Canadian Steamie
A soft, steamed hot dog served across eastern Canada, the Canadian Steamie is known for its tender bun and variable regional toppings, from mustard and relish to creamy slaw or cheese. It's a comforting, no-grill alternative found in diners and snack bars throughout the country.
The Canadian Steamie is a comfort food staple found across Quebec and eastern Canada, known for its soft, steamed bun and sausage pairing. Steaming the hot dog and bun results in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that stands in contrast to grilled or toasted dogs found elsewhere. While its roots are strongest in Quebec, variations of the Steamie appear at diners and food trucks from Ontario to the Maritimes. Toppings can range from the classic mustard and relish to ketchup, creamy coleslaw, or even cheese, depending on local tastes. The term "Steamie" is often used broadly to differentiate these steamed hot dogs from the "toasté" (grilled) style more common in urban areas. Though Montreal helped popularize the technique, the Canadian Steamie reflects a wider tradition of fast, satisfying hot dogs found at roadside stands, bowling alleys, and casse-croûtes throughout the country.
Authentic Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Small beef hot dogs (Lesters, Lafleur's, or Glatt's brands preferred)
- 4 Side-loading hot dog buns (New England style or similar)
- as needed Yellow mustard
- 1 medium White onion (Finely chopped)
- as needed Sweet relish (Bright green Quebec-style preferred)
- 1 cup White cabbage (Finely shredded for choux)
- 1 tablespoon White vinegar (For coleslaw dressing)
- pinch Salt (For coleslaw)
Instructions
- Make Quebec-style coleslaw (choux): Mix shredded cabbage with vinegar and pinch of salt. Let stand 10 minutes.
- Set up steamer: Place 2 inches water in pot, add steamer basket, cover with lid.
- Heat water to gentle boil over medium heat.
- Steam hot dogs: Place sausages in steamer, cover and cook 2-4 minutes.
- Steam buns: Add buns to steamer for 2-3 minutes to warm and soften.
- Assembly: Place steamed hot dog in steamed bun.
- Top 'All-Dressed': Add yellow mustard in zigzag pattern.
- Add chopped white onions generously.
- Add sweet relish.
- Top with fresh coleslaw (choux).
- Serve immediately. Voilà - authentic Quebec steamie!
Related Styles (kinda)
4 similar styles
Poutine (French fries, cheese curds, and gravy) topped with sliced hot dog pieces, a Quebec, Canada fusion.
The Montreal Steamie is a classic Quebec street dog made with a steamed sausage and bun, topped "all-dressed" with mustard, onion, relish, and vinegar slaw. It's a staple of Montreal's casse-croûte scene and defined by its specific, no-nonsense flavor profile.
Hot dog topped with sweet teriyaki sauce, creamy Japanese Kewpie mayo, and shredded nori, often with onions; a Vancouver/Japanese fusion.
Hot dog topped with chili, onions, and a scoop of creamy coleslaw, a popular style across the Southern USA.