The Strategy
Getting that sweet cornmeal batter to hug a hot dog just right takes a little bit of patience and a tall glass, darlin'. If you dip the skewered dog straight down into a narrow cup, you'll get a beautiful, smooth coating from top to bottom without any messy bare spots. When you slip it into the oil, hold it by the stick for just a second to let the batter set before letting go.
Technique Summary
Slipping skewered dogs into a tall glass of thick, sweet buttermilk cornmeal batter gives them a perfectly smooth coat. It's a fun and easy way to bring a taste of the county fair right into your own home.
Chef’s Checkpoints
- The batter clings to the hot dog in a thick, velvety layer without instantly running off.
- The corn dog floats to the top of the oil and begins to rotate slowly as the batter expands and puffs.
- The crust sounds hollow and firm when tapped lightly with metal tongs.