Classic Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce
While Ive never been to Coney Island, Ive seen enough movies about the wonderful fair-like beach boardwalk to know its a very special and fun place. I have, however, tried hot dogs with meat sauce and it is a combination to die for.
This Coney Island hot dog sauce is packed full of flavor and will make your basic hot dogs reach another level of deliciousness.
Spices like cumin, cinnamon, allspice, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder make a powerful combination with ground meat and tomato paste to make the famous Coney Island sauce for hot dogs that everybody loves and goes to this magical place to eat.
Now you can easily make it at home!
Historical Variations And Development
Mrs. Ora Runyons prize-winning recipe for Coney Island Dressing in the Indianapolis Star on December 28, 1928.“Mary Cullens” recipe for “Cony Island Hot Dog Sauce” in the Oregon Journal on August 26, 1938.The clippable file card containing Mary Cullens recipe for Coney Island Sauce in the Oregon Journal on June 16, 1941.
On July 3, 1955, Mary Cullen printed another evolution of the recipe on the Oregon Journal.
Adding the mustard and ground hot dogs to this recipe gives a rather strong starting point for the recipe published in the Frankenmuth cookbook in 1974. While the Other Suggestions in the third column of the piece dont mention adding ground hot dogs, doing so wouldnt be much of a leap.
On August 9, 1956, a recipe printed by an unnamed Food Editor in the Columbus Dispatch was specifically titled Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce, the same title as in the Joy Gallagher version twenty years later. The ingredient list appears to be an evolution of the 1955 Oregon Journal recipe.
San Angelo Standard-Times, February 4, 1960
Restaurant Operators Refute The Recipe
It would appear that, over the next year, Gallagher heard from more than one of the Coney Island restaurant operators in Flint:
The second printing of the recipe, which included restaurant operators refuting its accuracy to no avail.
In this second printing of the recipe, Gallagher puts more trust in her anonymous source than she does the restaurant operators themselves, and would continue to do so until something better comes along. It was as though she was taunting those operators to give her their own recipes for their version of the sauce. But at this point, the source is identified as the former Chefs widow. Apparently he had passed away since the recipes first printing. Why not then identify herself since shell no longer be in hot water? This causes the source to be even more suspicious and unreliable than before.
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How Long Do You Cook Hot Dogs
- Hot dogs may be cooked in a slow cooker on high for 2 hours or low for 3-4 hours.
- When boiling hot dogs cook them for 4-6 minutes. Learn how to boil hot dogs in this post.
- Hot dogs can be cooked on the BBQ grill for 7-10 minutes.
- Smoked hot dogs take 60 minutes to cook when smoked at 225 degrees F.
- Baked hot dogs in the oven take about 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. Learn how to bake hot dogs in this post.
Leftover hot dogs may be stored in an airtight container for up to one week in the fridge. You can microwave hot dogs to reheat them for later.
What Is A Coney Island Hot Dog
I have read article after article online about traditional coney island hot dogs, and I am convinced that no one will ever agree on what a true coney island hot dog recipe is. And thats ok by me. Ive never been to Coney Island, and Ive never had an authentic coney island hot dog. And I find it funny that it doesnt seem like they even originated on Coney Island but from Greek and Macedonian immigrants in Michigan.
One thing that everyone will agree on, though, is something that sets a coney island hot dog apart from a chili dog the sauce is an all meat sauce. No beans.
I do love a good chili dog but you wont find that same sauce on a coney dog.
Another thing that distinguishes a coney dog is serving it topped with onions and mustard.
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Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce Recipe
Everyone hip on Subway’s sandwiches knows the key to cloning the flavor of many of the chain’s top-sellers is in hacking the secret sauces. For example, Subway’s Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Sandwich is pretty bland without the Sweet Onion Sauce. And one of Subway’s newest creations, the Chipotle Southwest Cheese Steak, is just a cheese steak sandwich without the Chipotle Southwest Sauce. Now, with Subway’s Chipotle Southwest Sauce recipe, you can recreate the slightly sweet, mildly sour, and a little bit smoky sauce at home to take any of your home sandwich creations on a trip to the spicy Southwest. But you don’t have to stop at sandwiches. This sauce also makes an amazing dressing for a zesty Southwestern-style salad. You’ll need to pick up some ground chipotle chile in the spice section of your market. McCormick makes good stuff. Source: Top Secret Recipes Unlocked by Todd Wilbur.
Provided by Todd Wilbur
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TOP SECRET RECIPES | WENDY’S HOT CHILI SEASONING
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FLINT’S ORIGINAL CONEY ISLAND RECIPE – FOOD.COM
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- I also chop the onions using my blender with water.
SUBWAY CHIPOTLE SOUTHWEST SAUCE RECIPE | TOP SECRET REC
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COPYCAT ORIGINAL CONEY ISLAND HOT DOG MEAT CHILI SAUCE …
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CONEY ISLAND HOT DOG – WIKIPEDIA
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CONEY ISLAND HOT DOG CHILI SAUCE RECIPE | ALLRECIPES
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CLASSIC CONEY ISLAND HOT DOG SAUCE RECIPE
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Jean Crain’s Request For The Flint Coney Sauce Recipe
Note:
Joy Gallagher was appointed Editor of the Family Section of the Flint Journal on January 1, 1973, after coming from the Newport News Times Tribune where shed been the Womens Editor for the previous six years. She had been added to the Family Section of the Journal as a writer, as announced in a piece titled A Bit of Joy from Virginia on December 30, 1971. This was while she was still living in Newport News because I recently bought a lovely mobile home and parked it so close to the Chesapeake Bay that I can be out my door and throwing out crab nets in two minutes flat. The 1973 article then indicated she had become a member of the Journal staff on September 5, 1972, meaning she had relocated to Flint by then.
In a Kitchen Clinic column responding to readers letters, published on November 4, 1975, Gallagher included a couple of requests from a Jean Crain:
Jean Crains initial request for the Flint Coney Island sauce recipe.
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How To Make Coney Sauce For Hot Dogs
Drain kidney beans and pulse in a food processor until pulverized. Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add diced onions and cook until lightly brown. Stir in ground beef, tomato paste, chili powder, salt and celery seeds and cook until meat is browned. Add beans to meat mixture and simmer until thick. Serve over hot dogs.
Full recipe for hot dog sauce is at the end of the post.
Not a huge fan of hot dogs? Try our Tuna Salad Coneys or Farmwife CooksCrock Pot Taco Joes both are served on hot dog buns!
Where Did The Flint Coney Sauce Recipe That Includes Ground Hot Dogs Originate
Any Flint Coney sauce recipe which includes ground hot dogs is not accurate whatsoever. Flint Journal Food Editor Joy Gallagher was the source of this recipe, not any of the Flint Coney restaurants. This page outlines the history of that recipe.
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Here Are A Few Considerations:
The recipe will produce a very generous quantity of this delicious sauce. Dont be shy when you spoon it onto your hot dogs CONEY ISLANDS are meant to be messy. To keep for future use, you can freeze the sauce for up to three months.
We had a big discussion about making a few veggie dogs but decided against it. You have to use all-beef hot dogs when you prepare this. Kosher hot dogs such as Nathans Famous are especially delicious.
A few weeks back, we served these dogs to a group of friends. One guest was adamant about not wanting the chopped onion. I begged him to try the dog as theyre meant to be, and he agreed to try one bite. He ended up eating three hot dogs. The onion and prepared mustard are essential.
Trust me on this, these CONEY ISLAND HOT DOGS are like nothing else youve ever tried. Prepare them for a fun-loving and hungry crowd that appreciates good food. Everyone will love them!
Looking for something to serve them with? We think theyre perfect with nothing more than potato or tortilla chips but salads work too. Try your dogs with our CREAMY COLESLAW or our CLASSIC POTATO SALAD or my really popular CAESAR SALAD. All will pair perfectly.
The Recipe’s Third Printing It’s Now Original
It would seem Gallagher had gotten her wish for something better over the following year. In her column published on May 23, 1978, she published two recipes for Flint-Style Coney Sauce. At this point though, her backing of the ground hot dog recipes authenticity began to wane.
The recipes third printing. This includes a second version which begins with beef heart while also including catsup and vinegar.
Its interesting to note that the Angelos statement by Gallagher was for the beef heart recipe in this column. However, in the myth the Angelos origin has always been attributed to the former original Coney Island ground hot dog recipe, which Gallagher had never said herself.
Unlike in previous columns, in this particular column Gallagher used phrases such as calls and letters telling me I dont have the REAL one, the one that is supposed to be the original coney island sauce and more importantly, Im not making any claims. In considering these particular phrases, it is easy to conclude that Gallagher herself ended up not believing a word of any of the rumors regarding the ground hot dog recipe.
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The Definitive Haute Dawg Enjoy These Coney Island Hot Dogs
I had my very first CONEY ISLAND HOT DOGS in my teens, at the legendary Lafayette Coney Island in Detroit, Michigan. Now, in case you missed it, that was hot dogs, with an s. This one clarification is so important to understanding the popularity of this classic dish its virtually impossible to eat only one CONEY ISLAND HOT DOG!
Ive youve never been to DETROIT, you should really plan to go. The city is going through an inspiring renaissance, and theres lots to do. From sporting events and museums to galleries, restos, shops, bars and brilliant public spaces, Motown has long been a favourite destination.
For those who cant make it to Detroit, we thought wed bring one of their most famous menu items to you. I tracked down the recipe for CONEY ISLAND HOT DOGS and wanted to share it with you.
The 2011 Facebook Posting And Subsequent Circulations
On May 28, 2011, Robert Morgan, a retired General Motors tool & die maker living in Swartz Creek, posted this image of the ground hot dog recipe to Facebook, where it has been shared more than 13,000 times. In July of 2015 a Carol Jones posted the same image to her Facebook account, and by the end of the year the image had been shared almost 6,000 times. Other Facebook users who shared or commented on this image continued the previous folklore, indicating a relative had also received this same recipe from an owner, the originators wife, a former employee, etc. By this point the folklore has overshadowed the reality of the recipe having originated solely with Joy Gallagher of the Flint Journal as described above, especially since the distribution of the recipe through social media continues the fallacy of If its on the internet, it must be true.
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Let’s Make Coney Island Hot Dogs
Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce
This sauce is what makes a “Coney Dog” it’s own a thing in Fall River, Massachusetts. It’s similar to a chili, with a little bit of sweetness from the tomato paste and a bit of tang from the spicy mustard.
- Prep Time:
- 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Yield: About 3 cups
- 1 1/2 pounds finely ground beef, 80/20 blend
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- One 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Meatless Hot Dog With Plant
Trying to find a vegan alternative for a Coney Island hot dog can be tricky, but weve located the best option for you to try at home, as this doesnt rely on meat for the sauce.
Before jumping in, make sure to do some planning and pick up one of the meatless options suggested in the recipe, either using Beyond Beef or Boca Crumbles, or brown lentils. And make sure to pair this with sweet potato fries for the complete vegan dish.
What Type Of Hot Dog Is Best For This Recipe
Because the Classic Coney Island Hot Dog is covered in a deep delicious sauce with lots of toppings, the hot dog needs to stand up on its own which is my I recommend Kosher-style hot dogs for this recipe.
You cant have a classic Coney Island hot dog unless its drowning in a deep, rich, meaty Coney Island sauce.
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What To Serve With Coney Island Hot Dogs
- Potato Chips
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Skip Taco Tuesday and make these Taco Dogs instead.
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Keto Coney Dog Casserole
Heres something slightly different for the avid low-carb follower. Taking the principles of the iconic sauce and turning it into a casserole dish, this could easily be the next guiltless pleasure on your weekly meal plan.
Featuring lean ground beef, cheddar cheese, mustard, beef broth, and classic ketchup amongst others, you can still enjoy the taste even if you no longer eat bread. This wont take you long as it has a preparation time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes.
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Copycat A& w Coney Island Sauce
The writers of this recipe are correct when they say theres nothing more tragic than a naked hot dog. Dont commit this culinary crime, and try this copycat A& W sauce thats packed full of flavor that can serve up to 25 cups worth of dogs.
Youll need ground beef, onions, tomato paste, tomato puree, sugar, cider vinegar, chili powder, and salt to taste. If you want to make this even more authentic, only use Kogel franks and rehydrate dry minced onions in boiling water.
What Is The Difference Between Chili Sauce And Coney Sauce
Despite similarities among the ingredients, chili and coney sauces are actually very different. Let’s start with the similarities: Beef and some of the spices and vegetables, like cumin and onions.
So what’s so different? For one, texture. Coney is more of a condiment than it is a dish. Chili is thick, filling, and can stand as a main on its own it’s spoonable. Coney sauce is traditionally very thin: You should be able to drizzle it on the hot dog, and if spooned on a plate, it will spread everywhere. Chili on a plate will look like a mound, while coney on a plate will look like a mess.
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Coney Island Hot Dogs
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Your classic wiener and bun combo, but the meaty chili sauce is what separates these Coney Island Hot Dogs from all other hotdogs. Top it with some cheese, onions, and mustard and this is a recipe you’ll want to keep on file!
These hot dogs remind me of carnivals and summer boardwalks! Some other Fair foods that you might enjoy are Fresh Squeezed Homemade Lemonade, Homemade Soft Pretzels with Mustard Cheese Dip, and Corn Dog Mini Muffins!
Welcome to Michigan Week where I’m sharing some of my favorite recipes for this portion of the American Eats Series! We’re celebrating with packzi and coney dogs!
If you are wondering why I’m sharing a recipe that originated in Brooklyn with a collection of Michigan recipes, that’s totally understandable! But back in the day a large group of immigrants from NY brought a love of these Coney Island hot dogs to Michigan during their travels, making them a Detroit favorite. Now they are one of the foods that Michigan is most famous for, despite retaining the New York namesake!
You can leave the ketchup in the fridge because this hot dog is perfectly spiced and full of flavor. Another thing that distinguishes the coney dog from other hot dogs is the mustard and chopped onions served on top of the meat sauce.
There might be debate about other possible toppings, but one thing that everyone does agree on is that the classic meat sauce served on top is what separates this hot dog from your typical chili dog.
