The Legendary Coney Island Sauce: A Detroit Tradition Revealed
For years, food enthusiasts have been fascinated by the rich history of Coney Island sauce, a staple of Detroit-style hot dogs that has gained popularity in New York state and parts of Canada, where it’s affectionately known as “Michigans.” While there’s been much discussion about the nuances of sauces from Detroit, Jackson, and Flint, one crucial piece of the puzzle has been missing – the recipe.
Uncovering a Family Secret
Rumors have swirled around the secret sauce served at the Caris Red Lion restaurant, a beloved institution founded by a Greek immigrant from Detroit in the 1940s. According to legend, the founder shared his treasured recipe with his closest friend, a kind elderly woman, on his deathbed. Years later, she called into a local radio show, sharing the recipe with the world. And now, after making it countless times, I’m thrilled to share it with you.
A Recipe Worth Waiting For
This Coney Island sauce recipe yields 10 cups of pure bliss, with a preparation time of just 15-30 minutes and a total cooking time of 3 1/2 hours. Don’t let the simplicity fool you – the end result is a perfect match to the iconic sauces from Detroit.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. very finely ground beef (triple grind or processed in small batches)
- 1 large can of high-quality tomato juice
- 6 Tbs. chili powder
- 4 medium onions, very finely diced
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp Tabasco sauce
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Bringing it All Together
Brown the beef and onions in the cup of water, then add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens – usually around 3 hours. This sauce is generous, covering about 8 hot dogs with 1 1/2 cups.
Freezing and Storage
Split the sauce into ziplock bags, squeezing out the air, and freeze for up to a year. This sauce keeps remarkably well, making it perfect for hot dog enthusiasts and party hosts alike.
Get ready to elevate your hot dog game with this authentic Coney Island sauce recipe, straight from the heart of Detroit!
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