No Need to Fly to New York—Here's How to Make the City's Iconic Hot Dog (2024)

These hot dogs are the classic snack that are available from street carts all across New York City. But you don’t have to travel to the Big Apple to enjoy this delicious dish—they’re easy to make at home and require no fancy techniques or equipment.

All-beef hot dogs are topped with a homemade onion relish,sauerkraut, and brown mustard, then nestled into a soft hot dog bun. The hot dogs are boiled just like they are on the street cart, but you can also grill them or cook them on a skillet.

Hot Dog Bun Recipe

We included a recipe for a flavorful onion sauce, the secret ingredient to making a truly authentic New York hot dog. It’s a unique sweet and sour onion relish and it makes the iconic street-cart dog something special. Serve these dogs at your next cookout,game day feast, or weeknight dinner.

“A sloppy dog is a classic for a reason, good relishes like this really lend well to the pork flavor. If you want to overload it with a bit more flavor and crunch, make some bacon and add it along side of the dog.” —Noah Velush-Rogers

No Need to Fly to New York—Here's How to Make the City's Iconic Hot Dog (2)

A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

For the Onion Sauce:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup ketchup
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1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Hot Dogs:

8 large beef hot dogs
Spicy brown mustard, for garnish
8 hot dog buns
1 cup sauerkraut, optional

Steps to Make It

Gather the ingredients.
Add the oil and onions to a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the honey, chili powder, and cinnamon. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 more minute.
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Add the water, ketchup, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer. Continue to cook until the sauce is bubbly and thick, 10 to 15 minutes.
Let the onions cool in a covered container while you make the hot dogs.
Bring 8 cups of water to a boil on high heat in a large pot. Add the hot dogs and continue to boil until heated through, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add mustard to each bun. Top with the hot dog, followed by the onion sauce and sauerkraut, if using.Serve immediately with your favorite chips or sides.

Tip

You can easily make the onion sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week in an airtight container. Heat it up or use it straight from the fridge.

Recipe Variation

The New York hot dog is traditionally an all-beef hot dog to keep the recipe Kosher, but you can replace them with the hot dog or sausage of your choice.Be sure to check the package directions for cooking instructions if the sausages you buy are raw.

10 Unique Hot Dog Toppings

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
411	Calories
22g	Fat
41g	Carbs
13g	Protein

Show Full Nutrition Label

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories	411
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g	28%
Saturated Fat 7g	35%
Cholesterol 31mg	10%
Sodium 1155mg	50%
Total Carbohydrate 41g	15%
Dietary Fiber 3g	10%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 13g
Vitamin C 6mg	30%
Calcium 129mg	10%
Iron 3mg	19%
Potassium 340mg	7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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As an enthusiast with a passion for culinary delights, particularly those rooted in iconic street food, I can confidently guide you through the art of crafting the quintessential New York-style hot dog. My expertise in diverse cooking techniques and understanding of the nuances in flavor profiles position me well to delve into the intricacies of this recipe.

Now, let's dissect the key concepts mentioned in the article to provide a comprehensive understanding:

New York City Street Food Culture:
- Street carts in New York City are famous for serving classic snacks like hot dogs.
- The article emphasizes that you can recreate the experience at home without the need for elaborate techniques or special equipment.
All-Beef Hot Dogs:
- The preferred choice for an authentic New York hot dog is the all-beef variety, contributing to a kosher recipe.
- Boiling is the suggested cooking method, mirroring the street cart tradition, but grilling or skillet cooking is also mentioned as alternatives.
Onion Sauce (Relish):
- The standout component of this recipe is the homemade onion sauce, a sweet and sour relish.
- Key ingredients include vegetable oil, onions, honey, chili powder, cinnamon, water, ketchup, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- The cooking process involves sautéing, simmering, and allowing the sauce to cool before serving.
Hot Dog Bun:
- A soft hot dog bun serves as the vessel for this delectable creation.
- The article doesn't provide a specific bun recipe, but a quality, soft bun is crucial to the overall experience.
Additional Toppings:
- Spicy brown mustard is recommended for garnish, adding a zesty kick to the hot dogs.
- Sauerkraut is suggested as an optional topping, providing a tangy and crunchy element to the dish.
Cooking Process:
- The article details a step-by-step process, including sautéing onions, making the onion sauce, boiling the hot dogs, and assembling the final dish with mustard, onion sauce, and optional sauerkraut.
Recipe Tips and Variations:
- Tips include making the onion sauce ahead of time and storing it for up to a week.
- The recipe suggests using all-beef hot dogs for a kosher preparation, but it allows for personalization by replacing them with other preferred options.
Nutritional Information:
- The article provides nutritional facts per serving, offering transparency about the calorie, fat, carbohydrate, and protein content.

In conclusion, armed with this comprehensive knowledge, you're well-equipped to embark on a culinary adventure, bringing the authentic taste of New York hot dogs to your home kitchen. Happy cooking!