Swirly Fun: Homemade Tornado Hot Dogs
Whip Up a Fun Tornado Hot Dog Snack for the Kids at Home!
Let’s make a delightful snack for your children right at home! These tornado hot dogs are not only fun to look at but also incredibly delicious, featuring a crispy exterior and a chewy interior. They’re perfect for after-school treats, parties, or even a quick and satisfying appetizer.
Essential Items
- 5 Frankfurters (long, slender ones work best)
- 5 Wooden skewers or bamboo sticks (long enough for the hot dogs)
Crispy Batter Mix
- 2 cups Hot cake mix (pancake mix)
- 5 Tbsp Water (about 75ml, adjust for desired batter consistency)
- 2 cups Hot cake mix (pancake mix)
- 5 Tbsp Water (about 75ml, adjust for desired batter consistency)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing your frankfurters. Cut each hot dog in half lengthwise. Then, carefully insert a wooden skewer or bamboo stick into each half, ensuring it’s firmly secured. This will be your handle for dipping and frying.
Step 2
Now, let’s create the signature tornado shape! Starting from the top of the hot dog, make diagonal cuts with a sharp knife, angling towards the skewer. Continue making these cuts all the way down, rotating the hot dog as you go, until the entire length is covered in spiral cuts. Aim for cuts about 0.5 cm apart for a neat swirl.
Step 3
Gently pull on the cut sections of the hot dog. As you pull, the spiral cuts will expand outwards, creating a beautiful tornado effect! This expansion is what allows the batter to beautifully coat the hot dog.
Step 4
Time to prepare the batter. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of hot cake mix. Gradually add 5 tablespoons of water, stirring until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be slightly thicker than regular pancake batter – thick enough to coat the hot dog without running off too easily.
Step 5
Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill the gaps between the spiral cuts of the hot dog with the batter. Coat the entire hot dog, ensuring the batter adheres well to the expanded sections. Be mindful not to over-apply the batter; too much can cause it to puff up unevenly during frying, affecting the shape.
Step 6
Heat your frying oil to a moderate temperature of 160°C (320°F). If you have a thermometer, it’s helpful to ensure the oil isn’t too hot. Carefully lower the battered hot dogs into the oil and fry, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Step 7
Once golden and crispy, remove the tornado hot dogs from the oil and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Serve immediately with your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, or even a sprinkle of cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy the delightful crunch and savory taste!
