Buffalo Wild Wings is a household name when it comes to delicious chicken wings, but have you ever wondered how they prepare their signature dish? The question on every wing lover’s mind is: does Buffalo Wild Wings fry their wings? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Buffalo Wild Wings’ cooking methods, exploring the truth behind their wing preparation process.
A Brief History of Buffalo Wild Wings
Before we dive into the cooking methods, let’s take a brief look at the history of Buffalo Wild Wings. Founded in 1982 by Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery, the first Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant opened in Columbus, Ohio. The chain quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of sports bars and casual dining, featuring a wide variety of chicken wings in different flavors.
The Cooking Process: A Closer Look
So, does Buffalo Wild Wings fry their wings? The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. According to Buffalo Wild Wings’ official website, their wings are cooked using a proprietary cooking process that involves a combination of techniques.
The Preparation Process
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how Buffalo Wild Wings prepares their wings:
- Marination: Wings are marinated in a proprietary blend of seasonings and spices to enhance flavor.
- Breading: Wings are then hand-breaded with a special seasoning blend to add crunch and texture.
- Cooking: Wings are cooked in a pressure fryer at high temperatures to seal in juices and crisp the exterior.
- Finishing: Wings are then tossed in a sauce of the customer’s choice and served hot.
The Pressure Fryer: A Key Component
The pressure fryer is a crucial part of Buffalo Wild Wings’ cooking process. This specialized equipment allows for faster cooking times and helps to seal in juices, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender interior. The pressure fryer is also designed to cook wings at high temperatures, which helps to achieve the perfect balance of crunch and flavor.
Debunking the Myth: Are Buffalo Wild Wings’ Wings Really Fried?
While Buffalo Wild Wings’ wings are cooked in a pressure fryer, the question remains: are they really fried? The answer lies in the cooking process itself. Since the wings are cooked in a pressure fryer with a small amount of oil, it’s more accurate to say that they’re cooked using a combination of pressure frying and sautéing.
The Difference Between Frying and Pressure Frying
Frying typically involves submerging food in hot oil, whereas pressure frying uses a combination of high pressure and temperature to cook food quickly. Pressure frying results in a crispy exterior and a tender interior, similar to deep-frying, but with much less oil.
Nutritional Information: How Healthy Are Buffalo Wild Wings’ Wings?
While Buffalo Wild Wings’ wings are delicious, they’re not exactly the healthiest option. A single serving of their boneless wings (4-6 pieces) contains:
- 340 calories
- 22g fat
- 10g saturated fat
- 1040mg sodium
- 12g protein
However, it’s worth noting that Buffalo Wild Wings offers a variety of sauces and seasonings that can affect the nutritional content of their wings.
Conclusion
So, does Buffalo Wild Wings fry their wings? The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. While their wings are cooked in a pressure fryer, it’s more accurate to say that they’re cooked using a combination of pressure frying and sautéing. Whether you’re a wing aficionado or just a casual fan, understanding the cooking process behind Buffalo Wild Wings’ signature dish can help you appreciate the craftsmanship and care that goes into preparing their signature wings.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Buffalo Wild Wings’ cooking process is a unique blend of traditional and modern techniques. By using a pressure fryer and a proprietary seasoning blend, they’re able to create a delicious and addictive product that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a fan of spicy wings or prefer milder flavors, Buffalo Wild Wings has something for everyone.
So the next time you’re craving wings, remember the care and craftsmanship that goes into preparing each and every batch. And who knows? You might just appreciate the art of wing-making a little bit more.
Does Buffalo Wild Wings fry their wings?
Buffalo Wild Wings does indeed fry their wings, but the process is a bit more complex than just throwing them in a deep fryer. According to the company, their wings are hand-breaded and then fried in a proprietary blend of oil. This blend is designed to provide a crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy and flavorful.
It’s worth noting that Buffalo Wild Wings has faced some criticism in the past for their cooking methods, with some claiming that their wings are not made to order and are instead cooked in large batches. However, the company maintains that their wings are cooked fresh throughout the day and that they take steps to ensure food safety and quality.
What kind of oil does Buffalo Wild Wings use to fry their wings?
Buffalo Wild Wings uses a proprietary blend of oil to fry their wings, which is a combination of 75% soybean oil and 25% beef tallow. This blend is designed to provide a crispy exterior and a flavorful interior, and it’s a key part of what sets their wings apart from other restaurants.
The use of beef tallow in their oil blend has been a subject of controversy in the past, with some critics arguing that it’s unhealthy and unnecessary. However, Buffalo Wild Wings maintains that the tallow adds a richness and depth of flavor to their wings that can’t be replicated with other oils.
Are Buffalo Wild Wings’ wings breaded or naked?
Buffalo Wild Wings offers both breaded and naked wings, depending on the customer’s preference. Their traditional wings are hand-breaded with a proprietary seasoning blend, which adds a crunchy exterior and a burst of flavor.
However, for customers can also opt for naked wings, which are cooked without breading. These wings are still tossed in the customer’s choice of sauce, but they have a lighter, more delicate flavor profile than the breaded wings.
Can I get my wings grilled instead of fried at Buffalo Wild Wings?
Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings does offer grilled wings as an alternative to their fried wings. These wings are marinated in a blend of spices and then grilled to perfection, providing a healthier and lower-calorie option for customers.
It’s worth noting that the grilled wings have a slightly different flavor profile than the fried wings, with a smokier and more charred taste. However, they’re still tossed in the customer’s choice of sauce, so they can still get that signature Buffalo Wild Wings flavor.
How does Buffalo Wild Wings ensure food safety when cooking their wings?
Buffalo Wild Wings takes food safety very seriously, and they have a number of protocols in place to ensure that their wings are cooked safely. These include regular temperature checks, strict handling and storage procedures, and a rigorous cleaning and sanitizing schedule.
In addition, Buffalo Wild Wings provides regular training to their staff on food safety procedures, and they have a system in place for tracking and addressing any food safety concerns. This helps to ensure that customers can enjoy their wings with confidence.
Can I customize my wings at Buffalo Wild Wings?
Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a wide range of customization options for their wings. Customers can choose from over 20 different sauces, including everything from classic buffalo to more unique options like mango habanero and lemon pepper.
In addition to sauce options, customers can also customize the level of heat in their wings, from mild to wild. And for customers with dietary restrictions, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a number of gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Are Buffalo Wild Wings’ wings made to order?
According to Buffalo Wild Wings, their wings are cooked fresh throughout the day and made to order whenever possible. However, during peak periods or when the restaurant is very busy, they may cook wings in larger batches to keep up with demand.
It’s worth noting that Buffalo Wild Wings has faced some criticism in the past for their cooking methods, with some claiming that their wings are not made to order and are instead cooked in large batches. However, the company maintains that they take steps to ensure food safety and quality, even during peak periods.