When thinking about appetizers, one that often comes to mind is wings. Wings are one of the most popular appetizers in the United States. It's rare to see an order of pizza without an order of wings to go with it.
If you've never tried making your own buffalo wings, now is the time to try. This recipe perfectly captures all of the delicious characteristics of buffalo wings that we love, while not being overly expensive or complicated.
You'll need five pounds of chicken wings for this recipe, with the tips removed. In addition, you'll need salt, pepper, vegetable oil, unsalted butter, hot sauce, and white vinegar. If you can find a style of hot sauce that is specifically labeled as “buffalo”, that's ideal.
If not, a mild or medium hot sauce should suffice. Avoid any hot sauce that's too spicy, as buffalo wings are traditionally not extremely hot. Plus, if you're serving these wings at a gathering, most attendees probably aren't interested in eating something that will have their mouths burning.
Remember to properly dispose of the used frying oil when you're finished. Keep children away from the frying process, as curious hands may lead to burns and a trip to the emergency room. There are plenty of other great recipes that your kids can lend a hand with.
Buffalo Wings Recipe
Ingredients:
5 lbs. chicken wings, tips removed
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
1 quart vegetable oil (for frying)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup Louisiana hot sauce (we use Frank's or Crystal brands)
1 tablespoon white vinegar
Directions:
1. Heat oil to 375°F in a deep fryer or large pot.
2. Cut wings into 2 separate pieces at the joint. Season them well with the salt and pepper.
3. Fry the wings in several batches (too much at one time will drop the temperature of the oil too much) until they are crisp and golden brown, about 10-13 minutes per batch.
4. Remove wings from oil and let drain on paper towel.
5. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add the hot sauce and vinegar. Stir to blend and remove from heat and pour over cooked wings. Serves 4.