This Homemade Buffalo Sauce Recipetakes the traditional flavors of tangy Frank's hot sauce, rich butter, and a hint of sweetness and combines them in a convenient and easy-to-make sauce. The result is a perfectly balanced and flavorful sauce ideal for coating crispy chicken wings or adding a spicy kick to your favorite dishes!
Buffalo sauce is a tangy, spicy, and buttery concoction that has become synonymous with classic American comfort food. The combination of Frank's hot sauce, unsalted butter, garlic powder, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper creates a perfect balance of flavors. The hot sauce provides the signature spicy kick, while the butter adds richness and smoothness. Round it out with some spice and sweetness, and you've got a sauce that is not versatile and easy to make with simple ingredients!
This buffalo chicken wing sauce couldn't be easier to make! Add the ingredients to a pot and bring them to a boil to marry all the flavors together. An egg yolk slurry is then added along with cornstarch to thicken it up, giving it its signature velvety texture. Once thickened to you're liking, it's to add a tangy zest to your favorite foods.
Even though buffalo sauce is mainly used to coat chicken wings, its use doesn't stop there. Drizzle it over grilled or roasted chicken for an extra burst of flavor, or toss it with cooked shrimp for a spicy twist. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for crudites or vegetables or as a flavorful topping for burgers, sandwiches, and even pizza. Once you have a batch of homemade Buffalo sauce on hand, you'll find yourself getting creative in the kitchen and discovering new and delicious ways to enjoy it. It's that good!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Making homemade buffalo sauce from scratch gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to customize the heat level and sweetness to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce and honey to create a sauce that is mild and slightly sweet or fiery and bold.
- All of the ingredients for the sauce are simple and can be found in any grocery store, even the hot sauce!
- No special cooking skills are needed to whip up a batch of homemade buffalo sauce. Simply add everything to a pot, heat, and mix.
- Whether you're a fan of traditional buffalo wings or looking to add a kick to other dishes, this homemade sauce has got you covered, from marinades to dipping sauce or as a zesty topping to many different foods.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Frank's Red Hot Sauce - This iconic hot sauce is the star of the recipe. Its vinegary base and cayenne pepper infusion add the perfect amount of heat and acidity. You can find this hot sauce in any grocery store.
- Unsalted Butter - Adds richness and creaminess, balancing out the spiciness of the hot sauce while creating a smooth and velvety texture.
- Garlic Powder - Brings a subtle yet distinct garlic flavor to the sauce that compliments its zesty notes.
- Honey - Acts as a natural sweetener to counterbalance the heat of the hot sauce rounding out the flavor profile.
- Worcestershire Sauce - Adds savory notes and enhances the overall taste profile giving the sauce a classic umami flavor.
- Black Pepper - Adds a subtle hint of spiciness and warmth to the sauce.
- Egg Yolk - Acts as an emulsifier in the sauce, helping to create a smooth and cohesive texture that coats chicken wings beautifully.
- Cornstarch - When combined with the egg slurry and heated, it helps thicken the sauce and gives it a slightly glossy appearance that helps it stick to whatever food it's coated in.
How To Make Homemade Buffalo Sauce
Combine ingredients: To a medium-sized pot, add the hot sauce, butter, garlic powder, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
Heat the sauce: Turn the heat to medium-high until the sauce starts to boil. Whisk occasionally. Once it comes to a boil, turn the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavor.
Thicken buffalo sauce: Let the sauce cool in the pot for 5 minutes while you make the egg slurry. Mix the egg yolk, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl until everything is well combined. slowly pour the mixture into the buffalo sauce while vigorously whisking until the sauce thickens. Use immediately or store for later use. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- To control the spiciness level of the Buffalo sauce, adjust the amount of Frank's hot sauce used. Start with the recommended amount and gradually add more if you prefer a hotter sauce, or reduce it if you prefer a milder version. Taste and adjust accordingly to find your perfect balance of heat.
- When simmering the sauce in the slow cooker, stir it to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This will help prevent any potential sticking or scorching.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce consistency, you can increase the amount of cornstarch in the recipe. Gradually add more cornstarch mixed with water, whisking it into the sauce until the desired thickness is achieved. Keep in mind that the sauce will naturally thicken further when refrigerated.
Variations
- For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the sauce.
- Experiment with different sweeteners, such as maple syrup or brown sugar, instead of honey. These alternatives will lend a slightly different flavor profile.
- To give your Buffalo sauce even more heat, add a few dashes of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon or lime into the sauce during the simmering process. The citrusy acidity will brighten the flavors.
- To achieve a creamier texture and a hint of tanginess, substitute a portion of the butter with creamy mayonnaise or sour cream to make a dipping sauce or a sauce for cooked pasta.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Once cooled, add the buffalo sauce to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Leave some headspace to account for expansion. Buffalo sauce can be frozen for up to three months.
FAQ
Because there is butter in the sauce, it can re-emulsify when refrigerated. To reheat, add to a microwave-safe container and stir. Warm the sauce in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, and proceed to stir or whisk until it regains its smooth and cohesive texture.
The egg yolk is included in this Buffalo sauce recipe as an emulsifier, helping to create a smooth and cohesive texture throughout the sauce. It forms an emulsion with the other ingredients, particularly the butter, preventing them from separating and resulting in a creamy and consistent sauce.
While margarine or oil can be used as a substitute, keep in mind that they may alter the flavor and texture of the Buffalo sauce. Butter contributes a distinct richness and creamy consistency, so using a substitute may result in a different overall taste and mouthfeel.
More Recipes That Use Buffalo Sauce
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Cream Cheese
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Crock Pot Chicken Wings
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Homemade Buffalo Sauce
Ingredients
- 1½ cups Frank's hot sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tsp water
- 2 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Add hot sauce, butter, garlic powder, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper in a medium pot. Heat sauce over medium heat until the sauce starts to boil, whisking occasionally. Turn down the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Allow sauce to cool for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk egg yolk, water, and cornstarch. Then vigorously whisk egg slurry into the sauce and continue to whisk for 2 minutes.
Notes
- As the sauce contains butter, it naturally thickens when refrigerated. To incorporate it into your dish, begin by giving the thickened sauce a thorough stir. Then, transfer the desired amount to a microwave-safe bowl. Warm the sauce in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, and proceed to stir or whisk until it regains its smooth and cohesive texture.
- The sauce incorporates egg yolk to establish a rich and creamy emulsion, effectively preventing the butter from separating. This emulsion ensures a smooth and cohesive texture throughout the sauce.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
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