Both hot wings and buffalo wings are chicken wings coated in a spicy sauce. However, there are some key differences between the two:
Origin
Hot wings were first created in Buffalo, New York in the 1960s. The exact origin is disputed, but the Anchor Bar and Frank & Teressa’s Anchor Bar are both credited with inventing the original buffalo wing recipe. The wings were coated in a cayenne pepper hot sauce and butter before being deep fried.
The name “buffalo” wings comes from Buffalo, NY, where they were invented. The name “hot” wings comes from the spicy cayenne pepper sauce used on the wings.
Sauce
Traditional buffalo wing sauce is made from a mixture of butter and hot pepper sauce, usually cayenne pepper hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot. It has a buttery, tangy flavor. The butter helps to balance out the heat of the hot sauce.
Hot wing sauce is based on any type of hot pepper sauce and does not necessarily include butter. Common hot sauces used include Buffalo, Tabasco, Cholula, and Sriracha. The hot wing sauce gets most of its flavor from the particular hot sauce used.
Heat Level
Buffalo wings are known for being spicy from the cayenne pepper sauce, but not overly hot. They typically register around the “medium” heat level on the Scoville scale. The butter in the traditional buffalo sauce helps cut down the heat a bit.
Hot wings encompass a wide range of heat levels depending on the type of hot sauce used. They can range from mildly spicy to extreme, mouth-burning hot. Some of the hottest hot wing sauces use extracts like capsaicin to increase the spiciness well beyond a normal pepper sauce.
Cooking Method
The traditional cooking method for both buffalo wings and hot wings is to deep fry the chicken wings until crispy, then toss the cooked wings in the prepared sauce.
An alternate cooking method that has become popular is to bake the wings in the oven rather than deep fry. This reduces the fat and calories, but may result in less crispy skin.
Appearance
Buffalo wings and hot wings look very similar. Both are crispy chicken wings coated in sauce. Traditional buffalo wings have a buttery sheen from the butter in the sauce. Hot wings appearance can vary slightly depending on the type of hot sauce used.
Flavor
Buffalo wings have a buttery, tangy, and medium spicy flavor from the traditional cayenne pepper hot sauce and butter sauce combo. They have a balanced flavor.
Hot wings focus more on bringing the heat and highlighting the specific taste of the particular hot sauce used. They can taste hot, tangy, vinegary, or even sweet and smoky depending on the sauce.
Uses
Both buffalo wings and hot wings are very popular pub food or bar snacks. They are also frequently served as appetizers. Traditional buffalo wings are strongly associated with American and particularly Buffalo, NY food culture.
Hot wings have branched out more into fusion cooking and cuisine. Cooks experiment with global hot sauces and spices to put a unique twist on hot wings.
Popularity
Buffalo wings have maintained steady popularity since their invention. They are available nationwide at bars and restaurants.
Hot wings have exploded in popularity over the last couple decades. The rise of hot sauce diversity and spicy food trends have made hot wings a staple offering at many establishments. Competitive hot wing eating contests have also increased their visibility.
Nutrition
The nutrition facts for buffalo wings and hot wings depend on the exact recipe, cooking method, and portion size. However, some general comparisons can be made:
| Nutrient | Buffalo Wings | Hot Wings |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | Around 100-200 calories per wing | Around 100-200 calories per wing |
| Fat | Higher from the butter in the sauce | Lower since hot sauces contain little to no fat |
| Sodium | Medium from hot sauce | Higher from some hot sauces |
In general, hot wings tend to be slightly lower in fat and calories compared to traditional buffalo wings. However, sodium content may be higher depending on the type of hot sauce used.
Cost
Buffalo wings and hot wings are typically around the same price at most restaurants. The average cost is $5-15 for an order of 6-12 wings depending on the establishment.
When purchasing sauce from the grocery store, buffalo wing sauce may be slightly more expensive due to the inclusion of butter. Hot sauces range widely in price, but can be very cheap for basic varieties like Tabasco.
Availability
Buffalo wings are very common at bars, pubs, and restaurants throughout the United States. They are especially ubiquitous in the Northeast region.
Hot wings can now be found at most establishments that serve bar food or appetizers. Their popularity has made them a menu staple.
Recipe Variations
Some popular recipe variations on traditional buffalo wings include:
- BBQ buffalo wings – tossed in both buffalo and bbq sauce
- Garlic parmesan buffalo wings – tossed in garlic and parmesan
- Honey buffalo wings – made with honey hot sauce
- Sweet and spicy buffalo wings – made with both hot sauce and honey or brown sugar
Some recipe variations for hot wings include:
- Korean hot wings – made with gochujang sauce
- Lemon pepper hot wings
- Cajun hot wings
- Jerk hot wings
- Sweet chili hot wings
- Thai hot wings – made with Thai chilis
Accompaniments
Popular accompaniments for both buffalo wings and hot wings include:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Cucumber sticks
- Bleu cheese or ranch dip
The cooling, creamy dips help balance out the heat of the wings. Crisp, fresh vegetables also cut the richness.
Conclusion
In summary, traditional buffalo wings contain butter for a richer, milder flavor while hot wings focus on bringing the heat with various styles of hot sauce. However, there is now significant crossover between the two with creative new recipe variations combining buffalo and hot wing sauce techniques.
Both types of wings make an excellent appetizer or game day food. The differences come down to whether you prefer a butterier, balanced buffalo flavor or an intense spicy kick from hot peppers.