I’m a buffalo wing-lover from way back; of course, around here we just call them wings – the buffalo part is assumed. Even so, I should clarify that even in Buffalo, not all wings are created equal; as uncomplicated as a traditional buffalo wing is, it is surprisingly easy to mess it up (as evidenced by the fact that we have a select few places where we will order wings from). A few common problems: some wings are dry and overcooked, which is better than undercooked and pink, but still not ideal…some wings are dry in the sense that they don’t have enough sauce…some are greasy…and surprisingly, the list of common mistakes goes on.
Buffalo wings are typically deep fried, but shouldn’t be overly greasy if they’re fried at the proper temperature and not overcrowded in the oil. Even so, I will admit to enjoying a tasty wing or two that’s been baked, grilled, or broiled, such as these Sicilian Chicken Wings.
Buffalo wing sauce should be a very simple mix of butter and hot sauce (FYI, Frank’s is the Buffalonian’s hot sauce of choice for making wing sauce!). If you like it hotter, add less butter, and if you like it more on the mild side, add more butter. It’s as easy as that.
Purists, avert your eyes from this next paragraph…I’ve known a few local restaurants that add just a little touch of garlic powder to their hot sauce, which I’m a big fan of since I think it adds a subtle flavor note that pairs well with the other flavors going on. I’ve also known some pizzerias to add a bit of ketchup to their mild sauce; as off-the-wall as that might sound, ketchup adds a nice sweet/tangy flavor that helps balance the heat. And – dare I say it? – I find it surprisingly wonderful, especially if I’m in the mood for mild wings (sacrilegious, I know). Although I have to admit, that’s as far off the beaten path as I’ll deviate from the classic buffalo sauce.
But.
I do love trying “buffalo” food in all forms.
Buffalo wing chowder, lasagna, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, pizza, cute little appetizer cups, wontons, nachos, and the always-fabulous buffalo wing dip, to name a few. And now a completely vegetarian version of wings in cauliflower form. It is so delicious in its simplicity, mostly because of the fact that the wing sauce adorning the cauli is buffalo wing sauce perfection.
I think I’ve rambled on about Buffalo wings long enough in a way that only a Buffalonian who is crazy about her wings can ramble, lol. Head over to the Tasty Kitchen Blog to see my Cauliflower Buffalo Wings guest post with step-by-step pictures.
If you’re thinking this would make the perfect appetizer for a holiday party, you read my mind. :)
And that beautiful blue cheese dressing in the back there? That is none other than my recipe for Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing, which is just as delicious on a salad as it is on a buffalo wing – or a cauliflower buffalo wing.
I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to 
Have you ever tried reheating leftovers?
Hi Julie, No, I’ve never tried re-heating this dish. I think you could re-heat it in the oven, but the cauliflower might get too soft…it would probably still taste good, but not really be wing-like anymore. Let me know if you give it a try!
Yum!! I am not Buffalonian but I am all about these flavors. I have to check out your blue cheese dressing – a local farmer makes buffalo chicken sausage (as great as it sounds!!) and I think it would be the perfect thing to go with it.
Wonderful idea for those of us who don’t eat chicken, who LOVE cauliflower, and feel like they are missing out on the whole Buffalo wing experience. And I had no idea that the Buffalo sauce was just butter and hot sauce. Love this
Am I missing the recipe? I don’t see it on this page? Or am I going crazy?
C, No, you’re right, the recipe itself isn’t on this page! In the post above, I linked to my guest post on Tasty Kitchen where the full recipe can be found; here it is: http://tastykitchen.com/blog/2012/12/cauliflower-buffalo-wings/.
I LOVE cauliflower and I LOVE Frank’s buffalo sauce. these WILL be happening :)
Mmmmm, what a great healthy alternative!!
What a brilliant idea!! Love it!
I went to Buffalo when I was 13 years old… wish I had tried at least one wing while I was there. Wish I appreciated food back then the way I do now! :)
I learnt so much about Bufallo wings lol.Never thought I would see them in a caulifolwer form lol. Do they lik cold germs that have kept me off line for a week?
Oh no, hope you’re feeling better soon, Ev! And lol, yes, veggies of all kinds are good for colds…and wing sauce too – hot foods are the best for clearing out your sinuses, lol! Seriously, feel better soon. xo
What a great way to eat cauliflower!
Yep, I’m another with spare cauli in the fridge, so you don’t have to be a rocket sci . . . ., but ‘buffalo wings’ IS a totally new term to me, so thanks for the lesson :) !
I’ve made these before but the recipe wasn’t very good…too much batter and method wasn’t good. We loved the flavour but the recipe needed tweaking. Yours looks much better…will have to give it at try!
Congratulations on being a Tasty Kitchen Blog contributor….I think the recipe is brilliant! I’m a wing fan, too….but cauliflower is inspired!
These would make such a great appetizer, brilliant idea!
I must confess that Buffalo sauce is one of my guilty pleasures. I have been noticing this cauliflower on a lot of restaurant menus lately and wondered about it, great to know how to make it at home. I’m thinking this would be great Super Bowl party food.
I also love anything buffalo. These look fabulous!
Oh my gosh, girl!!! I have a ton of cauliflower in the fridge (it was on sale for 99 cents a head, and I went a bit overboard!) – we’re trying this tonight!
Brilliant! I don’t like wings…but I do like the sauce and I LOVE cauli!
I haven’t had that buffalo flavor in years and I SO miss it! Love this vegetarian buffalo sauce idea!
A wonderful idea! Cauliflower is such a wonderful and versatile vegetable.
Cheers,
Rosa
These look so fun and tasty! What a creative idea. As a fellow Buffaloian, I understand that some wings are better than others (Although these days I probably eat them about once a year). But, I love incorporating the wing flavors in other things, too. I’ve been meaning to try your chowder.