Coney Island Hot Dogs Recipe

Hot dog buns: Soft and fluffy buns that will hold the hot dogs and beef mixture.

Hot dogs: Classic beef or pork hot dogs that will be grilled to perfection.

Ground beef: Lean ground beef that will be cooked and seasoned for the topping.

Onion: Finely chopped to add flavor and texture to the beef mixture.

Garlic: Minced to enhance the savory taste of the topping.

Tomato paste: Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor to the beef mixture.

Beef broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor to the topping.

Chili powder: Adds a mild heat and complexity to the beef mixture.

Ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy flavor to the topping.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the flavors.

When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small crumbles to ensure even cooking and a better texture for the beef mixture. This will help the spices and aromatics like onion and garlic blend more thoroughly, enhancing the overall flavor of your Coney Island hot dogs.

• hot dog buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns provide more fiber and nutrients, making them a healthier option.

• hot dogs - Substitute with turkey dogs: Turkey dogs are lower in fat and calories compared to traditional hot dogs.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative, reducing the overall fat content of the dish.

• small onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can add a different dimension to the dish.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, though it may lack the same intensity of flavor.

• tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can be used in a pinch, though it will add a bit of sweetness to the sauce.

• beef broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth is a versatile substitute that will still provide a rich flavor to the sauce.

• chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika offers a similar color and a mild heat, though it is less spicy than chili powder.

• ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly citrusy flavor that can complement the other spices in the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of liquid to the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, offering a more subtle spiciness.

• Allow the ground beef mixture to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to soggy buns and spoilage.
• Transfer the cooled beef mixture to an airtight container. This helps maintain its flavor and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
• Store the beef mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
• To freeze, place the beef mixture in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the beef mixture in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and maintains the texture.
• Reheat the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of beef broth if it appears too dry.
• For the hot dogs, store them in their original packaging or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• If freezing hot dogs, wrap each individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to thaw only what you need.
• Thaw hot dogs in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker option.
• For the hot dog buns, store them in a bread box or a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• To freeze hot dog buns, wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps them fresh.
• Thaw hot dog buns at room temperature or warm them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to restore their softness.

• 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, or until warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place the hot dogs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure they are evenly heated.

• If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the hot dogs in the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• To reheat the beef mixture, place it in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until it is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the beef mixture in the microwave. Transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For a more gourmet touch, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hot dogs on a baking tray and heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the buns' texture, keeping them slightly crispy on the outside.

• Skillet: Used for cooking the ground beef, onions, and garlic.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring and breaking up the ground beef as it cooks.

• Knife: Essential for finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

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

• Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring out the beef broth and ground beef.

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

• Grill: Used to grill the hot dogs until they are heated through and slightly charred.

• Tongs: Useful for turning the hot dogs on the grill.

• Bowl: Can be used to hold the cooked beef mixture before topping the hot dogs.

• Serving platter: Ideal for arranging the hot dogs in buns and serving them.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and garlic ahead of time to save minutes during cooking.

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

Simmer while grilling: Simmer the beef mixture while you grill the hot dogs to multitask efficiently.

Preheat the grill: Ensure the grill is preheated so the hot dogs cook quickly.

Use a food processor: Mince the onion and garlic in a food processor to save chopping time.