Are you ready to experience the bold, savory delight of a true Detroit Coney Island hot dog? Forget the bland, pre-made stuff – we're diving into the world of homemade Coney sauce! This recipe unlocks the secret to that rich, meaty, slightly sweet, and wonderfully spicy sauce that makes Coney dogs so irresistible. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, or a fun weekend cookout. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this authentic, delicious, and truly easy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the saucepan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
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Reduce and thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Taste and adjust: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more brown sugar for sweetness, cayenne pepper for heat, or salt and pepper for overall balance.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve your delicious homemade Coney sauce hot over your favorite hot dogs, topped with your preferred toppings – yellow mustard is a classic choice!
Tips for the Best Coney Sauce:
- Don't rush the simmering process: The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will develop and deepen. Patience is key to achieving that authentic Coney Island taste.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your Coney sauce will be directly impacted by the quality of your ingredients. Opt for good quality ground beef and spices for the best results.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with the recommended amount of cayenne pepper and adjust to your preferred spice level. If you're not a fan of heat, you can omit it entirely or use a milder chili powder.
- Make it ahead: This Coney sauce tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Coney Sauce: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spicy Coney Sauce: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Sweet and Smoky Coney Sauce: Add a tablespoon of smoked Worcestershire sauce for an enhanced smoky flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a general estimate, a serving of Coney sauce may contain around 150-200 calories, 10-15g of fat, and 5-10g of protein. This is just an approximation; for precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients and serving size. Remember to factor in the nutritional content of the hot dog and toppings when calculating the overall nutritional value of your Coney dog.
This easy Coney sauce recipe is a great way to elevate your hot dog game. It’s perfect for quick weeknight meals, casual gatherings, and satisfying those intense Coney Island cravings. Enjoy!