Authentic Sonoran Hot Dogs: A Taste of the Southwest

Ingredients

  • 4 hot dog buns
  • 4 hot dog sausages
  • 8 slices of bacon
  • 1 cup of pinto beans, canned or homemade
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup of mustard
  • 1/2 cup of ketchup
  • 1/2 cup of green salsa

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Wrap each hot dog with 2 slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
  3. Grill the bacon-wrapped hot dogs until the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are heated through.
  4. While the hot dogs are grilling, prepare the toppings. In a bowl, mix together the chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeño pepper.
  5. Warm the pinto beans over medium heat in a small saucepan.
  6. Heat the hot dog buns on the grill until slightly toasted.
  7. Assemble the hot dogs: spread a layer of beans on the bottom of each bun, followed by a bacon-wrapped hot dog.
  8. Sprinkle the hot dogs with the shredded cheese, then top with the onion and tomato mixture.
  9. Drizzle the hot dogs with mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and green salsa to taste.
  10. Serve the Sonoran hot dogs immediately, with extra toppings on the side if desired.

Tools for making

  • Grill - to cook the bacon-wrapped hot dogs
  • Toothpicks - to secure the bacon around the hot dogs
  • Small saucepan - to warm the pinto beans
  • Tongs - to handle the hot dogs on the grill
  • Bowl - to mix the chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeño pepper for the toppings
  • Spatula - to flip the hot dogs on the grill and remove them
  • Knife - to chop the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeño pepper
  • Cutting board - to chop the vegetables
  • Grill brush - to clean the grill grates before and after cooking

Recipe variations

  • Swap the bacon-wrapped hot dogs with vegetarian or vegan sausages for a meat-free option.
  • Use turkey bacon or beef bacon instead of regular bacon for a different flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of sausages such as spicy chorizo or smoked sausage.
  • Add sliced avocado or guacamole as an additional topping.
  • Replace the pinto beans with refried beans for a creamier texture.
  • Try using different types of cheese such as queso fresco or pepper jack.
  • Add pickled jalapeños or other spicy peppers for an extra kick.
  • Grill the hot dog buns with butter for a buttery and crispy texture.
  • Serve the Sonoran hot dogs with different types of salsas like salsa verde or chipotle salsa.
  • Include additional toppings such as shredded lettuce or chopped bell peppers for added freshness.
  • Wrap the hot dogs in a tortilla instead of using hot dog buns for a unique twist.

Recipe overview

Get ready to experience a taste of the Southwest with this delicious Sonoran Hot Dog recipe. Originating from the Mexican state of Sonora, these hot dogs are a beloved street food in the region and have gained popularity across the United States. Our recipe wraps a juicy hot dog in crispy bacon before nestling it into a soft bun and covering it with a concoction of fresh and flavorful toppings. Expect a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, spicy, and savory flavors in each bite. From the warm pinto beans, fresh chopped vegetables, to the three-pronged sauce attack of mayo, mustard, and ketchup, there's a taste sensation in each bite. Don't forget the final drizzle of green salsa for the authentic Sonoran touch. So, fire up your grill and transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Sonora!

Common questions

  1. Can I use regular hot dog sausages instead of bacon-wrapped ones? Yes, you can use regular hot dog sausages if you prefer. However, the bacon-wrapped hot dogs add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the Sonoran hot dog.
  2. Can I substitute the pinto beans with another type of bean? Yes, you can substitute the pinto beans with black beans or refried beans if you prefer. The choice of beans is flexible and can be adjusted to your taste.
  3. Can I omit the jalapeño pepper if I don't like spicy food? Yes, you can omit the jalapeño pepper if you prefer a milder flavor. Alternatively, you can replace it with a milder pepper variety like bell pepper.
  4. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use a different type of cheese if you prefer. While the recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese, you can experiment with other varieties such as Monterey Jack or queso fresco.
  5. Can I grill the hot dogs on a stovetop instead of using a grill? Yes, you can grill the hot dogs on a stovetop grill pan or a regular frying pan if you don't have access to an outdoor grill.
  6. Can I use soft tortillas instead of hot dog buns? While traditionally Sonoran hot dogs are served on buns, you can use soft tortillas if you prefer. Simply warm the tortillas and wrap the bacon-wrapped hot dogs with the toppings inside.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill - A grill is essential for cooking the hot dogs and bacon.
  • Toothpicks - Toothpicks are useful for securing the bacon around the hot dogs.
  • Small saucepan - This is needed to warm the pinto beans.
  • Tongs - Tongs are helpful for flipping the hot dogs on the grill.
  • Bowl - A bowl is necessary for mixing the onion, tomato, cilantro, and jalapeño pepper.
  • Spatula - A spatula is useful for transferring the cooked hot dogs from the grill to the buns.

Origin stories

The Sonoran hot dog itself is a testament of the vibrant fusion of cultures that characterizes the border region between Mexico and the United States. It is believed to have been born in the city of Hermosillo, in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, in the late 1980s. The snack grew in popularity and eventually crossed the border into Arizona, becoming a beloved street food staple. Unlike the typical American hot dog, the Sonoran version is a bacon-wrapped sausage nestled in a bolillo-style bun, and adorned with a colorful array of toppings that reflect its Mexican roots, including pinto beans, tomatoes, onions, jalapeño peppers, mayonnaise, mustard, and salsa. So next time you bite into a Sonoran hot dog, remember, you're not just enjoying a tasty treat, you're also partaking in a culinary tradition that transcends borders.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.