An unusual method of cooking a hot dog is going viral on TikTok, with food influencer Carolina Kellan sharing a video tutorial for the “swirl hot dog.”
Kellan, who shares recipes with more than 560k followers on TikTok, posted her latest tutorial last week and it received more than 1.8 million views in three days.
He said his method of spiral cutting the hot dogs before cooking gives the sausages more surface area for caramelizing and toppings.
The home cook demonstrates inserting a skewer lengthwise into a hot dog and using a knife to cut it at a 45-degree angle.
This creates a spiral hot dog, but it expands. Gelen then cooks them over a fire in a cast-iron pan, explaining that the new shape causes the meat to “open up the pan.”
“They caramelize beautifully and can hold more toppings because of their shape,” he told the audience. “All these flavors and sauces are going to fall between these nooks and crannies and go between the buns.”
Gelen recommends roasted red pepper salsa and pickle mayonnaise for toppings, but those who try his method can use whatever hot dog toppings they like.
She ends the video by assembling her hot dog topped with sauce, mayonnaise and mustard.
Viewers enjoy trying Kellan’s method of cooking hot dogs, and one wrote, “You’ve changed my life.”
Another said: “This is genius. I just love grilled hot dogs and this definitely amps up the caramelization.
A third added: “My hot dog life will never be the same, thank you.”
The video was also shared on Twitter and received a similar response, with many users announcing that they would give it a try.
“One of those tips that seems instantly revolutionary and legit,” wrote one. “Maillard reaction = taste. Those new nooks and crannies can hold cards better.
“From now on I will be 100% satisfied with my hot dogs and bratwursts.”
Another said: “I made the spiral hot dog thing tonight and I can confirm it won me a Michelin star.”
Some pointed out that this method is common in some cuisines like Filipino cuisine and confirmed that it is a delicious way to prepare hot dogs.
The virus spike comes as the UK experiences its hottest temperature of 2023 so far, with the mercury hitting 30C across much of the country on Saturday (June 10).
Today (Sunday, June 11) many will no doubt be barbecuing as the temperature rises again, and they’ll be enjoying Kellan’s hot dog cooking.
However, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for storms in parts of England and Wales and some areas could see rain this weekend.
