Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce

Introduction

When it comes to iconic American comfort foods, few dishes are as legendary as the Coney Island hot dog—a grilled hot dog smothered in a rich, flavorful meat sauce and typically finished with onions and mustard. This Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce recipe brings that delicious street food experience right to your kitchen with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Perfect for backyard cookouts, tailgate parties, or weeknight dinners, this sauce is a must-have recipe for every hot dog lover. It’s rich, savory, mildly spiced, and ridiculously easy to make in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks to create a fine, even texture. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Mix well to fully combine all the ingredients and coat the meat evenly.

Step 4: Simmer

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Serve

Spoon the hot dog sauce generously over grilled hot dogs nestled in soft buns. Top with diced onions, yellow mustard, or shredded cheese for the classic Coney Island experience.

Variation Ideas

• Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
• Sweeter Sauce: Mix in 1 teaspoon of brown sugar for a slightly sweet contrast.
• Greek-Style: Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice for a nod to the sauce’s Macedonian roots.

Cooking Note

For the authentic Coney texture, ensure the ground beef is broken down into very small pieces. You can even pulse it briefly in a food processor after browning (before adding the sauce) for ultra-fine consistency.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Coney Dogs: Serve on grilled beef franks in steamed buns, topped with mustard and diced onion.
• Loaded Fries or Nachos: Use it as a meaty topping over crispy fries or tortilla chips with shredded cheese.
• Baked Potatoes or Mac & Cheese: Spoon over baked potatoes or mix into macaroni for a comfort food mashup.

Tips

• Make-Ahead Friendly: This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer-Ready: Freeze in airtight containers or zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
• Double It: Hosting a crowd? Easily double or triple the recipe—it scales perfectly.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approximate per ¼ cup serving)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg

FAQs

Q: Is Coney Island hot dog sauce the same as chili?
A: Not exactly. While both are meat-based, Coney sauce is smoother, more finely textured, and uses fewer beans or chunky ingredients. It’s a topping—not a meal on its own like traditional chili.

Q: Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegetable broth instead of beef, and follow the same steps.

Q: Can I use ketchup instead of tomato sauce?
A: It’s best to stick with tomato sauce for authenticity, but in a pinch, you can substitute ¾ cup ketchup with ¼ cup water to replicate the texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Whether you’re recreating a taste of Coney Island or looking for a better way to top your hot dogs, this Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce is a recipe worth keeping. Quick, hearty, and packed with flavor, it adds that classic street-food flair to your next barbecue or family dinner. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for casual meals and game days alike.

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