Coney Island Hot Dogs Recipe

Hot dogs: The main protein of the dish, providing a savory and juicy bite.

Hot dog buns: Soft and fluffy, these buns hold the hot dogs and meat sauce together.

Ground beef: Adds a rich and hearty texture to the meat sauce.

Onion: Finely chopped to add sweetness and depth to the sauce.

Garlic: Minced to enhance the flavor of the meat sauce.

Tomato sauce: Provides a tangy base for the meat sauce.

Chili powder: Adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor.

Ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy flavor to the sauce.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.

Water: Helps to thin out the sauce and blend the flavors together.

When browning the ground beef, use a wooden spoon to break it into small, even pieces. This ensures a finer texture for the meat sauce and helps it adhere better to the hot dogs.

• hot dogs - Substitute with veggie dogs: For a vegetarian option that still provides a similar texture and flavor.

• hot dog buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: For a healthier option with more fiber.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: A leaner meat option with less fat.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: They provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can provide a similar flavor.

• tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: They offer a chunkier texture and fresher taste.

• chili powder - Substitute with paprika and cayenne pepper: For a similar heat and depth of flavor.

• ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: It provides a different but complementary earthy flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Adds saltiness along with umami depth.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: Offers a milder peppery taste without the black specks.

• water - Substitute with beef broth: Adds more depth of flavor to the sauce.

• Allow the meat sauce to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.

• Transfer the cooled meat sauce into an airtight container. Make sure to leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion if you plan to freeze it.

• For the hot dogs, you can store them separately from the buns to maintain their texture. Wrap each hot dog individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

• Place the wrapped hot dogs in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent freezer burn.

• If you have leftover hot dog buns, store them in a resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to keep them from becoming stale.

• To freeze the meat sauce, place the airtight container in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.

• When ready to use, thaw the meat sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.

• For the hot dogs, you can reheat them by grilling, microwaving, or boiling. If frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

• To refresh the hot dog buns, you can warm them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes or microwave them for a few seconds to soften them up.

• Assemble the Coney Island hot dogs by placing the reheated hot dogs in the warmed buns and topping with the reheated meat sauce. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the hot dogs and buns separately on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the hot dogs with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat the hot dogs on high for 30-45 seconds or until heated through.
  4. Warm the buns for 10-15 seconds to make them soft and warm.
  5. Reheat the meat sauce in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap the hot dogs in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
  3. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until thoroughly warmed.
  4. Wrap the buns in foil and warm them in the oven for the last 5 minutes of the hot dogs heating time.
  5. Reheat the meat sauce in a small oven-safe dish, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes or until hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the hot dogs in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of water to the skillet and cover with a lid to steam the hot dogs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
  3. Warm the buns by placing them in the skillet for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
  4. Reheat the meat sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Place the hot dogs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.
  3. Toast the buns on the grill for the last 1-2 minutes.
  4. Reheat the meat sauce in a small grill-safe pot or pan over indirect heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

• Saucepan: Used to cook the ground beef and simmer the meat sauce.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring the ground beef and sauce mixture.

• Knife: Essential for finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and garlic.

• Grill: Used to grill the hot dogs until they are heated through and slightly charred.

• Tongs: Useful for turning and handling the hot dogs on the grill.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring the tomato sauce and water.

• Measuring spoons: Needed for measuring the chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.

• Mixing spoon: Used for stirring the sauce as it simmers.

• Buns: Holds the hot dogs and meat sauce together for serving.

Pre-cook the beef: Brown the ground beef and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when you start cooking.

Chop in advance: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers.

Use pre-made sauce: Substitute homemade tomato sauce with a quality store-bought version to cut down on prep time.

Simmer while grilling: Start simmering the meat sauce while you grill the hot dogs. This multitasking will speed up the process.

Assemble quickly: Lay out the hot dog buns and have all toppings ready so you can assemble the Coney Island hot dogs quickly.