Buffalo and hot wing sauce are two popular spicy condiments often used for chicken wings and other foods. While they are similar, there are some key differences in their ingredients, flavor profiles, and heat levels.
Origins
Buffalo sauce was invented in Buffalo, New York in 1964 by Teressa Bellissimo at the Anchor Bar. She created the tangy, buttery sauce to accompany chicken wings. It became a hit in Buffalo and eventually spread across the country as a popular chicken wing sauce.
Hot wing sauce emerged later as a spicier interpretation of buffalo sauce. It is associated with the development of hot wings, but does not have a specific place of origin. Many restaurants create their own versions of hot wing sauce to serve alongside chicken wings and tend to make it spicier than traditional buffalo sauce.
Ingredients
While recipes can vary, typical buffalo sauce contains:
- Hot pepper sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco)
- Butter or margarine
- Vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Worcestershire sauce
Common ingredients in hot wing sauce include:
- Hot pepper sauce
- Butter or oil
- Distilled vinegar
- Cayenne pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Other seasonings like chili powder or paprika
The key differences are that hot wing sauce uses more hot pepper sauce for added heat. It also typically doesn’t include Worcestershire sauce, which gives buffalo sauce a unique umami flavor. Hot wing sauce may also use more cayenne pepper and chili powder.
Flavor Profiles
Here’s how the flavor profiles of the two sauces compare:
| Buffalo Sauce | Hot Wing Sauce |
|---|---|
| Tangy | Tangy |
| Buttery | Buttery/Oily |
| Slightly sweet | Not as sweet |
| Mildly spicy | Very spicy |
| Savory umami flavor | Less umami |
| Vinegar tartness | Vinegar tartness |
As you can see, buffalo sauce has a more balanced flavor profile with buttery, sweet, and savory notes. Hot wing sauce tastes mostly spicy, tangy, and acidic.
Heat Levels
The most obvious difference between the two sauces is the level of heat:
- Buffalo sauce – Ranges from mild to medium heat, around 500-1,000 Scoville heat units.
- Hot wing sauce – Typically ranges from medium heat to very hot, 5,000-15,000 Scoville heat units.
The amount of hot pepper sauce and spicy seasonings like cayenne make hot wing sauce significantly spicier. Buffalo sauce has enough heat to give it a kick, but not overwhelm other flavors.
Uses
Both sauces are commonly used as a dipping sauce for chicken wings. They can also be used to dress up chicken tenders, fries, burgers, subs, and salads.
Some common uses are:
- Buffalo sauce – Wings, chicken fingers, fries, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, salad dressing
- Hot wing sauce – Wings, drumettes, chicken nuggets, fries, nachos, tacos, pizza
Buffalo sauce’s milder flavor makes it more versatile as a condiment or cooking ingredient. Hot wing sauce is bolder and spicier, best used as a dipping sauce or drizzled over specific dishes.
Availability
Both sauces are readily available nationwide in the condiment aisle at grocery stores. Many brands like Frank’s RedHot offer both buffalo and hot wing sauce varieties. You can also find dipping sauces at restaurants in take-out packets.
Some popular pre-made brand options include:
- Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce and Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce
- T.G.I. Friday’s Buffalo Wings Sauce and Hot Wings Sauce
- Texas Pete Hot Sauce and Buffalo Hot Sauce
- Sweet Baby Ray’s Buffalo Sauce and Sweet ‘n Spicy Sauce
Making It at Home
It’s easy to make both sauces at home using just a few pantry staples:
Homemade Buffalo Sauce
- 1 cup hot pepper sauce
- 4 tbsp (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1-2 tbsp distilled white vinegar
- 1/4 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, salt, Worcestershire sauce
Melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in hot sauce, vinegar, and seasonings until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool before using.
Homemade Hot Wing Sauce
- 1 cup hot pepper sauce
- 4-6 tbsp unsalted butter or vegetable oil
- 2-3 tbsp distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, salt
- Dash of chili powder or paprika
Melt butter/oil over medium heat. Whisk in hot sauce, vinegar, and seasonings until combined. Remove from heat and allow to cool before serving.
Conclusion
In summary, buffalo and hot wing sauce have some basic similarities but differ in terms of flavor profiles and level of spiciness. Buffalo sauce is mildly spicy, balanced, and buttery. Hot wing sauce is extra spicy, tangy, and vinegar-forward. Both are popular options for serving with fried chicken!