Wing It Like a Pro: Mastering Buffalo Wild Wings’ New Sauces at Home!

Buffalo Wild Wings, affectionately known as B-Dubs, is a haven for wing lovers. With a dizzying array of sauces and rubs, they offer a flavor adventure with every visit. Recently, they’ve unleashed two exciting new wing sauces upon the world, and naturally, everyone wants to know: How can I recreate that deliciousness at home? This guide will walk you through crafting these flavors in your own kitchen, providing you with detailed steps and tips to achieve wing perfection.

Understanding the Allure of Buffalo Wild Wings Sauces

Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore why Buffalo Wild Wings sauces are so popular. It’s not just about the heat; it’s the balance of flavors. They meticulously craft sauces that incorporate sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy notes, creating a complex and satisfying experience. Many sauces are layered, starting with a base flavor and building upon it with additional ingredients. The key to replicating these sauces lies in understanding this balance and replicating it accurately.

Sauce #1: [Insert New Sauce Name Here] – A Flavor Explosion

Let’s assume one of the new sauces is called “Inferno Garlic Parmesan” (Replace with the actual name). This sauce sounds like a thrilling combination of intense heat, savory garlic, and rich parmesan cheese. It promises a bold and unforgettable flavor profile.

Deconstructing the Inferno Garlic Parmesan Flavor Profile

To recreate this sauce effectively, we need to break down its key components:

* **Heat:** The “Inferno” suggests a significant level of spiciness. This likely comes from a blend of hot peppers, such as cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or even a touch of ghost pepper for serious heat seekers.
* **Garlic:** Garlic is a crucial element, providing a pungent and aromatic base for the sauce. Both fresh garlic and garlic powder contribute to the overall flavor. Roasted garlic can also add a deeper, sweeter dimension.
* **Parmesan:** Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich quality to the sauce. Finely grated Parmesan is essential for achieving a smooth and creamy texture.
* **Creaminess/Emulsification:** The sauce will need some creaminess to bind the ingredients and create a palatable texture. This can be achieved with butter, heavy cream, or even a touch of mayonnaise.
* **Acidity:** A touch of acidity is needed to balance the richness and spiciness. Lemon juice, white vinegar, or even a dash of hot sauce can provide this.

Inferno Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce Recipe

**Yields:** Approximately 1 cup
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 cup unsalted butter
* 6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco)
* 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
* 1 teaspoon chili flakes
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
* Pinch of salt, to taste

**Equipment:**

* Small saucepan
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons

**Instructions:**

1. **Melt the Butter:** In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Be careful not to burn it.
2. **Sauté the Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Do not brown the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3. **Add the Spices:** Stir in the hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chili flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk to combine and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices and release their flavor.
4. **Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:** Add the lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk well to incorporate.
5. **Add the Parmesan:** Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
6. **Add Cream (Optional):** If desired, stir in the heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce. Heat through gently, but do not boil.
7. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a pinch of salt if necessary. If you want more heat, add more cayenne pepper or chili flakes. If you want more garlic flavor, add more garlic powder or minced garlic. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add more lemon juice.
8. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips for Perfect Inferno Garlic Parmesan Wings

* **Fresh Garlic is Key:** While garlic powder is a useful addition, using fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it disperses evenly throughout the sauce.
* **Adjust the Heat:** This recipe is designed to be quite spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your preference. Start with less cayenne pepper and chili flakes, and add more to taste.
* **Use High-Quality Parmesan:** The quality of the Parmesan cheese will impact the flavor of the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block, rather than pre-grated cheese, for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcook the Garlic:** Burnt garlic can ruin the flavor of the sauce. Sauté the garlic gently until it is fragrant, but avoid browning it.
* **Simmer for Flavor:** Simmering the sauce for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more complex and satisfying sauce. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Applying the Sauce to Your Wings

There are two main methods for saucing your wings:

* **Tossing:** This is the most common method. Place your cooked wings in a large bowl and pour the sauce over them. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated in sauce.
* **Brushing:** For a more controlled application, you can brush the sauce onto the wings using a pastry brush. This is a good option if you want to ensure that each wing is perfectly coated.

After saucing the wings, you can serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing. Celery sticks and carrot sticks are also classic accompaniments.

Sauce #2: [Insert New Sauce Name Here] – Sweet and Spicy Sensation

Let’s imagine the second new sauce is called “Honey Sriracha Zing” (Replace with the actual name). This name suggests a delightful combination of sweet honey, fiery Sriracha, and a zesty kick. It’s likely to be a crowd-pleaser with its balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

Deconstructing the Honey Sriracha Zing Flavor Profile

To effectively replicate this sauce, we need to understand its key components:

* **Sweetness:** Honey is the primary source of sweetness, providing a rich and floral flavor. The type of honey used can also influence the overall flavor profile (e.g., wildflower honey, clover honey).
* **Spice:** Sriracha sauce provides the heat and a distinctive tangy flavor. The level of heat can be adjusted by adding more or less Sriracha.
* **Zest:** The “Zing” implies a zesty element, which likely comes from citrus. Lime juice or orange juice would be excellent additions.
* **Umami/Savory:** Soy sauce adds a savory depth to the sauce, complementing the sweetness and spice.
* **Garlic/Ginger:** Garlic and ginger can add aromatic complexity to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.

Honey Sriracha Zing Wing Sauce Recipe

**Yields:** Approximately 1 cup
**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 cup honey
* 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon lime juice (or orange juice)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon grated ginger
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
* 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thinning)

**Equipment:**

* Small saucepan
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, combine the honey, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
2. **Heat and Simmer:** Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Whisk constantly to prevent the honey from burning.
3. **Simmer and Thicken:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
4. **Thin if Necessary:** If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out. Whisk well to combine.
5. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want more sweetness, add more honey. If you want more heat, add more Sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes. If you want more tanginess, add more lime juice or rice vinegar.
6. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly before using it to sauce your wings.

Tips for Perfect Honey Sriracha Zing Wings

* **Use Good Quality Honey:** The flavor of the honey will significantly impact the overall flavor of the sauce. Use a good quality honey that you enjoy.
* **Adjust the Sriracha to Your Taste:** Sriracha can be quite spicy, so adjust the amount to your preference. Start with less and add more to taste.
* **Fresh Ginger is Best:** Using fresh ginger will add a more vibrant and aromatic flavor to the sauce. Grate the ginger finely to ensure it disperses evenly throughout the sauce.
* **Don’t Overcook the Sauce:** Overcooking the sauce can cause the honey to burn and become bitter. Simmer the sauce gently until it has thickened slightly.
* **Let the Sauce Cool Slightly:** Letting the sauce cool slightly before using it to sauce your wings will help it cling to the wings better.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Sriracha Zing Wings

These wings pair well with a variety of sides:

* **Asian-Inspired Sides:** Consider serving them with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a cucumber salad.
* **Cooling Dips:** The sweetness and heat of the wings are balanced nicely by cooling dips like ranch dressing or a yogurt-based sauce.
* **Garnishes:** Garnish the wings with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of honey for a beautiful presentation.

General Tips for Making the Best Homemade Wings

Regardless of the sauce you choose, these tips will help you achieve wing perfection:

* **Choose Your Wings:** You can use whole wings, wingettes (the middle section), or drumettes (the meaty section). Wingettes and drumettes are the most common choice.
* **Pat the Wings Dry:** Before cooking, pat the wings dry with paper towels. This will help them crisp up better.
* **Cooking Methods:**
* **Baking:** Baking is a healthier option than frying. Bake the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are cooked through and crispy.
* **Frying:** Frying will give you the crispiest wings. Fry the wings in hot oil (350°F/175°C) for 8-10 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the fryer.
* **Air Frying:** Air frying is a good compromise between baking and frying. It will give you crispy wings with less oil. Air fry the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are cooked through and crispy.
* **Internal Temperature:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the wings are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Crisping the Wings:** For extra crispy wings, you can try a few tricks:
* **Baking Powder:** Toss the wings with a mixture of baking powder, salt, and pepper before baking. This will help dry out the skin and create a crispy crust.
* **Cornstarch:** Toss the wings with cornstarch before frying or air frying. This will also help create a crispy crust.
* **Double Frying:** For extra crispy fried wings, fry them once at a lower temperature (300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes, then remove them and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, fry them again at a higher temperature (350°F/175°C) for 2-3 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
* **Saucing the Wings:** Sauce the wings while they are still hot. This will help the sauce adhere to the wings better.

Spice Level Guide

Understanding the Scoville scale can assist in gauging and modifying the heat levels in your homemade wing sauces:

* **Bell Pepper:** 0 SHU (Scoville Heat Units)
* **Poblano Pepper:** 1,000 – 1,500 SHU
* **Jalapeno Pepper:** 2,500 – 8,000 SHU
* **Serrano Pepper:** 10,000 – 23,000 SHU
* **Cayenne Pepper:** 30,000 – 50,000 SHU
* **Thai Chili Pepper:** 50,000 – 100,000 SHU
* **Habanero Pepper:** 100,000 – 350,000 SHU
* **Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia):** 800,000 – 1,041,427 SHU
* **Carolina Reaper:** 1,500,000 – 2,200,000 SHU

When substituting or adjusting peppers, remember to consider their heat index to align with your spice preference.

Beyond the Recipe: Experimenting with Wing Sauces

These recipes are just a starting point! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own signature wing sauces. Here are some ideas:

* **Add Different Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, or onion powder.
* **Use Different Types of Vinegar:** Try using different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or sherry vinegar.
* **Add Fruit Purees:** Add fruit purees, such as mango puree or pineapple puree, for a sweet and tangy flavor.
* **Use Different Types of Hot Sauce:** There are countless types of hot sauce available, each with its own unique flavor profile. Experiment with different types of hot sauce to find your favorites.
* **Add Herbs:** Fresh herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, or thyme, can add a burst of flavor to your wing sauces.

Serving and Enjoying Your Homemade Wings

Once you’ve made your delicious homemade wings, it’s time to serve them and enjoy! Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Dipping Sauces:** Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, honey mustard, and barbecue sauce are all classic dipping sauces for wings.
* **Sides:** Celery sticks, carrot sticks, coleslaw, and potato salad are all great sides for wings.
* **Drinks:** Beer, soda, and iced tea are all refreshing drinks to enjoy with wings.
* **Presentation:** Arrange the wings on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a beautiful presentation.

Storing Leftover Wing Sauce

If you have any leftover wing sauce, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat the sauce gently before using it.

Final Thoughts

Recreating Buffalo Wild Wings’ new sauces at home is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. By understanding the flavor profiles and following these detailed recipes and tips, you can impress your friends and family with your wing-making skills. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience a flavor adventure that will leave you craving more! Remember to adapt the recipes to your own taste preferences and experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique wing sauce masterpieces. Happy winging!