If you’re craving that classic spicy, tangy kick of buffalo wing sauce but want to keep it 100% plant-based, you’re in the right place! This vegan buffalo wing sauce recipe perfectly captures the bold flavors that make buffalo wings a beloved appetizer worldwide.
Whether you’re tossing it with crispy cauliflower bites, tofu wings, or your favorite veggies, this sauce delivers a fiery punch without any animal products.
Not only is this sauce simple to make with pantry staples, but it’s also incredibly versatile — great for dipping, drizzling, or marinating. Plus, it’s free of dairy and preservatives, so you know exactly what’s going into your food.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want to spice up a weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become your go-to. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious, tangy, and spicy vegan buffalo wing sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First, it’s incredibly easy to whip up in just a few minutes with basic ingredients you probably already have on hand. The sauce balances heat and tang perfectly, thanks to the combination of hot sauce and vegan butter, creating that signature buffalo flavor you know and love.
It’s also completely customizable: adjust the heat level by increasing or reducing the hot sauce, or add a touch of sweetness if you prefer a milder flavor. The sauce is oil-based, so it clings beautifully to your favorite vegan wing alternatives without getting soggy or heavy.
Best of all, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with flavor, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. If you enjoy flavorful vegan dishes, you might also want to check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or try a sweet twist with our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frank’s RedHot Sauce (or any vegan hot sauce) | 1/2 cup |
| Vegan butter (melted) | 1/4 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Maple syrup or agave nectar | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan (optional, for melting butter)
- Serving bowl or jar (for storing sauce)
Instructions
- Melt the vegan butter: Place the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for 20-30 seconds until fully melted. This helps the sauce blend smoothly.
- Combine ingredients: In the mixing bowl, pour the melted vegan butter, then add the hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Whisk thoroughly to combine all liquids.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk again until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Taste and adjust: Give the sauce a quick taste test. If you want it hotter, add more hot sauce. If it’s too spicy, add a bit more maple syrup or vegan butter to mellow the heat.
- Serve or store: Use immediately by tossing with your favorite vegan wings or drizzle over veggies. Alternatively, transfer to a jar and refrigerate for up to one week. Warm slightly before using if the butter solidifies.
Tips & Variations
For the best flavor, always use a high-quality vegan butter and your favorite hot sauce brand. If you want a tangier sauce, increase the apple cider vinegar by half a teaspoon at a time.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a teaspoon of vegan mayonnaise or blend in some soaked cashews for creaminess. For a smoky twist, experiment with a dash of liquid smoke or chipotle powder.
Make it extra spicy by adding cayenne pepper or a few drops of sriracha. If you want to keep things mild, reduce the hot sauce and add a little more maple syrup to balance the flavor.
Want to get creative? Try tossing this sauce with crispy baked cauliflower wings or tempeh strips.
It’s a fantastic option for game day snacks or a flavorful weeknight dinner. For more plant-based sauce ideas, explore our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per 2 tbsp |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Sugars | 0.5 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Note: Nutrition facts may vary depending on the brands of hot sauce and vegan butter used.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan buffalo wing sauce pairs amazingly well with crispy baked or air-fried cauliflower florets, tofu cubes, or seitan strips. It can also be used as a spicy dip for fries, roasted veggies, or even drizzled over grain bowls for a flavorful kick.
For a complete meal experience, try serving your buffalo wings alongside celery sticks and a creamy vegan ranch dressing. If you enjoy experimenting with plant-based dishes, you’ll love our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Conclusion
This vegan buffalo wing sauce is a must-have for anyone looking to add a bold, spicy flavor to their plant-based meals. Its simplicity, versatility, and vibrant taste make it a crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for vegans or just looking to enjoy a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo sauce.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can elevate your snacks and meals to a whole new level. Keep it handy in your fridge for quick tosses with your favorite vegan wings or as a zesty dip.
Don’t forget to explore other delicious vegan recipes on our site — your next favorite dish might be just a click away!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Buffalo Wing Sauce
Description: A tangy and spicy vegan buffalo wing sauce perfect for dipping or coating cauliflower wings. Made with simple ingredients for a quick and flavorful sauce.
Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT5M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Melt the vegan butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Add hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, and salt.
- Whisk ingredients together until smooth and heated through.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.
- Toss with vegan wings or use as a dipping sauce.
Nutrition: Calories: 80 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 3g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Buffalo Wing Sauce”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A tangy and spicy vegan buffalo wing sauce perfect for dipping or coating cauliflower wings. Made with simple ingredients for a quick and flavorful sauce.”, “prepTime”: “PT5M”, “cookTime”: “PT5M”, “totalTime”: “PT10M”, “recipeYield”: “1 cup”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)”, “1/4 cup vegan butter”, “1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar”, “1 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon maple syrup”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Melt the vegan butter in a small saucepan over low heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Whisk ingredients together until smooth and heated through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toss with vegan wings or use as a dipping sauce.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “80”, “proteinContent”: “0g”, “fatContent”: “7g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “3g”}}
