Craving the crispy, tangy delight of Buffalo Wild Wings' famous fried pickles? You don't need to order takeout anymore! This recipe brings that same incredible flavor right to your kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for game day, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a fun appetizer for a party. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of crunchy, salty, and tangy in every bite! This easy recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes achievable through homemade cooking. It's one of the best recipes for those looking for quick dinner ideas or healthy meals, adjusted to your liking.
Ingredients:
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For the Pickles:
- 1 large dill pickle, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
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For the Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce (Frank's RedHot is traditional)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Pat the sliced pickles dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving extra crispy fried pickles. Excess moisture will cause them to steam instead of crisp up.
Prepare the Batter:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
Dip and Fry:
- Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish. Dip each pickle slice into the buttermilk, ensuring it's fully coated, then dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the batter.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature – this is key to perfectly crispy pickles!
- Carefully place the battered pickles in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy pickles.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried pickles from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Buffalo Sauce:
- While the pickles are frying, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the hot sauce and honey or maple syrup (if using). Simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
Combine and Serve:
- Once the pickles are fried and drained, toss them gently in the buffalo sauce until they are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Fried Pickles:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature for optimal crispiness.
- Use a thermometer: An oil thermometer ensures the oil is at the correct temperature for even cooking.
- Dry the pickles thoroughly: Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy fried pickles.
- Let the pickles rest: Allow the fried pickles to rest briefly on a wire rack to drain excess oil before tossing them in the buffalo sauce.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper to the batter or use a spicier hot sauce for the dipping sauce.
- Ranch it up: Serve with your favorite ranch dressing for dipping.
- Different Pickles: Experiment with other types of pickles, such as bread and butter pickles or sweet gherkins.
- Breadcrumbs: For a different texture, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of, or in addition to, the flour mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used. For a more accurate nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients. Consider this a guideline:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: High
- Protein: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This Buffalo Wild Wings inspired fried pickle recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a fun, flavorful, and relatively healthy appetizer or snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!