How to Cook Boar’s Head Uncured Beef Frankfurters for Maximum Flavor

Boar’s Head uncured beef frankfurters are a popular choice for an easy, tasty meal. Their all-natural ingredients and robust smoky flavor make them stand out from typical hot dogs. But to get the most out of these premium franks, you need to know the proper cooking techniques.

In this article, I’ll explain step-by-step how to cook Boar’s Head uncured beef frankfurters to juicy, plump perfection every time.

A Closer Look at Boar’s Head Uncured Beef Frankfurters

First, let’s take a quick look at what makes these franks special:

• Made from premium cuts of beef and pork
• Minimally processed with no artificial ingredients
• Uncured – no added nitrates or nitrites
• All-natural spices provide authentic smoky flavor
• Snappy natural casing gives satisfying “bite”
• Convenient fully-cooked style just needs reheating

With quality ingredients and artisan craftsmanship, Boar’s Head franks simply taste better than typical hot dogs. Now let’s get into the ideal cooking methods.

Choosing the Best Cooking Method

You can cook Boar’s Head uncured beef frankfurters in several different ways:

Grilling

This is hands-down the best technique for maximum flavor. The open flames impart a smoky char while the natural casings get crispy. Use medium-high heat and turn frequently.

Pan-Frying

Cooking in a skillet gives a nice browned exterior while keeping the insides plump and juicy. Use medium heat with a bit of oil or butter.

Boiling/Simmering

For a no-fuss approach, simmering in gently boiling water cooks the franks evenly without drying them out.

Baking

You can bake them to perfection in the oven or toaster oven. Preheat to 375°F on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Flavor Boosts and Serving Suggestions

Boar’s Head franks taste great on their own, but you can also spice them up:

• Nestle them into soft, steamed buns and add cool toppings like sauerkraut, relish, onions, or pickled peppers.

• For an appetizer, slice and sear them with bell peppers, pineapple, and teriyaki glaze.

• Simmer in tomato pasta sauce or beans for a comforting meal.

• Wrap in crescent roll dough with cheese for easy pigs in a blanket.

• Top with avocado, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese for a Mexican-inspired hot dog.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize them to your liking!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilling

For the absolute best results when cooking Boar’s Head uncured beef frankfurters, I recommend grilling. Follow these simple steps:

1. Soak Wood Chips

Soak aromatic wood chips like hickory or apple in water for 30 minutes. Drain before using.

2. Preheat Grill

Heat your charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F.

3. Add Smoke (Optional)

If desired, toss soaked wood chips directly onto lit charcoals, or place in smoker box of gas grill.

4. Grill the Franks

Place franks directly onto grill grates. Grill for 4-6 minutes total, rotating every minute for even charring.

5. Finish with a Sear

Move franks to hotter part of grill for 1 minute per side to finish with a good sear.

6. Let Rest

Transfer franks to a plate and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

And that’s it – you’ll have perfectly grilled franks ready for your favorite toppings and buns.

Safety Tips

When cooking any style of hot dogs, there are some safety guidelines to follow:

• Always cook franks to an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate foodborne illness risks.

• Don’t leave sitting out for more than 2 hours or 1 hour in hot weather. Refrigerate promptly.

• Leftovers should be reheated to 165°F before serving again.

• Discard any franks that have an unpleasant odor or slimy texture.

With these handy tips for maximizing flavor and texture, you can enjoy the full experience of Boar’s Head’s superior uncured beef frankfurters. The ideal cooking method depends on your preferences and occasion. But no matter which technique you choose, follow the guidelines above for finger-licking franks every time.