Spicy & Tangy Buffalo Wing Sauce Recipe: A Game-Day Must-Have

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Written by Frank Miller

June 28, 2025

Welcome to the ultimate guide for making the perfect buffalo wing sauce that’ll have your guests begging for the recipe. Whether it’s game day or just a casual get-together, this sauce is sure to be a hit.

Why This Recipe Works

  • The perfect balance of heat and tanginess that complements any wing.
  • Uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients for an easy yet flavorful sauce.
  • Customizable heat level to suit any palate, from mild to wild.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Equipment Needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Buffalo Wing Sauce Recipe

Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter completely. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Keep the heat low to avoid browning the butter.

Combine the Ingredients

Once the butter is melted, add the hot sauce, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt to the saucepan. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

Simmer the Sauce

Increase the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Adjust the Heat

Taste the sauce and adjust the cayenne pepper if you prefer it spicier or milder. Remember, the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, so now’s the time to perfect the flavor.

Serve or Store

Use the sauce immediately for the freshest taste, or let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Tips and Tricks

For a smoother sauce, you can blend it after cooking. If you’re serving the sauce with wings, toss the wings in the sauce while they’re still hot for the best adherence. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Recipe Variations

  • Add honey or brown sugar for a sweet and spicy version.
  • Incorporate blue cheese or ranch dressing directly into the sauce for a creamy twist.
  • Use smoked paprika instead of cayenne for a smoky flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before using.

Is there a substitute for hot sauce?

If you’re out of hot sauce, you can use a combination of tomato paste and chili powder as a base, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

How can I make the sauce less spicy?

Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can also increase the butter to dilute the heat.

Summary

This buffalo wing sauce recipe is the perfect blend of spicy and tangy, easy to make, and customizable to your heat preference. It’s a must-try for any wing lover.

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