Alaskan Reindeer Dogs are served with Coca-Cola glazed onions

Every region, if not every state, in the US seems to have its own hot dog. From Chicago-style hot dogs to Coney dogs, Greek hot dogs to Korean hot dogs, every place has its own hot dog that it will always defend and be proud of. Alaska is also proud of its hot dog, the Alaskan Reindeer Hot Dog.

Before non-Alaskans panic at the prospect of having to eat Rudolph and the rest of Santa's entourage, it's important to understand that reindeer are a staple food in Alaska; and by definition, they're simply domesticated caribou. Reindeer meat is fairly lean, and the flavor is described as wild and slightly sweet, depending on where the animals were raised. These nutritional values ​​are why reindeer meat is the foundation of an Alaskan hot dog, but the real star? Coca-Cola-glazed onions.

The reindeer hot dog, which usually has pork or beef mixed in as well, is placed in a steamed bun and then topped with the Coca-Cola glazed onions. These onions are first grilled, often in olive oil, and then seasoned with simple seasonings like salt and pepper. Next, Coca-Cola is added to the pan and everything is cooked together for 15-20 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed or caramelized. Once the onions are on the hot dog, you can add any additional toppings you normally like, like ketchup, mustard, or relish.

If you're heading to Alaska to try this hot dog, you want the best of the best. Many people mention the International House of Hot Dogs in Anchorage, Alaska, a fast-casual restaurant that offers the reindeer hot dog in addition to a full menu of other unique hot dogs from around the world. Another place that gets mentioned frequently in reviews is Yeti Dogs, also in Anchorage, a hot dog stand that customers praise for its reasonable prices and appropriate portion size. And finally, Hot Dogs a la Carte in Soldotna, Alaska, is a family-run seasonal hot dog stand known for its impeccable, fast service and plenty of customization options.

If you don't want to travel to Alaska, you can also easily make this dish at home. Depending on where you live, reindeer meat may be hard to come by, but stores that sell international foods, like Jungle Jim's International Market or other specialty meat stores, may have some. If you can't find reindeer, you can use elk or venison meat, as they have a similar flavor and texture. As for the star topping, you can follow this foolproof caramelized onion recipe and simply replace the broth with Coca-Cola. If you want to add some spice, try enhancing the flavor and texture by adding fresh ingredients like diced bell peppers, onions, or your favorite pickle; just follow your sense of taste.