New York Style Hot Dogs Recipe
One bite of this iconic New York-style hot dog recipe, and you’re instantly transported to the bustling street carts of the Big Apple—juicy beef dogs, tangy onion sauce, and a drizzle of spicy brown mustard make this an unforgettable classic!
Whether we are camping, having a backyard BBQ, or just looking for a quick, easy weeknight meal, hot dogs are a classic any time of the year.
If you’re looking to spice this classic up a little, today’s New York-style hot dog recipe is here to deliver.
There’s just something about a New York hot dog that hits differently. This recipe is sure to bring back the nostalgic feeling of visiting the Big Apple and sampling a juicy dog from the local street vendors! Whatever the reason, these dogs are a must-try!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your typical hot dog. The magic is in the homemade onion sauce—a rich, slightly sweet, and tangy topping that perfectly complements the juicy beef franks.
Toss in some homemade sauerkraut, a generous squirt of spicy brown mustard, and you’ve got yourself a dog that even the New York Times would write about. Plus, it’s super easy to make with simple ingredients from your local grocery store!
What Are New York-Style Hot Dogs?
Everywhere you go, locals have their own twist on the hot dog. In San Francisco, you’ll find them covered in bacon and mayo. Los Angeles, spicy jalapeños.
The Big Apple, with its street carts, hot dog vendors, and busy hot dog joints that New Yorkers love, has a particularly famous dog. And no trip to Coney Island would be complete without a delicious New York hot dog!
Be sure to check out these 20+ MUST TRY Hot Dog Recipes too!
Sauerkraut, brown mustard, and onions cooked to just the right consistency create the unique flavor combination so popular at those hot dog carts. Using simple ingredients, making a homemade onion sauce adds a touch that even Bobby Flay would approve of.
This is sure to become one of your new favorite recipes! The key to this unique style of hot dog is the onion sauce so lets get started making that!
New York Hot Dog Recipe
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Supplies
Ingredients
- All-beef hot dogs – Go with natural casing beef frankfurters for that satisfying snap. We love Harvest brand.
- Hot dog buns – A classic soft bun works, but if you’re feeling fancy, try a poppy seed bun.
- White onion – The star of the onion sauce, adding a mild, slightly sweet kick.
- Brown sugar – Helps caramelize the onions and brings out their natural sweetness.
- Salted butter – Because butter makes everything better.
- Tomato paste – Adds a rich, tangy depth to the sauce.
- Water – Just enough to help everything blend together.
- Sauerkraut – A New York dog isn’t complete without this tangy topping.
- Spicy brown mustard – A sure sign of a rube is skipping this essential condiment!
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until translucent.
3. Stir in brown sugar, tomato paste, and water; simmer for about 10 minutes until the onion sauce is thick and flavorful.
4. Boil the hotdogs until cooked.
5. Serve in a warm hot dog bun, layered with sauerkraut, onion sauce, and a drizzle of spicy brown mustard.
Makes 6 New York-style hot dogs!
Tips and Tricks
- Freeze extra onion sauce in small containers for easy use on your next hot dog night.
- Toasting your buns in a skillet or on the grill adds a delicious crunch. While your hot dogs are in the last minute of cooking, place bun halves face down in a skillet over low heat and allow to toast.
- Brush your buns with a little butter or olive oil before toasting for extra flavor.
- If you have leftover hot dogs, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They can be reheated in the microwave, air fryer, or in a pan.
- Feeling spicy? Mix a little chili powder into your onion sauce for a kick!
- Keep your buns warm by wrapping them in foil and placing them on indirect heat on the grill.
- For extra richness, sauté the onions low and slow until they’re deeply golden and jammy.
How Long Do You Cook Hot Dogs?
- Hot dogs may be cooked in a slow cooker on high for 2 hours or low for 3-4 hours.
- When boiling hot dogs, cook them for 4-6 minutes. Learn how to boil hot dogs in this post.
- Hot dogs can be cooked on the BBQ grill for 7-10 minutes.
- Smoked hot dogs take 60 minutes to cook when smoked at 225 degrees F.
- Baked hot dogs in the oven take about 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. Learn how to bake hot dogs in this post.
- Air fry hot dogs for 5-7 minutes at 300 degrees F.
More Hot Dog Toppings
- Try using red or sweet onions instead of white onions in the sauce.
- Substitute yellow mustard for the spicy mustard.
- Sprinkle with some shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add a little hot sauce or chili powder to the onion sauce for some extra spice.
- Shake on a dash of celery salt or black pepper.
- Top with a pickle spear.
- Dice up some red peppers for some extra color.
- Raw onion can also be added to the top.
- Hot dog sauce is delicious.
- This nacho cheese sauce would be perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a New York-style hot dog different?
It’s all about the toppings! Onion sauce, sauerkraut, and spicy brown mustard are the signature flavors of a New York dog.
Can I use yellow mustard instead of spicy brown mustard?
Sure, but New Yorkers might give you the side-eye—spicy brown mustard is the traditional choice!
Where can I buy authentic New York-style hot dogs?
Check your local grocery store for brands like Sabrett, Nathan’s, or Hebrew National for that real Big Apple taste.
Can I grill the hot dogs instead of boiling them?
Absolutely! Many hot dog vendors use the “dirty water” method, but grilling adds a smoky touch.
Must-Try Hot Dog Varieties
- Chili cheese dogs
- Coney Island hot dogs
- Chicago style hot dogs
- New York hot dogs
- Smoked dogs
- Tortilla wrapped dogs
- Mexican hot dogs
- Mini hot dog appetizers
- Hawaiian grilled pineapple hot dogs
- Bacon wrapped hot dogs
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New York Style Hot Dog Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 all beef hot dogs
- 6 hotdog bugs
- 1 medium white onion
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp salted butter
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup sauerkraut
- Spicy brown mustard
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until translucent.
- Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer for about 10 minutes until good and saucy.
- Boil the hotdogs until cooked.
- Serve beef dogs on a bun layered with sauerkraut, onion sauce and brown mustard.
