5-Minute DIY Homemade Buffalo Sauce (Mildly Spicy)

Hold the phone because when I tell you this recipe is E.A.S.Y., easy, and one of our homemade savory sauce recipes 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 Buffalo Sauce?

If you fall into the world of “what is buffalo sauce?”, well, you’re not alone. I, too, was there not so long ago. It’s not just hot sauce, it’s smoother and richer, and is truly irresistible.

Buffalo sauce originates from Buffalo, New York. It is like hot sauce, because, well, that’s one of the main ingredients. However, it’s combined with melted butter which tempers down the spice, resulting in a smooth, luxurious sauce with a rich finish.

What does Buffalo Sauce Taste Like?

Buffalo sauce will take on the flavor of the hot sauce you use, so be sure to use one that you enjoy. As you’ll see, I recommend using Frank’s Red Hot for the most ‘authentic’ tasting buffalo sauce.

It’s smooth and creamy from the butter. It has the perfect balance of heat and richness!

Buffalo Sauce Ingredients

4 simple ingredients and in just 5 minutes you’ll have the best homemade buffalo sauce from scratch!

• Hot Sauce: 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.
• Unsalted Butter: I recommend using high-quality butter because it is 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 haven’t tested it, but let us know if you do!
• Garlic Powder: I add just a pinch because, hello, when am I not adding garlic?! While it’s not necessarily traditional, it adds just a little extra dimension to the sauce and I highly recommend it!
• Soy Sauce: speaking of dimension…soy sauce adds another layer. 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.

How to Make DIY Buffalo Sauce

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.

If your hot sauce is cold, be sure to bring it to room temperature or warm it as well. If it is cold, it will harden the butter.

THAT’S IT. I really meant easy, and in less than 5 minutes your sauce is ready!

Is Buffalo Sauce Spicy?

Buffalo sauce is moderately spicy…like medium, mild. It’s tangy with a spicy kick at the end, but it’s not overpowering. Because it’s made with creamy butter, the heat from the hot sauce is tempered.

Even better, the beauty of making this sauce from scratch is that you can easily adjust the spice level to fit your needs.

If you want the sauce 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.

And if you’re looking to make it spicier, 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 hot sauce and add more as desired.

What if it’s too spicy for you?! Melt in a couple of tablespoons of additional butter to mellow it out.

How to Store Homemade Sauce

Store homemade sauce in an airtight glass container in the fridge. It will last for several weeks in the fridge.

The butter will likely solidify in the fridge during storage. Either bring to room temperature and whisk until smooth, or place it in the microwave for a minute or so until warmed through, and again, whisk until smooth.

What to Serve with Buffalo Sauce

There are so many delicious ways to use this sauce! Here are a few of my favorites, but you really cannot go wrong no matter how you enjoy it!

• Chicken Wings! A very obvious choice for buffalo sauce. Along similar lines, use it as a dipping sauce for chicken strips, or popcorn chicken. Pair it with refreshing blue cheese dressing or ranch.
• Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – an absolute favorite vegetarian option when it comes to “wings”.
• Toss it with shrimp or crispy tofu.
• Mozzarella sticks – a delicious dip alternative to marinara!
• Cream cheese dip – combine cream cheese, and buffalo sauce, and bake until bubbly for an easy dip! Or go ahead and make vegetarian buffalo dip!
• Top on tacos or pair it with avocado toast.
• French Fries – go ahead and dip away!
• Toss with crispy Brussels sprouts.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!

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By the Way…

This recipe is part of our collection of savory homemade sauce recipes. Check it out!