Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Sauce Recipe

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Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Sauce Recipe


Bowl of copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing chicken wings glazed in sticky sauce with sesame seeds and green onions.
Sticky, sweet, garlicky, and just spicy enough, this copycat Asian Zing sauce turns hot wings into a glossy game day favorite everyone reaches for first.

If you love that sticky, sweet, spicy, and bold Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Sauce, you are in the right place. This easy copycat Asian Zing sauce recipe brings that glossy takeout-style flavor right into your own kitchen with simple pantry ingredients and just a few minutes on the stove.

It is great for wings, boneless chicken, meatballs, shrimp, and even as a dipping sauce for fries or egg rolls. I first made this at home on a game day when I wanted that same restaurant flavor without leaving the house. One batch later, everyone was licking sauce off their fingers and asking for more.

Why People Love Buffalo Wild Wings and Asian Zing Sauce

Buffalo Wild Wings is known across the USA for sports, wings, and a huge lineup of sauces and rubs. It has become a go-to spot for game nights, casual dinners, and those moments when you just want a basket of hot wings and a cold drink.

One of the most popular flavors is Asian Zing. It stands out because it is not just spicy. It has layers. You get sweetness first, then garlic, ginger, soy, and chili heat. The sauce is thick and shiny, with a deep red color that clings to crispy wings. It smells savory and sweet at the same time, and the taste hits that perfect balance between sticky glaze and peppery kick.

For trademark reasons, this is a copycat recipe inspired by Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Sauce. It is not the official restaurant recipe, and we are not claiming any affiliation with Buffalo Wild Wings.

What This Copycat Asian Zing Sauce Tastes Like

If you have never made a wing sauce at home, think of this one like a cross between a sweet chili sauce and a bold garlic-soy glaze. It is:

  • Sweet from honey and brown sugar
  • Tangy from rice vinegar
  • Savory from soy sauce
  • Spicy from chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes
  • Rich and glossy thanks to a quick stovetop simmer

It is the kind of sauce that makes plain chicken taste exciting. And honestly, once you make it fresh at home, it is hard to go back.

Ingredients for Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Sauce

Serves: About 8 servings, or enough for 2 to 3 pounds of wings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes

  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Optional for extra flavor:

  • 1 teaspoon sriracha for more heat
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • 2 sliced green onions for serving

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microplane or fine grater for ginger

No fancy tools needed here. If you can stir a pot, you can make this sauce.

How to Make Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Sauce at Home

  1. Combine the base ingredients.
    In a medium saucepan, add the water, corn syrup, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir well so the sugar starts to dissolve.
  2. Heat the sauce gently.
    Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir often as the mixture warms up. You do not want it to scorch on the bottom. Once it begins to bubble lightly, reduce the heat to medium-low.
  3. Let the flavors blend.
    Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes. This gives the garlic and ginger time to mellow out and mix into the sweet and savory base. Your kitchen should smell amazing at this point.
  4. Make the cornstarch slurry.
    In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This step matters. If you dump dry cornstarch straight into the hot sauce, it can clump.
  5. Thicken the sauce.
    Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan while whisking. Keep stirring for 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will become shiny and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Taste and adjust.
    Want it sweeter? Add a little more honey. Want more heat? Add sriracha or extra chili garlic sauce. Want it tangier? A splash more rice vinegar will do it.
  7. Cool slightly before using.
    Remove the sauce from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. It thickens a bit more as it cools.

Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of warm water until it reaches the texture you like.

How to Use Asian Zing Sauce for Wings

This sauce was made for wings, of course. Here is the easiest way to make them at home.

  • Bake, air fry, or deep fry 2 to 3 pounds of chicken wings until fully cooked and crispy.
  • Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part for food safety.
  • Place the hot cooked wings in a large bowl.
  • Pour in enough sauce to coat well.
  • Toss until every piece is glossy and covered.
  • Serve right away with green onions or sesame seeds if you like.

You can also brush the sauce onto grilled chicken thighs, coat crispy cauliflower, or spoon it over cooked meatballs for a fun party appetizer.

Easy Home Kitchen Shortcuts

Need to make this even easier? I get it. Some nights are all about shortcuts.

  • Air fryer wings: Toss wings with a little oil, salt, and pepper, then air fry at 400°F until crispy and cooked through, usually 20 to 25 minutes depending on size.
  • Frozen meatballs: Heat frozen meatballs according to the package, then toss with warm Asian Zing sauce for a super easy party dish.
  • Rotisserie chicken: Shred cooked rotisserie chicken and toss it with the sauce for sandwiches, rice bowls, or lettuce wraps.
  • Slow cooker version: Pour the finished sauce over cooked meatballs or chicken in the slow cooker and keep warm on low for parties.

That is one of my favorite things about this recipe. It feels special, but it works with real-life busy schedules.

Helpful Recipe Tips for Beginners

  • Use fresh ginger and garlic if you can. The flavor is brighter and more like restaurant sauce.
  • Do not boil too hard. A gentle simmer helps the sauce stay smooth.
  • Whisk the slurry first. Cornstarch settles quickly, so stir it again right before adding.
  • Toss wings while hot. The sauce sticks better to fresh, hot wings.
  • Make ahead. The sauce keeps well in the fridge, so it is great for meal prep.

Allergy-Friendly and Dietary Swaps

This section is important because not every kitchen or diet looks the same. The good news is that this homemade Asian Zing sauce can be adjusted in several ways.

For gluten-free:

  • Use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
  • Check the chili garlic sauce and ketchup label to make sure they are gluten-free.
  • Make sure your cooked wings or chicken are not breaded with wheat flour unless using a gluten-free coating.

For dairy-free:

  • This sauce is naturally dairy-free as written.
  • Just double-check all bottled ingredients if cooking for someone with severe sensitivities.

For vegan:

  • Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Use the sauce on tofu, crispy cauliflower, or plant-based nuggets instead of chicken.

For soy-free:

  • Try a soy-free soy sauce alternative made from coconut aminos.
  • Keep in mind coconut aminos are sweeter and less salty, so reduce the honey a little and add a pinch of salt if needed.

For lower sugar:

  • Reduce the brown sugar by half.
  • Use less corn syrup and replace part of it with extra water.
  • The flavor will be less like the restaurant version, but still tasty.

For less heat:

  • Cut the chili garlic sauce to 1 tablespoon.
  • Skip the red pepper flakes.

For more heat:

  • Add extra chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or a pinch of cayenne.
  • A little goes a long way, so taste as you go.

For paleo-inspired adjustments:

  • Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Replace corn syrup and brown sugar with extra honey or date syrup.
  • Use arrowroot instead of cornstarch.
  • The final flavor will be different, but you will still get a sticky sweet-spicy glaze.

Storage and Reheating

  • Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Reheat gently on the stove or in short microwave bursts, stirring in between.
  • If it thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water before reheating.

If you toss the sauce with cooked chicken, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat the chicken to 165°F before serving again.

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

This is for about 1 of 8 sauce servings and does not include wings or other foods served with it.

  • Calories: 140
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Sugar: 27g
  • Fat: 1.5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Sodium: 720mg

Nutrition values are estimates and can vary depending on the brands you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Sauce very spicy?
It has a medium level of heat. The sweetness balances it out, so it is not overwhelming for most people.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, the flavor is even better after it sits for a few hours in the fridge.

Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, but for food safety, do not reuse marinade that has touched raw chicken unless you boil it thoroughly first. If marinating, it is best to set aside a clean portion for serving.

What goes well with Asian Zing wings?
Celery, carrot sticks, ranch, blue cheese, fries, fried rice, and simple slaw all work well.

Final Thoughts

This copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Sauce recipe is sweet, spicy, sticky, and packed with bold flavor. It is easy enough for a weeknight and fun enough for game day. Whether you toss it with wings, drizzle it over rice bowls, or use it as a dip, it brings that restaurant-style kick without much effort.

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear how you used it. Did you go classic with wings, or try something different like meatballs or crispy tofu? Leave a comment and share your twist. And if this recipe helped you recreate one of your favorite Buffalo Wild Wings flavors at home, share it with a friend or save it for later.

Disclaimer

This recipe is a copycat recipe inspired by the flavors of Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Sauce. It is not the official recipe, and no knowledge of the actual proprietary recipe is implied. Buffalo Wild Wings is a registered trademark of its respective owner, and this website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the brand.

Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links, at no extra cost to you.

Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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