preservatives for the best flavor and texture. Ball Park Angus hot dogs have the most flavor, plump up the best, and have the ultimate hot dog texture.

• grated cheese (three or four cheese Mexican blend tastes the best)

The three or four (3 or 4) cheese Mexican blend adds the delightful depth to the Mexican element of your hot dog tacos. Grating the cheese yourself from blocks rather than using pre-shredded cheese often results in a fresher taste and better melting consistency.

• fresh lettuce (fresh and crispy Iceberg lettuce head)

Choose fresh, crisp lettuce (iceberg is my personal favorite for this recipe) and creates a satisfying crunch.

• ripe tomatoes (large beef steak tomatoes)

Firm, ripe tomatoes beef steak tomatoes with vibrant red color have the most flavor and moisture for a sweet and tangy balance.

• avocados (very ripe avocados)

Choose avocados that are a little more than ripe for roughly mashing with a fork creating both chunks of avocado and creamy spreadable texture.

• onions (sweet yellow onions tastes best)

The yellow sweet onion offers the most flavorful bite that includes the crunch of onion and sweetness to boot. Plus they add a color pop to the green lettuce and red tomatoes.

• olive oil (extra virgin is the healthiest)

Extra virgin olive oil is the healthiest and easiest to use while frying tortilla shells.

• corn tortillas (Mission is my personal favorite)

The Mission brand is my personal favorite for corn tortillas as they fry more evenly and are easily shapeable when frying.

• your favorite salsa (homemade fresh salsa spices up the whole meal)

Fresh homemade salsa has the most flavor to add that overall kick to your ultimate hot dog tacos. You can find fresh homemade salsa's in your grocery store.

• limes

Limes, big or small are a must for adding the ultimate tang to finalize your perfect culinary creation.

Ensuring the highest quality of each ingredient will elevate the overall taste and experience of this delicious, fun, and quirky dish.

Now, let’s move on to preparing the ingredients-

• begin with using a Webber BBQ charcoal grill for the perfect grilled hot dog

• grating the cheese using a medium-sized grater and aside in a bowl, or buy an already shredded Mexican cheese blend

• wash the lettuce thoroughly, spin the leaves dry, and then chop it into thin strips.

• dice the tomatoes and onions into small, uniform rectangular-like pieces, ensuring they blend well in the taco

• half avocados, add to a bowl, roughly mash the avocados so they have some creamy avocado texture and also make sure some chunks of avocados remain

• for the corn tortillas, heat a small amount of extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Using tongs, fry each tortilla until it's golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side and fold in half to create a taco shell. Drain the tortillas on paper towels to remove excess oil. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture for your hot dog taco

• roll the limes between your palm and counter or table to create a softer lime which makes a juicier lime

With all ingredients prepared, you are now ready to assemble Stephie's delightful hot dog tacos. The emphasis on quality and careful preparation will guarantee a scrumptious and memorable meal for the whole family.

Assembling and Serving the Hot Dog Tacos

Assembling these delightful hot dog tacos is a straightforward process that ensures a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

• after frying your corn tortillas, which provide a crispy and flavorful base

• place them in a taco stand holder to ensure they remain upright for assembly

• then add a perfectly grilled hot dog at the center of each tortilla, positioning it lengthwise. This will be the primary protein component of your taco

• generously sprinkle grated cheese over the hot dog. The Mexican cheese blend works wonderfully due to the sharpness of the different flavors and excellent melting qualities

• add a layer of shredded lettuce. The lettuce adds a fresh, crunchy texture that complements the other ingredients well

• diced tomatoes come next, adding a burst of color and juiciness. Scatter them evenly over the lettuce

• spread the half creamy/half chunky avocado not only to add flavor but also the green color offsets the red tomatoes. Plus, avocados are good for you

• sprinkle chopped onions over the top. Onions provide a subtle pungency that enhances the overall flavor and also adds color to the overall look of your hot dog tacos

• top each taco with a dollop of salsa. Whether you prefer mild, medium, or hot, salsa adds a zesty kick, tying all the components together beautifully

• to finish your culinary creation, use a lemon/lime squeezer to add lime juice over the entire hot dog taco adding a tangy flavor

For serving, put the taco stand holder on a plate and consider garnishing your hot dog tacos with fresh cilantro or another topping that you may want to try. These tacos pair excellently with side dishes such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple corn salad. For beverages, classic choices like a cold beer, a tangy margarita, or even a refreshing iced tea will enhance the meal.

Customization is key to making these hot dog tacos your own. For a healthier option, use turkey or veggie hot dogs and opt for low-fat cheese. If you prefer a spicier kick, add jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot sauce. For a vegan alternative, use plant-based hot dogs, dairy-free cheese, and vegan-friendly toppings. The possibilities are endless, making this quirky, scrumptious recipe adaptable to any dietary preference or taste.

*** Check out my blog article about the Top 5 Knife Manufacturers, Plus My Personal Favorite: Cutco Knives here.

Stephie wants to know... Did you find this article helpful? If you did, please check out some of my other articles- quirky family recipes, fun and tasty cooking creations, and my favorite helpful kitchen appliances. Sign up below and share this article with your friends and family. Can't wait for you to read more of my articles!

What are customer's saying...

Here's what our customers have to say about our amazing recipes!

My specialty is the BBQ. I randomly came across this recipes because it uses the BBQ. Highly impressed with the mingling of flavors and definitely loved the hot dogs.

Brian A. - Portland, OR

Stephie's hot dog taco recipe was a hit. We even made them when we all went camping with the extended family. We put out all of the ingredients and everyone made their own versions. We grilled our hot dogs over an open fire. Scrumptious!

Leanne S. - Houston, TX

★★★★★

★★★★★