Are you a fan of fair food? Then you must have tried corndogs at some point in your life. These crispy and crunchy treats are a staple at fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks all around the world. They are the perfect combination of juicy hot dogs and crispy cornmeal batter.
In this ultimate guide, we will show you how to make the best corndogs at home. From choosing the right ingredients to frying them to perfection, we've got you covered. So, let's get started!
Ingredients
To make the perfect corndogs, you will need:
- 100g cornmeal
- 100 g of plain flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. caster sugar
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 150 ml of whole milk
- 8 frankfurters
- Vegetable oil for deep-frying
- Ketchup and American mustard for serving
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, egg, caster sugar, salt, baking powder, and milk until you have a smooth batter.
- In a tall glass or jug, pour the batter.
- Skewer each frankfurter lengthwise, so the skewer goes three-quarters of the way through.
- In a pan, heat the vegetable oil to 180 °C or until a cube of bread browns in 30 seconds.
- Dip each frankfurter in the batter until it is completely covered.
- Carefully drop each frankfurter into the hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes, or until the batter is golden and crispy.
- Remove the corndogs from the oil and drain on a sheet of kitchen paper.
- Serve with ketchup and American mustard for dipping or drizzling over.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
To make the best corndogs, you need to choose the right ingredients. The cornmeal is the most crucial ingredient, as it gives the corndogs their distinct texture and flavor. You can use fine or coarse cornmeal, but fine cornmeal is the best for a smooth batter.
Additionally, the flour, egg, and milk help bind the batter together, while the caster sugar adds sweetness. The baking powder is what makes the batter rise and gives the corndogs a light and airy texture.
When it comes to the hot dogs, you want to choose high-quality frankfurters that are juicy and flavorful.
Tips for the Perfect Corndog
While making corndogs may seem simple, it can be challenging to get them just right. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect corndogs every time:
- Use a tall glass or jug to hold the batter. This makes it easier to coat the frankfurters evenly.
- Skewer the frankfurters lengthwise, so they are easier to dip and fry.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cold, the batter will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Fry the corndogs in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
- Use tongs to flip the corndogs while frying to ensure they cook evenly.
- Drain the corndogs on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
Corndogs are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of dips and toppings. Ketchup and American mustard are classic choices, but you can also try:
- BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Sriracha mayo
- Chili
- Cheese sauce
Variations
While traditional corndogs are made with frankfurters, you can experiment with different types of sausages and hot dogs. You can also add different flavors to the batter, such as:
- Cheese
- Jalapenos
- Herbs
- Spices
Conclusion
Making corndogs at home is easy and fun. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make delicious corndogs that rival those at fairs and carnivals. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a skewer and some hot dogs, and start frying!
Remember, the key to perfect corndogs is practice, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt is not perfect. Keep trying, and you will soon be making the best corndogs around.