You’re going to slather this Homemade Buffalo Sauce on everything from here on out. It’s tangy, spicy, and smooth; with just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes, you’ll have this luxurious sauce ready to dip, spread, and devour! Pair it with wings, cream cheese dip, mozzarella wings…the possibilities are endless!
Hold the phone because when I tell you this recipe is E.A.S.Y. and one that you’re not going to be able to get enough of (like, I may or may not have been constantly stealing spoonfuls of it every time it was within close proximity)… you’re gonna head straight to the kitchen.
Whether you’re a buffalo sauce lover or are new to the concept of a tangy, spicy, buttery-hot-sauce, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this easy homemade version.
What is it…?
If you fall into the world of “what is buffalo sauce?”, well, you’re not alone. I, too, was there not so long ago. Once you know – and then try – this luxurious sauce, you’re going to crave it non-stop.
I mean, I don’t think that’s just me anyway.
Buffalo sauce originates from Buffalo, New York. It’s essentially hot sauce tempered down with butter – which is exactly why I keep mentioning luxurious.
The melted butter gives it a slightly creamy, smooth, rich finish that’s to die for.
So, those ingredients…
Yep, those 4 ingredients? They couldn’t be easier.
It’s said that Frank’s RedHot is the sauce to use when making buffalo sauce from scratch. And honestly, I couldn’t agree more. It has basic ingredients itself, so I feel good about it, and its heat level is spot on, with just the right kick.
In addition to hot sauce, you’ll use unsalted butter. I’m a big fan of using high-quality butter since it’s such a key player in this recipe, but your everyday store-brand butter will work, too.
Just be sure you’re using real butter, not margarine. Others have used vegan butter in its place with success, I just haven’t tried it myself so no reports from me there.
I like to add a pinch of garlic powder to the sauce, because, hello, when am I not adding garlic?! It adds just a little extra dimension to the sauce.
Speaking of dimension then in goes a splash of soy sauce. Now, typically recipes call for Worcestershire sauce in homemade buffalo sauce. I opt to use soy sauce because it still adds the umami element to round out the sauce but keeps it vegetarian-friendly since Worcestershire is made with anchovies. You can absolutely sub it for the soy sauce if desired!
I do add a pinch of kosher salt for another salty element since there’s only a little from the soy sauce and Frank’s RedHot. If you’d like to reduce your sodium, you can play around with omitting it or adjusting as needed.
And that’s it. I told you it was a simple ingredient list. But those simple ingredients sure do pack a punch.
Steps for Making the Sauce from Scratch
You’re going to be amazed at how easy this is. Really, I’m almost embarrassed to write it out. But never fear, it’s happening, it’s getting posted. The world needs it. You need it. Here we go:
First, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. The low heat is important here because we don’t want the butter to bubble or turn to brown butter. We want it to arrive at the just melted point. Once it’s there, remove the saucepan from the heat and let cool slightly — really just a minute or two works.
Then, whisk in the hot sauce, garlic powder, and soy sauce until completely combined.
THAT’S IT.
I really meant easy.
What’s the spice level?
As written, this recipe is moderately spicy…medium, mild. It’s tangy with a spicy kick at the end, but it’s not overpowering.
The beauty of making this sauce from scratch is that you can easily adjust the spice level to fit your needs.
If you want it less spicy, add less hot sauce to the butter. In this case, I’d recommend starting with 1/2 cup hot sauce and working your way up as you taste test.
Looking for even more spice? Add in cayenne pepper (approximately 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon) or additional hot sauce.
Remember, you can always taste test and adjust the spice level as needed, just start with less and work your way up.
What if you added too much spice? Melt in a couple of tablespoons of additional butter to mellow it out a bit. Easy as…well, easy as making homemade buffalo sauce!
Ways to use Buffalo Sauce
There are so many delicious ways to use this sauce.
First being, the very obvious, chicken wings (if that’s your thing). It would also be excellent with chicken strips, or popcorn chicken.
My personal favorite: Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites.
Try it with shrimp, or even tofu!
Use it as a dip for mozzarella sticks, or make it into a dip with some cream cheese (ok, the recipe ideas are just spiraling here!!).
I have several more ways coming soon… stay tuned!
More Easy Sauce Recipes to Love
Homemade Buffalo Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup hot sauce I use Frank's RedHot
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp soy sauce
- ¼ tsp kosher salt optional, but recommended
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat.
- Whisk in the remaining ingredients until fully incorporated. Serve immediately or let cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.
Daniel Perkins
Great recipe. I tried it with slight modification in spices and it came out fabulous.
Becca
So glad to hear! Thanks, Daniel!!