Homemade Sweet Coney Sauce: A Classic Treat Reimagined

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Once the beef is fully cooked and the onions are translucent, drain the excess fat.
  2. In the same skillet, add the tomato paste, water, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
  3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
  4. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. If you prefer a spicier coney sauce, add more chili powder.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the sauce cool for a few minutes before serving.
  6. Use this sweet coney sauce to top your favorite hot dogs, burgers, or fries. Enjoy warm!

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to brown the ground beef and simmer the sauce.
  • Spatula - Use a spatula to stir and mix the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Knife - You will need a knife to finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  • Measuring cups - Use measuring cups to accurately measure the water, brown sugar, and other ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to measure the mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.

Recipe variations

  • Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for an extra kick of spice.
  • Experiment with different types of mustard such as Dijon or whole grain mustard for a unique flavor.
  • Include a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for those who prefer a spicier coney sauce.
  • Add a can of diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils.
  • If you like a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of brown sugar.
  • Add a splash of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
  • For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water or simmer it for a longer time.
  • Include additional spices like paprika, cumin, or onion powder to customize the flavor profile.

Recipe overview

This Sweet Coney Sauce recipe is the perfect topping for your favorite hot dogs, burgers, or fries. It's a versatile, flavorful sauce that will elevate your casual meals to a new level of deliciousness. The main ingredients are ground beef and a wonderful mix of seasonings that create a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy taste. The sauce is simmered until thickened and rich in flavor. It's a simple recipe with outstanding results. Expect to prepare a sauce that's packed with a wonderful blend of flavors and a pleasant sweetness that's not overwhelming. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade Sweet Coney Sauce!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of ground meat? Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian ground meat substitute instead of ground beef if you prefer.
  2. Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  3. Can I freeze the sweet coney sauce? Yes, you can freeze the sauce. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  4. Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce? Certainly! If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of brown sugar. Conversely, if you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it altogether.
  5. Can I make this sauce spicier? Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed for browning the ground beef and preparing the coney sauce.
  • Spatula - A spatula is useful for stirring and flipping the ground beef while cooking.
  • Chopping Board - A chopping board is needed for finely chopping the onion.
  • Knife - A knife is required for mincing the garlic and chopping the onion.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are necessary for accurately measuring the ingredients such as brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Can Opener - A can opener is needed to open the tomato paste can.
  • Stirring Spoon - A stirring spoon is essential for mixing all the ingredients together in the skillet.
  • Cover - A cover or lid for the skillet is useful for simmering the sauce.

Origin stories

Coney sauce, despite its name, is not native to the Coney Island area of New York as one might assume. Its roots are actually planted firmly in the Midwest, specifically Michigan, which is known for its unique style of hot dogs, fondly referred to as "Coney dogs". The history of Coney dogs and their special sauce began in the early 20th century when Greek and Macedonian immigrants began to open Coney Island-style restaurants across Michigan. The sweet and tangy Coney sauce, which tops these hot dogs, is a testament to the culinary fusion that happened in these immigrant communities. It was their interpretation of American food, blending their traditional flavors with what was available in their new homeland. Today, the sauce has become a staple in Michigan cuisine and is loved by many for its robust and comforting flavors.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.