We’ve always been fans of the classic B&K Coney Sauce, a beloved topping that originated in Michigan’s diners and turned ordinary hot dogs into crave-worthy treats. This hearty sauce packs a punch of savory spices and rich flavors that capture the essence of American comfort food.
As we dive into our version of this recipe, you’ll see why it’s a staple for backyard barbecues and game-day feasts. We’re excited to share our take so you can whip up this timeless favorite in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
We pride ourselves on sourcing the freshest ingredients to recreate the authentic, savory flavors of our B&K Coney Sauce—a Michigan diner classic that brings bold spice and rich meatiness to every hot dog. Below, we’ve listed the ingredients in the order we use them during preparation, with specific prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Start with this for building a sweet, aromatic base that enhances the sauce’s depth.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Added next to infuse a pungent, garlicky aroma that complements the meaty profile.
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80% lean): We use this as the hearty foundation, ensuring it’s fresh for a juicy, flavorful texture.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: Incorporated to provide a smooth, tangy backbone that ties the spices together.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: A key spice we add for its warm, earthy heat and vibrant red hue.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings in smoky, nutty undertones that elevate the sauce’s complexity.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: We include this for a sharp, umami tang that balances the richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste for enhancing overall flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground: Freshly ground for a peppery kick that adds subtle heat.
Required Tools
We know that the right tools can make preparing our flavorful B&K Coney Sauce a breeze ensuring precise chopping and even cooking. Let’s equip ourselves with the essentials to handle the ingredients like finely chopped onions and minced garlic with ease.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
To craft this classic B&K Coney Sauce, we recommend a selection of basic yet indispensable kitchen items. Below, we’ve listed them in the order they’ll be used, with bold for key tools and italics for important tips to enhance your cooking experience.
- Chef’s Knife: Start with a sharp 8-10 inch chef’s knife for finely chopping onions and mincing garlic. This ensures even pieces that cook uniformly and release maximum flavor.
- Cutting Board: Use a large sturdy cutting board next to provide a stable surface for prep work. Opt for one made of wood or plastic to prevent dulling your knife.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Gather a set of measuring cups (1 cup, 1/2 cup) and spoons (1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon) to accurately measure ingredients like tomato sauce and spices.
- Large Skillet or Saucepan: Employ a 10-12 inch non-stick skillet or saucepan for browning ground beef and simmering the sauce. Choose one with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Use a heat-resistant wooden spoon to stir the mixture and prevent sticking while cooking.
- Mixing Bowl: Have a medium-sized mixing bowl on hand to combine spices and other dry ingredients before adding them to the pan.
| Tool | Recommended Size | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chef’s Knife | 8-10 inches | Chopping and mincing ingredients |
| Cutting Board | Large (at least 12×18 inches) | Safe prep surface |
| Measuring Cups | 1 cup, 1/2 cup | Accurate liquid measurements |
| Skillet or Saucepan | 10-12 inches | Cooking and simmering sauce |
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s guide you through preparing our flavorful B&K Coney Sauce step by step. We promise this process will yield a savory, aromatic topping perfect for hot dogs and more.
Prep
Before we start cooking, we’ll prepare our ingredients to ensure everything blends seamlessly for that authentic B&K Coney Sauce taste. Begin by organizing your workspace with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and other components from our ingredients list.
- Chop the onion: Take 1 medium onion and finely chop it into small pieces using your sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board. Aim for about 1 cup of finely chopped onion to add a sweet, pungent base that enhances the sauce’s depth.
- Mince the garlic: Peel and mince 2 cloves of garlic. This should yield about 1 tablespoon, releasing a fresh, aromatic scent that will infuse the sauce with its signature zing.
- Measure the spices: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir these dry spices together until evenly mixed, creating a robust blend that promises a warm, spicy kick.
- Prepare the ground beef: Ensure you have 1 pound of lean ground beef ready. This will form the hearty foundation of our sauce, delivering a rich, meaty texture when cooked.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we’ll now cook the sauce in a large skillet, building layers of flavor through browning and simmering for that irresistible, mouthwatering B&K Coney Sauce we all love.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the 1 pound of ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring with a heat-resistant wooden spoon until it’s evenly browned and releases its juicy, savory juices. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
- Add the aromatics: Incorporate the finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the garlic’s fragrant aroma fills your kitchen, creating a base that’s both sweet and pungent.
- Mix in the spices and liquids: Stir in the spice blend from prep, along with 1 can (8 ounces) of tomato sauce. Add these ingredients and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their warm, earthy flavors that make our B&K Coney Sauce so addictive.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step melds the ingredients into a thick, glossy sauce with a deep, tangy taste that coats your spoon perfectly—ideal for topping hot dogs.
- Final taste adjustment: Once thickened, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, such as adding a pinch more salt or black pepper, to achieve that bold, harmonious balance we strive for in every batch.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our B&K Coney Sauce is its ability to be prepared in advance, allowing us to save time and enhance flavors through resting. This makes it ideal for backyard barbecues, game-day gatherings, or any busy weeknight. By following these steps, we can ensure the sauce retains its rich, savory profile while making meal prep effortless.
Preparing the Sauce Ahead
We recommend making the B&K Coney Sauce up to 3 days in advance for refrigeration or up to 3 months for freezing. Start by completing the full recipe as outlined in the previous section—browning the ground beef, incorporating the spices, and simmering until thick and glossy.
Cooling and Storing
After cooking, let the sauce cool completely to room temperature to prevent condensation, which could affect texture. Here’s how we handle storage:
- Refrigerator Storage: Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents B&K Coney Sauce from absorbing odors from other foods.
- Freezer Storage: For longer-term options, portion the sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers to make thawing easier.
To provide a quick reference for storage durations and guidelines, we’ve compiled the details in the table below:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Store in an airtight container; stir before reheating to restore consistency. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Use freezer-safe containers; label with the date to track freshness. |
Reheating for Optimal Flavor
When we’re ready to use our B&K Coney Sauce, reheat it gently to preserve its bold, harmonious flavors. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the refrigerated sauce for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until heated through. For frozen sauce, first thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as above. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or tomato sauce to achieve that glossy finish we love. Always taste and adjust seasoning—such as a dash of chili powder or Worcestershire sauce—to ensure it complements your hot dogs perfectly.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our B&K Coney Sauce recipe with us.
This simple twist on a Michigan favorite brings bold flavors to your table that elevate everyday meals.
Let’s make it a staple in your kitchen—gather friends, fire up the grill, and savor the memories it creates.
Trust us, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is B&K Coney Sauce?
B&K Coney Sauce is a classic Michigan diner topping that elevates hot dogs with its savory, spicy flavors. Originating from local eateries, it’s a staple for barbecues and gatherings, featuring a mix of ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices like chili powder and cumin for a rich, hearty taste.
What are the key ingredients for B&K Coney Sauce?
The main ingredients include ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Using fresh components ensures authentic flavor and depth, making it easy to whip up at home for a delicious hot dog topping.
What tools are needed to make B&K Coney Sauce?
You’ll need a sharp chef’s knife for chopping, a sturdy cutting board, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a large skillet or saucepan for cooking, a heat-resistant wooden spoon for stirring, and a mixing bowl. These tools simplify prep and help achieve the perfect consistency.
How do I prepare B&K Coney Sauce step by step?
Start by chopping onions and mincing garlic. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, add aromatics and spices, then stir in tomato sauce. Simmer until thick and glossy, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed. The process takes about 30 minutes and results in a flavorful sauce ready for hot dogs.
Can I make B&K Coney Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 3 days in advance for refrigeration or freeze for up to 3 months. This allows flavors to develop, saving time for events. Cool the sauce completely before storing in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
How should I store and reheat B&K Coney Sauce?
Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, and adjust seasoning if needed to keep the flavors bold and ready for your hot dogs.
How can I adjust the flavor of B&K Coney Sauce?
Taste the sauce after simmering and add more chili powder for heat, cumin for earthiness, or salt for balance. Start with the base recipe and tweak spices gradually to suit your preferences, ensuring a harmonious, bold flavor that pairs perfectly with hot dogs.