Tangy Mild Buffalo Wing Sauce
This Tangy Mild Buffalo Wing Sauce is a delightful alternative for those who enjoy the classic flavors of buffalo wings without the intense heat. Inspired by our favorite commercial Wing-Time sauce, this homemade version perfectly balances buttery richness with tangy hot sauce and a hint of smokiness, thanks to the ancho chile powder. It's a family-friendly condiment that can be adjusted to suit individual heat preferences—just add a splash of your favorite hot sauce to spice things up! This sauce is ideal for coating chicken wings, drizzling over veggies, or serves as a delicious dipping sauce. Enjoy the fresh, homemade flavors in every bite!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/3 cup (Melted)
Frank's Hot Sauce
1/4 cup (Raw)
Tomato Sauce
1/4 cup (Raw)
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon (Raw)
Cider Vinegar
1/2 teaspoon (Raw)
Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 teaspoon (Raw)
Dried Ancho Chile Powder
1/2 teaspoon (Raw)
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
to taste (Raw)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. For added depth of flavor, you may allow it to brown slightly, but monitor to prevent burning.
2
Once the butter has melted, add the Frank's hot sauce, tomato sauce, garlic powder, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and dried ancho chile powder to the pan.
3
Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
4
Allow the sauce to simmer gently on low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be cautious not to cook it too long to avoid garlic powder separating from the sauce.
5
After simmering, taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
6
For optimal flavor, use the sauce immediately as a coating for chicken wings, or let it cool and refrigerate for later use.
7
If using for dipping, serve warm, but avoid prolonged heating to maintain a smooth texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Mild Buffalo Wing Sauce?
This sauce is a buttery, tangy condiment inspired by commercial wing sauces, designed for those who enjoy classic buffalo flavors with a mild heat profile.
How spicy is this buffalo sauce?
This is a mild sauce. It balances Frank's Hot Sauce with butter and tomato sauce to keep the heat level family-friendly.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
You can easily increase the heat by adding a splash of your favorite extra-hot sauce or increasing the amount of Frank's Hot Sauce.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include butter, Frank's Hot Sauce, tomato sauce, garlic powder, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and ancho chile powder.
Which hot sauce is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for Frank's Hot Sauce to achieve the traditional buffalo wing flavor.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, while cider vinegar is used for its specific tang, you can substitute it with white vinegar or rice vinegar if needed.
What does tomato sauce add to the buffalo sauce?
Tomato sauce adds body to the texture and helps mellow out the acidity and heat for a smoother finish.
Why is ancho chile powder used?
Ancho chile powder adds a hint of smokiness and depth of flavor without adding significant heat.
How long does it take to prepare this sauce?
The sauce takes about 3-5 minutes of simmering after the butter is melted, making it very quick to prepare.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Just warm it gently and whisk before serving.
How should I store leftover sauce?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the sauce stay fresh in the fridge?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, the sauce should remain fresh for up to one week.
Can I freeze Tangy Mild Buffalo Wing Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze it, but the emulsion may break. Whisk it thoroughly while reheating to restore the smooth texture.
What happens if I simmer the sauce too long?
Simmering for too long may cause the garlic powder to separate from the sauce or the butter to become too oily.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
While you can use fresh garlic, garlic powder is preferred for a smoother, more uniform consistency in the sauce.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Most ingredients are gluten-free, but you should verify your specific brand of Worcestershire sauce and tomato sauce for gluten content.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 4 servings.
Can I use this as a dipping sauce?
Yes, it works perfectly as a dipping sauce for chicken wings, nuggets, or even fresh vegetables.
What is the best way to reheat the sauce?
Reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking constantly to prevent the butter from separating.
Should I brown the butter first?
You can allow the butter to brown slightly for added depth of flavor, but be careful not to burn it.
Is this sauce suitable for children?
Yes, its mild heat level and tangy flavor make it very family-friendly and suitable for kids.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely, the ingredients scale up easily for larger quantities.
What can I serve with this sauce besides chicken wings?
It is delicious drizzled over roasted cauliflower, used as a burger topping, or served with chicken tenders.
Does this sauce contain sugar?
There is no added sugar in this recipe, making it a savory and tangy option.
Why is Worcestershire sauce included?
Worcestershire sauce provides a savory umami boost that rounds out the other flavors.
Is this sauce keto-friendly?
Yes, the ingredients are high in fat and very low in carbohydrates, which is generally suitable for a keto diet.
What is a good substitute for ancho chile powder?
If you don't have ancho chile powder, a mild chili powder or a small amount of smoked paprika can be used.
Do I need to add salt and pepper?
The recipe suggests seasoning with salt and pepper to taste after the sauce has simmered and the flavors have melded.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce has a smooth, buttery, and slightly thickened texture due to the combination of butter and tomato sauce.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but real butter provides a richer flavor and better mouthfeel that is characteristic of classic buffalo sauce.