Summer is here, and that means barbecue season. It’s finally time to make lemonade, corn on the cob, and, of course, hot dogs. But if you’re cooking for a crowd, you might find yourself asking a question that has plagued humankind since time immemorial: “How can I flip multiple hot dogs at once?”
That question now has an answer, thanks to a simple hack using long skewers, ideally those over 12 inches. You can use reusable metal or disposable bamboo skewers, but if you’re opting for the latter, be sure to soak them in water for at least an hour beforehand. Do not skip this step, as it prevents them from burning on the grill.
Next, line up your hot dogs and insert two skewers into them, one at each end. The skewers should be perpendicular to the hot dogs, and the end product should resemble a ladder. Space the hot dogs 1/2 inch apart for optimal airflow and leave about six inches of space at the bottom of the skewers so you can easily grab and flip them. The number of hot dogs you can fit will vary, but in general, the longer your skewers, the more dogs you can cook at once.
Grill your hot dogs as usual, then flip them using the space at the bottom of the skewers for leverage. This hack not only saves time but also ensures that each hot dog cooks evenly.
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Bonus Hack: Steam Your Hot Dog Buns on the Grill
To really elevate your hot dog game, warm the buns by steaming them on the grill. Lightly moisten the buns by sprinkling them with a little bit of water, then wrap them loosely in aluminum foil. Place them on the top rack of your grill for three to four minutes. (It’s OK to put multiple buns in the same foil pack.) Be careful not to leave the buns on the grill for too long, as they can turn soggy and mushy.
