There are many types of sauce you can enjoy at home, in the office, or on the move. Ranging from Tabasco sauce and Habanero sauce to Sriracha sauce, the options are endless.
And the best part? They come with varying ingredients, so there’s always a uniqueness to each.
A popular option is the buffalo sauce. Gaining traction in the 1980s, the sauce continues to wow many, thanks to its spicy taste and versatility.
While Frank’s Hot Sauce is the primary ingredient in a typical buffalo sauce, you don’t have to use it.
So, how can you make buffalo sauce devoid of Frank’s? Let’s find out. But first, a brief history of Buffalo sauce.
What Is Buffalo Sauce?
Buffalo sauce is a peppery and flavorful sauce that is mostly associated with chicken wings. The association began in the 1980s when bar owners realized most clubbers liked taking drinks with chicken wings.
So why the name buffalo sauce? Well, it gets this name from its place of origin.
The Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Once the inventor, Teressa Bellissimo, prepared chicken wings with leftover sauce, the patrons were amazed at how tasteful the combo was. And from then, the sauce got its name.
What Is In a Buffalo Sauce?
The original buffalo sauce was made of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, and melted butter. It has a subtle ‘hotness’ compared to other sauces such as Tabasco. While rightly so, it can be a hot sauce for beginners.
To counteract the hotness, Anchor Bar served it with bleu cheese dressing, and the practice continues to date.
While most people like preparing buffalo sauce with Frank’s, you can still enjoy its spiciness without the hot sauce. Here’s how to go about it.
Homemade Buffalo Sauce Without Frank’s
Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cup salted butter
Recipe Method
- In a small pot, melt the butter over low to medium heat.
- Next, add the cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the vinegar, ketchup, honey, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently until the sauce is smooth and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Simmer for at least 3 minutes until the sauce is thick.
- Remove it from the heat and let it cool. You can store it in a container or use it immediately.
That’s how to make buffalo sauce without Frank’s. And you are not limited to chicken wings; there are different ways you can enjoy your buffalo sauce. Here are a few recipes you can try.
How to Use Buffalo Sauce
Buffalo Wings
Well, buffalo sauce was invented for this dish. Thanks to the sharpness that is vinegar, you are bound to enjoy super tangy chicken wings. Here‘s how you can prepare buffalo wings with sauce.
Ingredients
- Chicken wings
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cup salted butter
For this recipe, you will use the sauce without Frank’s.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400 C and place a wire rack over the baking sheet. Add oil, the chicken wings, garlic powder, pepper, and salt to a large bowl. Mix them together and transfer them to the oven.
- Bake the chicken wings for around 60 minutes, ensuring the skin is crispy and they turn golden. Remember to flip the wings after 30 minutes for even baking.
- Prepare your buffalo sauce without Frank’s in a bowl. Once cooled, transfer the chicken wings into the bowl with the buffalo sauce. Make sure the wings are completely coated.
- Finally, return the coated wings to broil until the sauce caramelizes. This should take at least 3 minutes.
Now you can serve it with your favorite vegetables or ranch dressing.
Chicken Wraps
If you want to use the buffalo sauce with your lunch snack, chicken wraps are your best option. Just drizzle the sauce on your chicken wrapping and pack them for lunch.
Mac and Cheese
Want to make your mac and cheese spicy? Why not add dollops of your freshly prepared buffalo sauce? You’ll enjoy the tangy combination, leaving you yearning for more.
Other ways you can use the buffalo sauce are with cauliflower wings and hot dogs.
Cauliflower wings are an ideal option for vegans who still want to enjoy spicy buffalo sauce. Just ensure the wings and solid and crispy and you’ll keep yearning for more with your favorite sauce.
How to Store Homemade Buffalo Sauce
If you want to bolster the longevity and quality of your buffalo sauce, you need to store it in the correct way. Here’s a guide on how to store your freshly made sauce.
- First, you need to choose the right container that is airtight. A food-grade plastic or glass container can be an ideal option. Furthermore, glass and food-grade plastic do not have components that can react with the sauce, which is the case with metal options.
- Next, allow the sauce to cool thoroughly, ensuring it cools to room temperature. Pouring it in the container when warm can trap moisture which can lead to the growth of mold.
- Once it cools completely to room temperature, fill the container to the brim, while leaving minimal air space at the top. It helps mitigate exposure of the sauce to air, which can make the sauce spoil.
- Seal the container tightly to prevent air from entering the container and spoiling the sauce’s quality. Make sure there are no gaps or leaks.
- With the container sealed, transfer it to the refrigerator immediately. The cold conditions in the refrigerator help slow down the growth of microorganisms, bolstering the sauce’s shelf life.
- When you want to use it, make sure to shake or stir it before use. Over time, the buffalo sauce ingredients may separate. As such, shake the container vigorously to redistribute the ingredients.
- If you’ll be using it sporadically, freezing it is a better option. Frozen buffalo sauce can last for up to 6months.
- And if you want to use the frozen sauce, thaw it gradually in your refrigerator or under cold tap water.
Final Thoughts
Making a spicy buffalo sauce without Frank’s is as easy as substituting the hot sauce with crushed hot pepper or cayenne pepper.
Make sure to use the right ingredients such as garlic powder, onion powder, ketchup, and honey. And when you make the sauce, let it cool to room temperature before using it.
While at it, you can store the excess sauce in a glass or food-grade plastic. Unlike metal containers, they don’t have compounds that can react with the sauce’s ingredients.
Make sure the container is sealed completely to prevent entry of oxygen, which can reduce the sauce’s longevity. Enjoy your buffalo sauce with chicken wings, mac and cheese, or chicken wraps.