New Jersey Rutt's Hut Ripper
Natural-casing hot dog deep-fried until the skin bursts ('rips'), served with Rutt's Hut relish or mustard, a New Jersey icon since 1928.
The Ripper is a legendary New Jersey hot dog named for the way it “rips” open when deep-fried, causing the casing to blister and split. This iconic style was popularized by Rutt’s Hut in Clifton, NJ, which has been serving them since 1928. Rippers are typically pork-and-beef franks, fried in oil until the skin crackles, then served in a bun with Rutt’s signature relish—a tangy, mustard-based mix with cabbage and spices. Different levels of doneness are offered, from “In-And-Out” (lightly fried) to “Cremator” (nearly burnt, for the daring). The Ripper’s cult status has made it a pilgrimage-worthy item for hot dog fans. It’s pure Jersey: bold, unpretentious, and unforgettable.
Authentic Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Natural casing hot dogs (Feltman's, Nathan's, or Boar's Head preferred)
- for deep frying Peanut oil (Heat to 350°F)
- 4 Hot dog buns (Toasted)
- 4 cups Fine-chopped cabbage (For Rutt's relish)
- 1 cup Fine-chopped carrot
- 1 cup Fine-chopped green pepper
- 1 cup Fine-chopped onion
- 1/4 cup Pickling salt
- 1 cup White vinegar
- 2 cups White sugar
- 1½ teaspoons Ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon Celery seed
- ½ teaspoon Mustard seed
Instructions
- Make Rutt's relish: Combine chopped vegetables with pickling salt, let sit 2 hours.
- Rinse vegetables thoroughly with cold water, drain and squeeze out excess liquid.
- Combine vegetables with water and vinegar in large pot.
- Bring to low boil, cover and simmer 1 hour.
- Add celery seed, mustard seed, and sugar.
- Mix turmeric with warm water to form paste, stir into vegetables.
- Cook until thickened (5-10 minutes), set aside to cool.
- Pat hot dogs completely dry with paper towels.
- Heat peanut oil to exactly 350°F.
- Drop hot dogs in oil for 2-5 minutes, turning every 20 seconds.
- Watch for the 'rip' - natural casing will split and crack.
- Remove to paper towel-lined plate when properly ripped.
- Toast hot dog buns.
- Place crispy ripper in bun, top generously with secret relish.
- Serve immediately. This is legendary New Jersey tradition since 1928!
Related Styles (kinda)
4 similar styles
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