Flint-Style Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce
Experience the rich culinary heritage of Flint, Michigan, with this iconic Coney Island hot dog sauce, lovingly adapted from a treasured family recipe. Originally crafted by a local icon, this hearty sauce combines the robust flavors of lean ground beef, aromatic onions, and spices that come together to create a savory topping for your favorite hot dogs. The sauce's unique twist comes from the finely ground hot dogs mixed in, ensuring a delectable taste that captures the nostalgia and charm of the local diners. Whether you’re using classic Koegel’s skinless hot dogs or experimenting with beef heart, this recipe will undoubtedly evoke fond memories of shared meals and lively conversations.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 (tablespoon)
margarine
1 (tablespoon)
lean ground beef
1.5 (lbs)
medium onions, minced
2
garlic clove, minced
1
chili powder
3 (tablespoons)
prepared mustard
1 (tablespoon)
tomato paste
6 (ounce can)
water
6 (ounce can)
skinless hot dogs
12 (ounces)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and margarine. Add the minced onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
2
Add the lean ground beef directly to the pot. **Do not brown** the beef; instead, break it apart while combining it with the onion and garlic mixture.
3
Stir in the chili powder, prepared mustard, tomato paste, and water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
4
Let the sauce cook, stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes, or until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Be sure to break up any clumps of beef for even cooking.
5
While the sauce simmers, finely grind the skinless hot dogs using a food processor or meat grinder. Add the hot dogs to the simmered beef mixture and cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
6
Serve the hot dog sauce generously over good quality natural casing hot dogs, preferably Koegel Vienna, and top with chopped onions and mustard for an authentic Flint experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flint-Style Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce?
It is a unique, hearty meat sauce originating from Flint, Michigan, characterized by its use of ground beef and finely ground hot dogs.
Should I brown the ground beef before adding other ingredients?
No, the recipe specifically states not to brown the beef. Instead, break it apart while combining it with the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
What unusual ingredient is added to the sauce base?
Finely ground skinless hot dogs are added to the sauce to give it its signature Flint-style texture and flavor.
Which brand of hot dogs is recommended for an authentic experience?
Koegel Vienna natural casing hot dogs are recommended for serving with this sauce.
What kind of fat is used to sauté the vegetables?
The recipe uses a combination of one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of margarine.
How much ground beef is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of lean ground beef.
What spices provide the primary flavor for the sauce?
The sauce is flavored with 3 tablespoons of chili powder, along with salt and pepper to taste.
How many onions are needed and how should they be prepared?
You will need two medium onions that should be finely minced.
Does this recipe include garlic?
Yes, it includes one minced garlic clove.
What is the ratio of tomato paste to water?
The recipe uses one 6-ounce can of tomato paste and one 6-ounce can of water.
How should the hot dogs be ground for the sauce?
You can use a food processor or a meat grinder to finely grind the 12 ounces of skinless hot dogs.
What is the initial simmering time before adding the ground hot dogs?
The beef and spice mixture should simmer for about 30 minutes until it thickens.
How long do you cook the sauce after adding the ground hot dogs?
After adding the ground hot dogs, cook the sauce for an additional 15 minutes while stirring frequently.
What are the traditional toppings for a Flint Coney hot dog?
The sauce should be topped with mustard and chopped onions for an authentic experience.
Can I substitute the ground beef with anything else?
While lean ground beef is standard, the recipe notes that some versions use beef heart for an authentic local taste.
What type of mustard is used in the sauce?
One tablespoon of prepared mustard is mixed directly into the sauce.
Is this sauce considered thick or thin?
It is described as a hearty, thick sauce designed to stay on top of the hot dog.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is a treasured family version of the iconic sauce served in Flint, Michigan diners.
Why is it important to stir the sauce frequently?
Frequent stirring helps break up clumps of beef and ensures the ground hot dogs are evenly incorporated.
What type of hot dogs should be ground up for the sauce mixture?
The recipe specifies using skinless hot dogs for the ground meat portion of the sauce.
What heat level should I use for sautéing the onions?
Use medium heat to melt the butter and margarine and sauté the onions until translucent.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients including the seasonings like salt and pepper.
Is the sauce spicy?
With 3 tablespoons of chili powder, it has a robust, savory flavor, though heat levels may vary based on the specific brand of chili powder used.
Can I use this sauce for comfort food themed parties?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and an American classic, making it perfect for gatherings.
How many hot dogs are typically ground for the 12-ounce requirement?
Depending on the brand, 12 ounces usually equates to approximately 6 to 8 standard skinless hot dogs.
Should the sauce be served hot or cold?
The sauce should be served hot, generously ladled over freshly prepared hot dogs.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper are added 'to taste' during the simmering process.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté them until they are translucent before adding the meat.
Is this recipe considered a legacy recipe?
Yes, it is described as a treasured family recipe adapted from a local Flint icon.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to melt butter and margarine in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic.