Coney Island Wiener Sauce
A savory, spicy wiener sauce with cumin, oregano, and chili powder, perfect for hot dogs or as a flavorful topping for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Add spices and boiling water to the mixture.
- Simmer for 2 1/2 hours to develop flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or diced tomatoes to the sauce while simmering. If you prefer a spicier kick, substitute some of the paprika with cayenne pepper. Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to hamburger. Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the meat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Coney Island Wiener Sauce over hot dogs in buns for a classic taste. It also pairs beautifully with American recipes like coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try it as a topping for baked potatoes or mix it into macaroni and cheese for a hearty dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Coney Island Wiener Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coney Island Wiener Sauce contains roughly 152 calories, with 6g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (78% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2211mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day or two in advance. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The flavors will continue to develop in the fridge, making it even tastier when reheated.
What can I use instead of hamburger?
Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes if you're looking for a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute to achieve a similar texture and flavor.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To control the heat, start with less chili powder and gradually add more to taste as the sauce simmers. You can also add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick if desired.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).