Take a look at the list of ingredients in most hot dogs sold in grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores across the country. You might choose a different snack at that point. One well-known brand’s list of hot dog ingredients starts with turkey, chicken, and pork that have been mechanically separated. It then goes on to list corn syrup and dextrose. It might surprise you to learn that fast food restaurants still serve great all-beef hot dogs if you know where to look.
Since many fast food items get a bad name, you might think that fast food hot dogs would be no different. You might expect to find a slurry of meats that have been mixed together and pressed into the shape of a tube. There are also places where you can get fast food hot dogs with a meat mix and other very unpleasant ingredients. Other places have surprisingly tasty dogs that are actually made with beef.
If you’re in the mood for an all-beef hot dog, these are the best fast food places to get one. Just remember to eat them in moderation, since most hot dogs are also pretty high in fat and salt.
Five Guys is about more than burgers, fries, and peanuts it turns out. On its website, Five Guys says that each of its four hot dog options is proudly “all-beef.” The popular chain also serves a number of sandwiches and some very good milkshakes. And said all-beef dogs are “split and grilled lengthwise for a caramelized exterior. “.
Even though most Nathan’s Famous locations are now only delivery restaurants (a few still have takeout and a few dine-in spots), the classic beef hot dogs that you will get delivered are still available. And in fact, youll get the same when you buy Nathans dogs in the grocery store, too.
There are a lot of hot dogs at Wienerschnitzel that aren’t 100% pure beef, but that’s the point. Poland’s Polish hot dogs are a mix of beef and pork. The chain also has the World Famous Original dog, which is also a mix of meats, and an all-beef hot dog. Customers can choose any of those three options for any of the chains many hot dog offerings.
Shake Shack’s famous Flat-Top Dogs are 100% beef. They are cooked on a flat-top grill that gives them a caramelized sear, a lot like Five Guys’ dogs. Once you add cheese sauce, chopped bacon, and your favorite condiments, they are 100% awesome.
Things get a little tricky now, so bear with us: Portillos has three types of hot dogs, and the Polish sausage is the only one that isn’t made from beef. Next, keep in mind that their regular-sized hot dogs are made from sheep, but their Jumbo hot dogs are 100% beef. If you want all-beef dogs from Portillos in the purest sense, go Jumbo. Any of them will taste good if you don’t care too much about the details.
Sonic makes a great hot dog. It comes with ketchup, relish, mustard, and diced onions. You can also add chili, jalapeños, pickles, shredded cheese, and tomatoes. Also, the base of it all is a premium beef all-American dog made with 100% pure beef. “.
Come for the root beer; stay for the all-beef hot dogs. The chain also has Coney Dogs and Coney Cheese Dogs, too. You shouldn’t assume the same for the Corn Dog Nuggets because we weren’t 100% sure about them, but they sound delicious.
Thought it might be a dark horse, but what else do you call the hot food sold at Costco stores besides fast food? It’s also amazingly cheap food, since each dog costs only a dollar. Cheap in terms of ingredients, though? Not at all. Costco serves 100% pure beef Kirkland Signature hot dogs. And hey, FYI, for $1. 50 you get a fountain soda, too. Steven John: Steven John is a freelance writer for Eat This, Not That! who lives not far from New York City.
Close your eyes and picture a classic American corn dog – that perfectly fried, golden brown exterior wrapped around a tasty hot dog on a stick. Few fast food treats conjure up nostalgia quite like the corn dog.
And arguably no restaurant chain does corn dogs better than Sonic Drive-In. Sonic’s spin on this state fair staple has been a menu staple for over 60 years.
But what exactly is the tasty meat inside a Sonic corn dog? Is it beef, pork, or some blend of the two? Let’s unravel the mystery of what gives these corn dogs their signature flavor.
A Savory Blend of Beef and Pork
The exact making of Sonic corn dogs is proprietary information. However, Sonic has revealed that their famous dogs are not 100% beef or pork – they contain a blend of both meats.
This mixture of beef and pork provides the ideal texture and flavor balance. The beef contributes a hearty, beefy juiciness, while the pork provides enhanced fat content for richness and moisture.
According to Sonic, all of their hot dog offerings contain some percentage of pork for taste and texture. However, some dog varieties may contain a higher beef ratio depending on the specific flavor profile.
For example, Sonic’s All-American Dog and Chili Cheese Coney likely have a higher beef content to align with their more classic hot dog flavor But the corn dog is designed to have an equal pork and beef blend.
This explains why the Sonic corn dog boasts such a unique, craveable taste compared to an all-beef hot dog The pork factor gives it a more succulent, juicy quality with a distinctive savoriness
A Look at the Corn Dog’s Humble Origins
To better understand the Sonic corn dog of today, let’s go back in time to see how this menu star first came to be.
The corn dog traces its roots to a simple cornbread-coated hot dog on a stick invented by Neil Fletcher at the Texas State Fair sometime in the late 1930s or 1940s.
Fletcher’s lightbulb moment gave birth to the “Corny Dog” and launched the Fletcher family food business. The handmade Corny Dogs were a smash hit at the fair year after year.
In 1959, Troy N. Smith Sr. was inspired to create his own take on the corn dog for his new Sonic drive-in hamburger restaurant in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Smith’s goal was developing a one-of-a-kind menu item made with quality ingredients that would delight his guests. After much fine-tuning, Sonic’s trademark corn dogs were born.
The original Sonic corn dogs were made from a carefully balanced blend of pork and beef, providing a unmatched flavor. Customers couldn’t get enough of this addictively delicious new treat.
The Sonic corn dog was so well-received that it became a standout menu item. Sonic has sold hundreds of millions of corn dogs over the decades, cementing their iconic status.
Ingredients and Nutrition Facts: The Devil’s in the Details
Today’s Sonic corn dogs remain highly craved by fans, who flock to get their fix during frequent corn dog promotions. But what exactly is in a modern-day Sonic corn dog?
Sonic states their corn dog consists of:
- Hot dog (blend of pork and beef)
- Corn dog batter (cornmeal, flour, sugar, spices, leavening agents)
- Whole grain corn meal coating
The latest nutrition information for a standard Sonic corn dog is:
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 24g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 7g
This reflects the high fat and carb content typical of deep fried corn dogs. The pork and beef franks also contribute additional fat and sodium.
Those looking for healthier options can request grilled chicken tenders instead of the hot dog, or opt for one of Sonic’s lower calorie hot dogs. Veggie or turkey franks are another alternative.
Why the Pork and Beef Blend Just Works
Sonic’s adherence to including pork as well as beef in their corn dog and other frank options is no accident. As mentioned earlier, the pork adds moisture, richness and a signature flavor.
The beef provides the classic hot dog taste and snappy texture people expect. Blending the two maximizes the strengths of each meat.
In the case of the corn dog, pork’s extra fat content aids in moistness after deep frying. The coating also locks in the meat blend’s juices.
The result is a mouthwatering hot dog that perfectly complements the crispy, subtly sweet outer corn batter. This explains why Sonic corn dogs have been a smash for over six decades and counting.
How Does Sonic’s Corn Dog Compare to Other Chains’?
While plenty of chains like State Fair Corny Dogs, Hot Dog on a Stick and others offer corn dogs, Sonic’s version stands out from the competition.
Factors that give Sonic corn dogs their edge include:
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Carefully crafted meat blend – the proprietary pork/beef mix creates maximum flavor.
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Special batter recipe – Sonic uses a unique, made-in-house batter for optimal crispness and corn taste.
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Fresh preparation – Sonic corn dogs are hand-dipped and cooked to order for each guest. No frozen pre-made corn dogs here!
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Nostalgic taste – Sonic corn dogs deliver the classic flavor people crave, as proven by 60+ years of popularity.
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Limited time offers – Sonic generates hype by bringing back their famous corn dogs for frequent promotions.
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Cult following – No other chain corn dog enjoys the passionate fan base of Sonic’s version, thanks to its signature taste.
Making Every Bite Count: Tips for Corn Dog Lovers
For those eager to get their mitts on these one-of-a-kind corn dogs, here are some tips for maximizing your Sonic corn dog experience:
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Take advantage of promotions for discounted or free corn dogs. Sonic offers deals on holidays like National Corn Dog Day.
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Customize with unique topping combinations – try chili, cheese, bacon bits or other fun add-ons.
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Pair your corn dogs with tangy mustard and cool ranch for dipping.
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Wash it all down with a refreshing Sonic slushie or lemonade.
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Ask for extra napkins as things are bound to get messy!
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Request corn dogs as late night snacks since many Sonic locations are open into the evening.
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Enjoy corn dogs in your parked car or on Sonic’s patio seating for the full drive-in experience.
Sonic Drive-In has perfected the art of the corn dog thanks to 60+ years of corn dog craftsmanship. Their proprietary blend of pork and beef tucked into a custom corn batter is a feast for the senses.
While the exact ratio of pork to beef remains a trade secret, Sonic leverages this winning combo to achieve the ideal flavor, moisture and texture. This explains the addictive taste that millions of corn dog connoisseurs crave.
From the first bite of that crunchy, golden fried exterior to the savory meat goodness within, the Sonic corn dog delivers a truly signature eating experience. So next time a corn dog craving hits, swing by Sonic and enjoy this original American classic done right.
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FAQ
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