The corn dog’s roots can be traced back to the United States, where German immigrants in Texas during the 1920s are credited with introducing the concept. Sausage makers in Texas were looking for a new and innovative alternative to their traditional sausages at that time.
Fast forward to 1941, the Pronto Pup, a diner in Oregon, started offering a unique culinary creation: a hot dog coated in cornmeal batter and served on a stick. The inventive minds behind this delicious treat were George and Vera Boyington, the proud claimants of its invention.
It is essential to mention that there are various regions in the United States that have claimed to be the birthplace of the corn dog. Texas, Minnesota, Illinois, and California each have their own version of the origin story. One example is Stanley Jenkins from Buffalo, New York, who filed a patent in 1927 for a technique that involved dipping foods on sticks into the batter and deep-frying them, which is similar to the process of making corn dogs.
Overall, the corn dog has a rich and diverse history with multiple tales of its creation, highlighting the influence of German immigrants, the innovative minds of George and Vera Boyington, and even Stanley Jenkins’ patent application. Today, this beloved American snack continues to delight taste buds across the country.
A well-known snack in Québec, Ontario, and New Brunswick is a hot dog on a stick coated in batter, often called a “Pogo.” This regional term is unique to these areas and has become a significant part of their culinary culture. Typically, these snacks are served with traditional yellow mustard, commonly known as “ballpark mustard,” which adds a tangy and savory taste to the overall flavor. Interestingly, the name “pogo” is derived from a trademark owned by Conagra Inc., a notable food corporation.
On the other hand, the remaining provinces and territories of Canada use the more generic term “corn dog” to describe this delightful treat. The term “corn dog” is not trademarked and is widely recognized nationwide. It signifies the same concept of a hot dog on a stick enveloped in a crispy and flavorful batter.
One of the most popular street foods in South Korea is the corn dog, which is often referred to as a “hot dog” in Korean, leading to some confusion. The primary distinction between corn dogs and Korean corn dogs is the type of batter used. American corn dogs are coated in a cornmeal batter, while Korean corn dogs are coated in a yeasted dough or a rice flour batter. Furthermore, Korean corn dogs are garnished with a sprinkle of sugar.
