Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate New York-Style Hot Dog Onion Sauce?
It is a savory and tangy condiment made with simmered onions, tomato flavors, and a blend of spices, designed to replicate the classic New York street food experience.
What are the main ingredients in the onion sauce?
The sauce is made using olive oil, four large onions, V8 vegetable juice, water, tomato paste, sweet Hungarian paprika, corn syrup, cornstarch, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and cider vinegar.
How many onions are needed for this recipe?
You will need 4 large onions, which should be both sliced and chopped for the best texture.
How long do the onions need to cook initially?
The onions should be cooked over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they begin to soften.
What is the secondary cooking process for the onions?
After the initial softening, the onions are sautรฉed on low heat for an additional 30 minutes until they are translucent and tender.
How long does the entire sauce mixture need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until the onions are very tender and the sauce has thickened.
What type of paprika is used in the sauce?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of sweet Hungarian paprika.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning by adding more crushed red pepper flakes if a spicier sauce is desired.
What type of vegetable juice is recommended?
The recipe uses one 11 1/2 ounce can of V8 vegetable juice to provide a rich tomato-based flavor profile.
Why is cornstarch included in the ingredients?
A small amount of cornstarch (1/2 teaspoon) is used as a thickening agent for the sauce.
What kind of vinegar is used for the tangy flavor?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of cider vinegar to provide the signature tang.
How should the hot dogs be prepared?
The hot dogs can be prepared by either boiling or grilling them before assembly.
What type of buns are best for New York-style hot dogs?
Steamed buns are recommended to achieve the authentic street food experience.
Is sauerkraut used as a topping?
Yes, a generous spoonful of sauerkraut is suggested as a topping for each hot dog.
What type of mustard is recommended?
Plain yellow mustard is the suggested condiment to pair with the onion sauce and sauerkraut.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil to sautรฉ the onions.
Is the sauce simmered covered or uncovered?
The sauce is simmered uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate so the sauce can thicken.
What is the purpose of corn syrup in this recipe?
A teaspoon of corn syrup is added to help balance the acidity of the vinegar and tomato flavors.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of water to be mixed with the juices and spices.
What should the texture of the onions be when finished?
The onions should be translucent and very tender but not browned during the sautรฉing process.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
What should I do if the sauce is not thick enough?
Continue to simmer the sauce uncovered on low heat until it reaches your desired thickness.
How much salt is included in the seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Can I adjust the vinegar level after cooking?
Yes, you should taste the sauce after simmering and can add more cider vinegar if desired.
What is the first step in assembling the hot dog?
The first step is placing the cooked all-beef hot dog into a steamed bun.
In what order should the toppings be applied?
Drizzle with yellow mustard first, add the sauerkraut, and finally add a hearty portion of the onion sauce.
How many hot dogs does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 hot dogs.
Is this sauce suitable for backyard barbecues?
Yes, it is an ideal condiment for backyard barbecues, lunches, or casual snacks.
Does this recipe use all-beef hot dogs?
The recipe recommends using 6 all-beef hot dogs for the best flavor pairing.
How is the flavor of the sauce described?
The sauce is described as a savory and tangy blend with rich tomato flavors and a perfect mix of spices.