Coney Island Hot Dogs Recipe

Hot dogs: The main protein of the dish, typically made from beef or pork.

Hot dog buns: Soft, fluffy buns that hold the hot dogs and toppings.

Ground beef: Adds a hearty, meaty texture to the sauce.

Onion: Provides a sweet and savory flavor when cooked.

Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce.

Water: Helps to thin out the sauce to the desired consistency.

Yellow mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to the sauce.

Worcestershire sauce: A savory sauce that enhances the umami flavor of the meat.

Chili powder: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the sauce.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the sauce.

When cooking the ground beef for the meat sauce, use a wooden spoon to break it into small, even pieces. This ensures a finer texture and allows the sauce to coat the hot dogs more evenly.

• hot dogs - Substitute with veggie dogs: For a vegetarian option, veggie dogs provide a similar texture and flavor.

• hot dog buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer a healthier alternative with more fiber.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option with less fat.

• ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils provide a vegetarian alternative with a similar texture and protein content.

• small onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can be used in a pinch, though it is sweeter and less concentrated.

• water - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth adds more depth of flavor compared to water.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard provides a more complex flavor profile.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce offers a similar umami flavor, though it is saltier.

• chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a milder heat and a similar color.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with additional umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• Allow the meat sauce to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps the sauce from becoming watery.

• Transfer the meat sauce into an airtight container. This helps maintain its flavor and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

• Store the meat sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

• For longer storage, freeze the meat sauce. Place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date to keep track of its freshness.

• When freezing, leave some space at the top of the container for the meat sauce to expand. This prevents the container from cracking.

• Freeze the meat sauce for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Store leftover hot dogs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• To freeze hot dogs, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Freeze hot dogs for up to 1-2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Hot dog buns can be stored at room temperature in a bread box or airtight container for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them.

• To freeze hot dog buns, place them in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1-2 months.

• Thaw hot dog buns at room temperature or warm them in the oven at a low temperature before serving.

• When reheating hot dogs and hot dog buns, use a skillet or grill for the best texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can make them rubbery.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each hot dog in aluminum foil to keep them moist. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. For the buns, wrap them in foil and heat for the last 5 minutes to avoid them getting too crispy.

• Microwave Method: Place the hot dogs on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. For the buns, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of water to the skillet and place the hot dogs in. Cover with a lid and steam for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally. For the buns, you can toast them in a separate dry skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the hot dogs on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through. For the buns, place them on the grill for the last 1-2 minutes to get a nice char.

• Reheating the Meat Sauce: Place the meat sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up if it has thickened. Stir occasionally and heat until it reaches your desired temperature, usually about 5-7 minutes.

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

• Skillet: Used to cook or grill the hot dogs until heated through.

• Spatula: Helps in stirring the ground beef and mixing the ingredients in the saucepan.

• Knife: Essential for finely chopping the onion.

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

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the ground beef and water accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

• Tongs: Useful for placing the hot dogs in the buns.

• Serving spoon: Helps in topping the hot dogs with the meat sauce.

• Grill or stovetop: Used to cook the hot dogs.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and measure out the spices the night before to save time.

Use pre-cooked ground beef: If you have leftover ground beef, use it to cut down on cooking time.

Simmer while multitasking: Let the meat sauce simmer while you prepare other parts of the meal or set the table.

Grill multiple hot dogs at once: Use a larger skillet or grill to cook all hot dogs simultaneously.

Preheat buns: Warm the hot dog buns in the oven while the sauce simmers to streamline the process.