Buffalo Wild Wings’ Caribbean Jerk Sauce is more than just a sauce! It’s like a flavor carnival for your tastebuds! This zingy Caribbean sauce, known for its unique blend of spicy flavors, has solidified its standing on chicken wings menus everywhere. But what makes the Buffalo Wild Wings Caribbean jerk sauce recipe so irresistible?
It’s the perfect storm of spicy, sweet, and savory. It transforms ordinary chicken wings into mouthwatering masterpieces.
In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about the delicious Caribbean jerk sauce from Buffalo Wild Wings, from its ingredients to the step-by-step instructions for making a copycat version at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Buffalo Wild Wings Caribbean jerk sauce recipe is a festival of flavors, with each ingredient playing its part to create that signature zest.
The main ingredients include soy sauce for umami depth, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice for tangy brightness.
Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous amount of black pepper add that signature kick, while dark brown sugar and honey balance it out with a sweet taste.
Then, there’s the heat! Cayenne pepper sauce and red peppers give this sauce its fiery flair.
Finally, unique flavor touches like Worcestershire sauce and a hint of ground cloves give warmth and really make this sauce stand out.
Step-by-Step To Make
Making the Buffalo Wild Wings Caribbean jerk sauce recipe is easy!
Start by combining soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce in a large saucepan. This mixture forms the tangy base of your sauce.
Next, add the sweetness and spices. Whisk in the dark brown sugar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and ground cloves. Ensure that the sugar dissolves completely for a smooth texture.
Then, bring on the heat! Stir in the cayenne pepper sauce and finely chopped red peppers. The key is to balance the heat with the sweet and tangy elements.
Simmer the mixture over medium heat until it thickens to the desired consistency and the flavors meld and intensify.
Chef’s Toolkit
To make Buffalo Wild Wings Caribbean jerk sauce, you need the right tools.
A large bowl is essential for mixing your ingredients thoroughly.
A saucepan is needed for simmering the sauce and allowing the flavors to develop over medium heat.
A whisk is your best friend for ensuring all the ingredients are well combined, especially to dissolve the sugars and integrate the spices evenly.
If you’re a fan of smooth sauces, a blender or food processor can be used to puree the sauce for a more uniform texture.
Lastly, a baking sheet and a basting brush are needed for those delicious Caribbean jerk wings.
Common Missteps
Creating the perfect Buffalo Wild Wings Caribbean Jerk Sauce can be a bit tricky, but knowing what to prepare for can make the process much smoother.
One mistake is rushing the simmering process. This sauce needs time to develop its depth of flavors, so simmering it on medium heat is necessary. Rushing this step can result in a sauce that’s too thin or lacking in flavor.
Then, there are mistakes with spices. The balance of spices in the Buffalo Wild Wings Caribbean Jerk Sauce recipe is delicate. Overdoing any one component, especially the hot sauce or cayenne pepper sauce, can overpower the unique flavor balance. You need to measure these ingredients precisely.
Another common mistake is not tasting as you go. The sauce’s flavor can change significantly during cooking, so regular tasting and adjusting is key.
Finally, and this is a big one, many people forget to strain the sauce for a smooth texture. The authentic Buffalo Wild Wings’ Caribbean Jerk Sauce has a silky consistency, free from spice granules or chunks. Skipping this step can leave you with a lumpy texture.
Follow these tips and your sauce will come out great the first time!
Recipe Variations
Want to play with some different flavor combinations?
For a fruity twist, add some pineapple or mango juice that can bring a sweet taste that complements the spicy flavors. This can make it have a tropical flair.
Of course, you can always adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper sauce for a milder version that still retains the Caribbean Jerk Sauce’s signature flavors.
For a thicker, richer sauce, you could add more dark brown sugar. This creates a stickier sauce that clings better to chicken wings.
Storage and Reheating
Once the sauce has cooled down, it should be transferred to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the sauce can retain its flavor and freshness for up to a week. This makes it perfect for preparing in advance or saving leftovers for later use.
When it comes to reheating, gently warm the sauce over low heat. Don’t use high temperatures as they can break down the flavors and change the sauce’s consistency. Stir frequently during reheating to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, a splash of water or apple cider vinegar can help restore its original consistency.
Freezing the Caribbean Jerk Sauce? Sure! When frozen in a freezer-friendly container, the sauce can last for several months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
We hope this guide helps you in creating your own perfect batch of our Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Caribbean Jerk Sauce. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or make it your own with creative twists, the result is sure to be a hit! Share your experiences making this sauce! We’d love to hear how your Caribbean Jerk Sauce turns out!
Frequently Asked Questions: Buffalo Wild Wings Caribbean Jerk Sauce Recipe
1. What spices are in Buffalo Wild Wings Caribbean Jerk Sauce?
The Caribbean jerk sauce from Buffalo Wild Wings is a symphony of spices, each adding its unique note to the melody. This sauce typically features allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers as its main characters. However, it also includes a supporting cast of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and garlic. These spices come together to create a flavor profile that’s both warm and inviting, with a spicy kick that’s unmistakably Caribbean.
2. What is Caribbean Jerk Sauce Made Of?
Apart from the rich blend of spices, Buffalo Wild Wings’ Caribbean jerk sauce includes a base of soy sauce, vinegar, and perhaps a hint of brown sugar. This foundation offers a perfect balance of salty, tangy, and sweet, which complements the heat and aroma of the spices. Together, they form a sauce that’s robust, complex, and deeply flavorful.
3. Is Caribbean Jerk Good at Buffalo Wild Wings?
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of bold flavors, the Caribbean jerk sauce at Buffalo Wild Wings is a must-try. It’s known for its perfectly balanced heat, spice, and sweetness. Many patrons consider it a standout choice, especially if you enjoy a little adventure on your palate.
4. What’s the Difference Between Jamaican Jerk and Caribbean Jerk?
While both Jamaican and Caribbean jerk seasonings share similar spice profiles, including allspice and hot peppers, Jamaican jerk is often characterized by its intense heat and a greater emphasis on the Scotch bonnet pepper. Caribbean jerk, including the version served at Buffalo Wild Wings, tends to be a bit more nuanced, with a slightly sweeter and tangier flavor profile, making it a bit more approachable for those who are spice-sensitive.
5. What Flavor is Caribbean Jerk Buffalo Wild Wings?
The Caribbean jerk flavor at Buffalo Wild Wings is a tantalizing mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy. It’s a rich and complex sauce that delivers a warm, spicy kick from the peppers and allspice, a hint of sweetness, and a tangy depth from the vinegar and soy sauce base. This flavor is exotic, bold, and perfect for those looking to add some Caribbean flair to their meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allspice | 1 tsp | Ground |
| Scotch Bonnet Pepper | 1 | Finely chopped |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 tsp | Ground |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 tsp | Ground |
| Cloves | 1/4 tsp | Ground |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Soy Sauce | 2 tbsp | – |
| Vinegar | 1 tbsp | Apple cider vinegar |
| Brown Sugar | 1 tbsp | – |
Buffalo Wild Wings Caribbean Jerk Sauce Copycat
Course: LunchCuisine: CaribbeanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
1 cup water
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
2 tablespoons corn syrup (optional, for a thicker sauce)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (if thickening is desired)
Directions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, mix together water, soy sauce, white vinegar, dark brown sugar, lemon juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, cayenne pepper sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cloves, black pepper, and parsley flakes. If you prefer a sweeter, stickier sauce, add the corn syrup.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. The goal is to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reduce slightly. Remember, patience is key here!
- Thicken the Sauce (optional): If you desire a thicker sauce, similar to the consistency at Buffalo Wild Wings, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of water to create a slurry. Gradually add this to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly, until the desired thickness is achieved.
- Cool and Strain: Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes. For a smooth texture, strain the sauce using a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solid spice particles.
- Serve or Store: Use the sauce immediately with your favorite chicken wings, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, the sauce can be frozen.
Notes
- Serving Suggestion: This sauce pairs wonderfully with chicken wings, but it can also be used with other dishes like grilled chicken or as a dipping sauce.