Greek Hot Dog Sauce Recipe: A Taste of Coney Island at Home!

Craving that unique, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that makes a Coney Island hot dog so irresistible? Look no further! This Greek hot dog sauce recipe brings that iconic flavor right to your kitchen. Forget the mystery ingredients and long lines – with just a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a sauce that rivals the best Coney dog joints. This isn’t your average ketchup-and-mustard situation; this is a flavor explosion that will elevate your hot dog game to a whole new level. Get ready to experience the authentic taste of Detroit (or wherever your favorite Coney Island is!) with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe nails the authentic Coney sauce flavor for a few key reasons:

• The Spice Blend: The combination of spices like cumin, allspice, chili powder, and cinnamon creates a complex and warm flavor profile that’s characteristic of Greek hot dog sauce. No single spice dominates; they all work together in harmony.
• The Sweetness: A touch of sugar balances the savory and spicy notes, providing that signature slightly sweet taste that makes Coney sauce so addictive.
• The Meat: Using ground beef that’s been finely ground ensures a smooth and almost creamy texture. We also brown the meat properly to develop a deep, rich flavor base.
• The Simmering Process: Allowing the sauce to simmer for a sufficient amount of time allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, resulting in a more complex and satisfying sauce.
• The Water/Broth: Adding water (or beef broth for extra richness) helps to create the desired consistency and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (finely ground)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water (or beef broth)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hot dogs and buns for serving
• Optional toppings: chopped onions, mustard

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, ground cloves, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices and release their aroma.
4. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Add the yellow mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the water (or beef broth). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
6. Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. You may also want to add a little more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce, or more chili powder for a spicier sauce.
7. Serve: Serve the Greek hot dog sauce over hot dogs in buns. Top with chopped onions and mustard, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Finely Ground Beef is Key: The texture of the beef is crucial for achieving the right consistency. If you can’t find finely ground beef, you can pulse regular ground beef in a food processor until it’s finely ground.
• Don’t Skip the Simmering Time: The longer the sauce simmers, the better the flavor will be. Be patient and let the flavors meld together.
• Adjust the Spices to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences. If you like a spicier sauce, add more chili powder or cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of chili powder.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients will result in a better-tasting sauce.
• Deglaze the Pan: After browning the beef, you can deglaze the pan with a little beef broth or water to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This will add even more flavor to the sauce.
• Consider Adding a Thickening Agent: If your sauce is too thin after simmering, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water). Add the slurry to the sauce while it’s simmering and stir until thickened.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating: Allow the Greek hot dog sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: The sauce can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. However, ground beef provides a richer flavor. If using ground turkey, consider using a blend of dark and white meat for a more flavorful result.

Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed in the instructions. Then, transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.

Can I use a different type of tomato product?

While tomato sauce is the standard, you can experiment. Tomato paste will result in a thicker, more concentrated flavor, so you’ll need to adjust the amount of water accordingly. Diced tomatoes (drained) can also be used, but they will add a chunkier texture to the sauce.

What if I don’t have all the spices?

While the combination of spices is what gives this sauce its unique flavor, you can make substitutions if necessary. If you don’t have allspice, you can use a pinch of nutmeg and a pinch of cloves. If you don’t have ground cloves, you can omit them.

Can I make a larger batch of this sauce?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch. Just be sure to use a large enough pot or skillet to accommodate all the ingredients.

Conclusion

There you have it! An authentic Greek hot dog sauce recipe that you can easily make at home. This sauce is so flavorful and versatile that you’ll find yourself using it on more than just hot dogs. Try it on chili cheese fries, as a topping for burgers, or even as a dip for chips. Once you taste this homemade Coney sauce, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Enjoy!