The Best Grilled Hot Dogs

Light one chimney full of charcoal . When all the charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and arrange the coals on one side of the charcoal grate. Set cooking grate in place, cover grill, and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. Alternatively, set half the burners on a gas grill to the highest heat setting, cover, and preheat for 10 minutes. Clean and oil the grilling grate.

Place stewed onions and juices (or sauerkraut, if using) in a 12-inch (or larger) cast iron skillet and add beer. Nestle hot dogs into onions (or sauerkraut).

Place cast iron pan on hot side of grill and cook until simmering, about 7-10 minutes. Slide to cooler side of grill. If using a charcoal grill, cover grill with vents over the hot dogs. Cook with all vents open until hot dogs are heated through, about 10 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. If using a gas grill, simply lower the cover (there will not be vents).

Remove lid. Using tongs, remove hot dogs from onions or sauerkraut and place directly on cooking grates over hot side of grill. Cook, turning occasionally, until well browned and crisp, about 3 minutes total. Return to cast iron pan. Toast buns over hot side of grill if desired. Serve hot dogs with buns, mustard, and onions or sauerkraut.