1 Serving Buffalo Wing Sauce 0 calories. Are you a fan of spicy wings? Then you are no stranger to buffalo wing sauce. The tangy yet spicy sauce is a staple in bar culture and has even gained popularity as a flavor in snacks like chips and popcorn. And the best part? It won't add any extra calories to your meal.
Buffalo wing sauce is low in calories and fat, making it a healthier alternative to other sauces. It is primarily made of hot sauce and butter, with a few additional ingredients depending on the recipe. The sauce packs a punch with its spicy flavor and is perfect for adding a little zing to your favorite dishes.
In this article, we'll explore the origins of buffalo wing sauce, its ingredients, and how to use it to add flavor to your meals. We'll also take a closer look at the health benefits of buffalo wing sauce and some unique uses for this versatile condiment.
The Origins of Buffalo Wing Sauce
Buffalo wing sauce was first created in Buffalo, New York in the 1960s. According to legend, the sauce was created by Teressa Bellissimo, the owner of Anchor Bar, as a way to use up chicken wings that had been accidentally delivered to her restaurant instead of necks and backs, which were typically used to make soup. Bellissimo tossed the wings in a mixture of hot sauce and butter and served them with celery and blue cheese dressing, creating what would become a beloved bar food across the country. Today, buffalo wing sauce is a popular condiment for chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, and even salads. The popularity of buffalo wing sauce has spawned many variations, with different levels of heat and different flavor profiles. From sweet to spicy, there is a buffalo wing sauce for everyone.
The Ingredients of Buffalo Wing Sauce
Buffalo wing sauce is typically made with a few simple ingredients, including hot sauce, butter, and vinegar. Some recipes also call for Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or honey to add additional flavor. The key to a great buffalo wing sauce is the balance between the heat from the hot sauce and the richness from the butter. The sauce should be tangy and a little spicy, without being too overpowering. You can make your own buffalo wing sauce at home using these ingredients or pick up a bottle at your local grocery store. Either way, it's an easy way to add some flavor to your meals without adding too many calories.
How to Use Buffalo Wing Sauce
Buffalo wing sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. The most popular use is as a sauce for chicken wings, but it can also be used as a dipping sauce for vegetables or chips. Buffalo wing sauce can also be used to add some heat to your favorite sandwich or burger. Try tossing some shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce and serving it on a bun with some blue cheese dressing and celery for a classic buffalo chicken sandwich. You can even use buffalo wing sauce as a marinade for chicken or pork. Simply coat the meat with the sauce and let it marinate for a few hours before grilling or baking.
The Best Dishes to Pair with Buffalo Wing Sauce
Buffalo wing sauce pairs well with a variety of dishes, from classic chicken wings to unexpected salads. Here are some of the best dishes to pair with buffalo wing sauce: - Chicken wings: This is the classic pairing. Toss your wings in buffalo wing sauce and serve with celery and blue cheese dressing. - Buffalo chicken dip: This creamy and cheesy dip is perfect for parties. Combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and shredded cheese for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Buffalo Wing Sauce Recipes to Try at Home
Making your own buffalo wing sauce at home is easy and allows you to customize the spice level to your liking. Here are a few buffalo wing sauce recipes to try: - Classic buffalo wing sauce: Combine hot sauce, melted butter, and vinegar in a saucepan and heat until the butter is melted. Toss with chicken wings and serve. - Honey buffalo wing sauce: Combine honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder in a saucepan and heat until the butter is melted. Toss with chicken wings and serve.
The Health Benefits of Buffalo Wing Sauce
Believe it or not, buffalo wing sauce does have some health benefits. Hot sauce, the main ingredient in buffalo wing sauce, has been shown to have a variety of health benefits. For example, hot sauce can help boost your metabolism, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation in the body. The capsaicin in hot sauce has also been shown to have pain-relieving properties. Of course, it's important to consume buffalo wing sauce in moderation, as it can be high in sodium and calories if consumed in large amounts.
The Different Varieties of Buffalo Wing Sauce
Buffalo wing sauce comes in a variety of flavors and heat levels. Some popular varieties include: - Mild: For those who love the flavor of buffalo sauce but can't handle the heat, mild buffalo wing sauce is a great option. - Medium: This is the classic buffalo wing sauce flavor, with a medium level of heat that most people can handle.
How to Store Buffalo Wing Sauce
If you make your own buffalo wing sauce or buy a bottle at the grocery store, you'll need to know how to store it properly. Here are some tips: - Refrigerate: Store your buffalo wing sauce in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It will last for several weeks. - Freeze: If you have a lot of buffalo wing sauce, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Unique Uses for Buffalo Wing Sauce
Buffalo wing sauce isn't just for chicken wings. Here are some unique uses for this versatile condiment: - Pizza: Instead of traditional tomato sauce, try using buffalo wing sauce as the base for your pizza. Top with chicken, blue cheese, and celery for a unique flavor profile. - Popcorn: Toss your popcorn with melted butter and buffalo wing sauce for a spicy snack.
Where to Buy Buffalo Wing Sauce
Buffalo wing sauce is widely available at grocery stores and online retailers. Some popular brands include Frank's RedHot, Texas Pete, and Tabasco. You can also buy buffalo wing sauce at specialty food stores and some farmer's markets. If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own buffalo wing sauce at home!
Buffalo wing sauce adds a little zing to your meals without adding too many calories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Wing Sauce
1. What is buffalo wing sauce made of?
Typically, buffalo wing sauce is made up of hot sauce, melted butter, and vinegar. Other common ingredients include Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. There are also many different variations of buffalo wing sauce available, with varying levels of spiciness and flavor profiles.
2. Is buffalo wing sauce healthy?
While buffalo wing sauce is low in calories, it is typically high in sodium and fat. Consuming large amounts of buffalo wing sauce on a regular basis is not recommended for those following a low-sodium or low-fat diet. However, in moderation, buffalo wing sauce can be a delicious addition to a healthy meal.
3. Can I use buffalo wing sauce for anything other than wings?
Absolutely! Buffalo wing sauce can be used as a marinade for chicken, pork, or seafood, as a dipping sauce for vegetables, or as a topping for pizza, burgers, and more. It's a versatile sauce that can add a kick of flavor to a variety of dishes.
4. How spicy is buffalo wing sauce?
The spiciness of buffalo wing sauce can vary depending on the recipe and the brand. Some sauces are mild and sweet, while others are hot and fiery. If you're not sure how spicy a sauce is, it's always a good idea to start with a small amount and add more slowly, tasting as you go.
5. How long does buffalo wing sauce last?
Buffalo wing sauce can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week after it's made. If you're using store-bought sauce, be sure to check the expiration date on the label. If you're not sure if your sauce is still good, use your senses – if it smells, looks, or tastes off, it's probably best to throw it out.