Mastering the Art of Buffalo Wing Spice: A Flavorful Recipe Guide

How to Make Buffalo Wing Spice: A guide to making mild and spicy flavors

Buffalo wings are a beloved classic, known for their flavorful and spicy kick. Whether you prefer a milder version or crave the intense heat, creating your own buffalo wing spice allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. In this guide, we will explore two different recipes for buffalo wing spice-one mild and one spicy-providing you with options to satisfy your taste buds.

Making Mild Buffalo Wing Spice

If you prefer a milder flavor profile for your buffalo wings, this recipe is a great choice. While still providing a satisfying kick, this spice blend allows you to control the heat level to your liking. Here’s how to make mild buffalo wing seasoning:
Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 5 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less, for heat control)

Instructions:

  1. Measure out each spice.
  2. Combine all the spices in a small mixing bowl.
  3. Stir well to combine the spices.
  4. Brush the wings with the spice mixture or make a rub and coat the wings.
  5. Prepare your wings as usual, e.g. by baking them.

Notes:

  • Garlic powder plays a prominent role in this recipe, providing a bold flavor reminiscent of traditional buffalo wings. Mustard powder can be added for extra depth, although this is optional.
  • To create a rub, consider adding about 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to add a subtle sweetness and improve the cohesiveness of the rub.
  • This recipe makes a substantial amount of seasoning, but feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking.
  • Adjust the heat by reducing the amount of cayenne pepper used. Keep in mind, however, that buffalo wings are supposed to have a mild kick, even in their milder versions. You can also reduce the amount of chili powder and paprika to tone down the heat, or eliminate the cayenne altogether for an extremely mild version.

Making Spicy Buffalo Wing Spice

For those who crave an extra punch of heat, this recipe for Spicy Buffalo Wing Spice will satisfy your fiery cravings. It’s perfect for those who enjoy intense flavors and want to kick their buffalo wings up a notch. Here’s how to make hot buffalo wing seasoning:
Ingredients:

  • 4 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 3 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions:

  1. Measure out the spices.
  2. Combine all the spices in a small bowl.
  3. Stir well to ensure the spices are thoroughly mixed.
  4. Taste the spice mixture on a vegetable or your finger to see if it’s hot enough for you.
  5. Use the seasoning blend to season your wings before baking or cooking to your liking.

Notes:

  • The main difference between this recipe and the mild version is the amount of each ingredient. The overall spice combination remains similar, but the increased amounts provide a spicier profile.
  • If you find the spice level is not hot enough, add more cayenne pepper to increase the heat to your personal preference.
  • Similar to the mild recipe, you can turn this spice blend into a rub by incorporating a small amount of brown sugar and using oil as a binder.

Making Spicy Buffalo Wing Sauce

In addition to Buffalo Wing seasoning blends, you can also create a flavorful and spicy Buffalo Wing sauce. This alternative provides a “wet” seasoning element that coats the wings with a delicious glaze. Follow these steps to make a spicy buffalo wing sauce:
Instructions:

  1. Select your favorite hot sauce as the base ingredient.
  2. Combine the hot sauce with the following seasonings:
    • 4 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 tsp onion powder
    • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
    • 3 teaspoons paprika
    • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  3. Stir the spices into the hot sauce.
  4. Heat the mixture on the stove for a short time to create a glaze-like consistency.
  5. Use the Spicy Buffalo Wing Sauce to coat the wings before baking or cook to your preference.

Notes:

  • Making a sauce or glaze requires an extra step of heating the mixture on the stove, but the result is a delicious and tangy coating for your wings.
  • The choice of hot sauce is subjective, so choose one that matches your desired level of heat and flavor. Experiment with different hot sauces to find your perfect match.
  • Adjust the amounts of spices according to your personal taste preferences. Feel free to add more or less of a particular spice to achieve the desired balance of flavors.

Conclusion

Making your own buffalo wing seasoning allows you to take control of the flavor and heat of your favorite appetizer. Whether you prefer a milder version or crave the fiery heat, the recipes in this guide provide a foundation for creating delicious buffalo wings tailored to your taste buds. Remember to adjust the seasoning levels by changing the amounts of ingredients to suit your preferences. Enjoy the process of experimenting with different seasoning blends and sauces, and enjoy the delicious results of your homemade Buffalo wings.

FAQS

Can I adjust the heat of the Buffalo wing seasoning?

Yes, you can control the heat of your Buffalo Wing seasoning. For a milder flavour, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper, chilli powder and paprika. Remember, even in milder versions, buffalo wings are meant to have a mild kick. Experiment with spice levels to find the perfect balance.

Can I use another type of salt instead of kosher salt?

Yes, you can use another type of salt if you prefer. However, kosher salt is often preferred because of its larger grain size, which allows it to adhere better to the wings. If you use a finer salt, such as table salt, you may need to adjust the amount slightly.

Can I make a dry rub with the Buffalo wing seasoning?

Absolutely! The Buffalo Wing Seasoning can be used as a dry rub for your wings. Simply rub the wings with the seasoning before baking or grilling. Adjust the amount of spice and consider adding a small amount of brown sugar to enhance the flavours and create a cohesive rub.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of Buffalo wing seasoning?

Yes, you can easily adapt the Buffalo wing seasoning recipe to suit a vegetarian or vegan diet. Make sure the seasonings you use are free of animal products or by-products. Check ingredient labels and choose suitable alternatives, such as plant-based chilli powder and paprika.

How long can I keep the Buffalo Wing seasoning?

Buffalo Wing Spice can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for several months. However, for best flavour and potency, it’s recommended to use the seasoning within 6 months. Remember to label the container with the date of preparation for future reference.

Can I use Buffalo Wing seasoning in other dishes?

Absolutely! While Buffalo Wing Spice is primarily designed for wings, it can also add a flavourful kick to other dishes. Try sprinkling it on roasted vegetables, grilled meats or even homemade crisps for an extra burst of flavour. Experiment and explore the versatility of Buffalo Wing seasoning in your cooking.