Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW), affectionately known as “B-Dubs,” is a powerhouse in the casual dining scene, renowned for its electrifying atmosphere, wall-to-wall TVs broadcasting every conceivable sporting event, and, of course, its iconic wings. But beyond the wings, there’s another menu item that consistently draws crowds: their crispy, golden fries. The allure of these fries lies not only in their perfect seasoning but also, crucially, in the oil they’re fried in. What exactly are Buffalo Wild Wings fries fried in? It’s a question many have pondered, and the answer is more nuanced than you might expect.
The Oil Equation: A Deep Dive into Frying Mediums
The type of oil used for frying significantly impacts the flavor, texture, and overall health profile of the final product. Different oils possess varying smoke points, stability, and fatty acid compositions. Understanding these factors is key to appreciating the choice Buffalo Wild Wings makes for their fries.
Factors Influencing Oil Choice in Commercial Frying
Several factors come into play when a large restaurant chain like BWW selects a frying oil. These considerations extend beyond just taste and include cost, availability, shelf life, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
One critical aspect is smoke point. An oil’s smoke point is the temperature at which it begins to break down and release visible smoke, along with potentially harmful compounds. Using an oil beyond its smoke point can impart a bitter taste to the food and pose health risks. For deep frying, oils with high smoke points are essential.
Stability refers to an oil’s resistance to oxidation and degradation during prolonged heating. Oils high in unsaturated fats are more prone to oxidation, which can lead to off-flavors and the formation of unhealthy byproducts. A stable oil can withstand repeated use without significant breakdown.
The fatty acid composition of an oil plays a significant role in its nutritional profile. While deep-fried foods are not inherently healthy, choosing an oil with a favorable balance of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats can minimize the negative impact.
Cost and availability are, undeniably, major drivers in the selection process for any restaurant chain. The chosen oil must be readily available in large quantities and at a price point that allows the restaurant to maintain profitability.
Common Frying Oils and Their Characteristics
To better understand the context of Buffalo Wild Wings’ choice, let’s briefly examine some common frying oils:
- Vegetable Oil: This is a broad term encompassing oils derived from various plant sources, often a blend of soybean, corn, and canola oils. It’s generally affordable and has a relatively high smoke point, making it a popular choice for commercial frying.
- Canola Oil: Derived from rapeseed, canola oil is known for its neutral flavor and relatively high smoke point. It’s also lower in saturated fat compared to some other oils.
- Soybean Oil: Another common and affordable option, soybean oil has a moderate smoke point and a neutral flavor. It’s often used in blends with other vegetable oils.
- Peanut Oil: Known for its distinctive flavor and high smoke point, peanut oil is a favorite for frying in some regions. However, it’s crucial to avoid peanut oil if you have a peanut allergy.
- Sunflower Oil: This oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable option for frying. It’s also a good source of vitamin E.
Buffalo Wild Wings’ Official Stance on Frying Oil
Officially, Buffalo Wild Wings states that they use a blend of refined soybean oil and canola oil for frying their menu items, including their fries. This blend offers a balance of cost-effectiveness, stability, and flavor neutrality.
The choice of a soybean and canola oil blend aligns with industry standards for large-scale commercial frying. The refined soybean oil contributes to the overall stability and cost-effectiveness, while the canola oil helps maintain a neutral flavor profile. This combination ensures that the fries have a consistent taste and texture across all locations.
Why a Blend? Advantages of Using a Combination of Oils
Using a blend of oils, like the soybean and canola oil combination at Buffalo Wild Wings, offers several advantages:
- Cost Optimization: Blending oils allows restaurants to optimize costs by using a larger proportion of a more affordable oil (like soybean oil) while still benefiting from the desirable characteristics of a slightly more expensive oil (like canola oil).
- Enhanced Stability: Combining oils can improve the overall stability of the frying medium. Certain oils may contribute to better resistance to oxidation and breakdown at high temperatures.
- Flavor Balancing: A blend can help achieve a desired flavor profile. If one oil has a slightly stronger flavor, blending it with a more neutral oil can create a balanced taste that doesn’t overpower the food being fried.
Beyond the Oil: Factors Contributing to BWW Fries’ Taste and Texture
While the oil is a crucial component, it’s not the only factor that determines the taste and texture of Buffalo Wild Wings’ fries. Other elements, such as the potato variety, the cutting method, the pre-frying process, and the seasoning, all play significant roles.
Potato Variety and Preparation
The type of potato used has a significant impact on the final product. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for fries due to their high starch content and low moisture levels. These characteristics result in fries that are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
The potatoes are typically cut into a uniform shape to ensure even cooking. The cutting method also affects the surface area, which influences the crispiness of the fries.
Many restaurants, including Buffalo Wild Wings, employ a pre-frying process known as blanching. This involves partially cooking the fries in oil at a lower temperature before they are fully fried. Blanching helps to create a softer interior and sets the starch on the surface, leading to a crispier exterior during the final frying stage.
Seasoning: The Secret Sauce (or Sprinkle)
The seasoning is the final touch that elevates Buffalo Wild Wings’ fries from ordinary to extraordinary. While the exact blend of spices is a closely guarded secret, it likely includes salt, pepper, and possibly other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. The precise combination and proportion of these spices contribute to the fries’ signature flavor.
Health Considerations: Deep-Fried Foods and Moderation
It’s important to acknowledge the health implications of consuming deep-fried foods. While enjoying Buffalo Wild Wings’ fries in moderation is perfectly acceptable for most people, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential downsides.
Deep-fried foods are generally high in calories and fat, particularly saturated and trans fats (although most restaurants have eliminated trans fats from their frying oils). Excessive consumption of these fats can contribute to weight gain, elevated cholesterol levels, and an increased risk of heart disease.
The high temperatures used in deep frying can also lead to the formation of acrylamide, a chemical compound that has been linked to cancer in animal studies. While the levels of acrylamide in commercially fried foods are generally considered to be within acceptable limits, it’s still wise to limit your intake of these foods.
To mitigate the potential health risks, consider the following tips:
- Practice Moderation: Enjoy deep-fried foods as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.
- Choose Smaller Portions: Opt for smaller servings of fries to reduce your calorie and fat intake.
- Pair with Healthier Options: Balance your meal with healthier sides like salads or steamed vegetables.
- Consider Baking or Air Frying: When preparing fries at home, explore healthier cooking methods like baking or air frying, which require significantly less oil.
Conclusion: The Golden Equation of Buffalo Wild Wings Fries
So, what are Buffalo Wild Wings fries fried in? The answer is a blend of refined soybean oil and canola oil. This choice reflects a careful balance of cost-effectiveness, stability, and flavor neutrality. However, the oil is just one piece of the puzzle. The potato variety, the cutting method, the pre-frying process, and the seasoning all contribute to the fries’ irresistible taste and texture.
While deep-fried foods should be consumed in moderation, enjoying Buffalo Wild Wings’ fries as an occasional treat is a perfectly acceptable indulgence. Understanding the factors that contribute to their deliciousness allows you to appreciate them even more. The next time you’re at B-Dubs, take a moment to savor the crispy, golden perfection of their fries and appreciate the science behind their creation.
Are Buffalo Wild Wings fries vegetarian/vegan friendly?
Buffalo Wild Wings fries are generally considered vegetarian, as they are primarily made from potatoes and fried in oil. However, the specific oil blend they use may vary by location, and it’s crucial to confirm with the specific restaurant regarding any potential cross-contamination with meat products during the frying process.
The possibility of cross-contamination is a significant concern for strict vegetarians and vegans. If the same fryers are used for items like chicken wings or other meat products, the fries may come into contact with animal fats, rendering them non-vegetarian or non-vegan. Always inquire about the frying practices at your local Buffalo Wild Wings to ensure they align with your dietary needs.
What kind of oil does Buffalo Wild Wings typically use to fry their fries?
Buffalo Wild Wings typically uses a blend of canola and soybean oil to fry their fries. This combination provides a good balance of flavor, heat tolerance, and cost-effectiveness for deep-frying. The blend is designed to produce a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior for their fries.
However, it is important to note that restaurant oil blends can sometimes change based on supply chain availability or regional preferences. Therefore, the most reliable information comes from asking the specific Buffalo Wild Wings location you are visiting, as they can provide the most up-to-date details regarding their current frying oil.
Why do Buffalo Wild Wings fries taste so good?
The delicious taste of Buffalo Wild Wings fries stems from a combination of factors, including the quality of potatoes used, the specific oil blend, and the frying technique. They prioritize using high-quality potatoes, which contribute to the fries’ overall flavor and texture. The oil blend provides a crispy coating and a pleasant flavor profile.
Beyond the ingredients, the frying process itself plays a vital role. Buffalo Wild Wings likely employs specific frying times and temperatures to achieve optimal crispness and doneness. Furthermore, the seasoning applied after frying enhances the flavor and adds to the overall appeal of their fries.
Are Buffalo Wild Wings fries gluten-free?
The question of whether Buffalo Wild Wings fries are gluten-free is complex and requires careful consideration. While the fries themselves are made from potatoes and fried in oil, the potential for cross-contamination is a significant concern for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Even if the oil blend used is gluten-free, the shared fryers often used to cook other breaded items (like chicken wings) can introduce gluten into the oil. This cross-contamination makes it very difficult to guarantee the fries are truly gluten-free. Contacting the specific location and inquiring about their preparation practices is the only way to ascertain whether cross-contamination is a concern.
Does Buffalo Wild Wings offer alternative cooking methods for their fries?
Buffalo Wild Wings does not typically offer alternative cooking methods, such as baking or air-frying, for their fries. The fries are traditionally prepared using deep-frying to achieve the desired crispy texture and flavor profile that customers expect.
While alternative cooking methods exist, they wouldn’t replicate the authentic Buffalo Wild Wings fry experience. Customers seeking healthier options may want to explore other menu items or adjust portion sizes instead of requesting modifications to the fry preparation method, as it’s unlikely to be accommodated.
Does the oil used affect the calorie count of Buffalo Wild Wings fries?
Yes, the oil used significantly impacts the calorie count of Buffalo Wild Wings fries. Deep-frying inherently adds calories as the fries absorb oil during the cooking process. The type of oil used can also slightly influence the caloric content, though the primary factor is the amount of oil absorbed.
Different oils have slightly different calorie counts per tablespoon, but the amount of oil absorbed during frying is far more significant. Because the fries are deep-fried, they will inevitably be higher in calories and fat compared to oven-baked or air-fried alternatives.
Can the oil used in Buffalo Wild Wings fries cause allergic reactions?
Yes, the oil used in Buffalo Wild Wings fries can potentially cause allergic reactions, particularly if it contains common allergens like soybean oil. Individuals with soy allergies need to be particularly cautious, as soybean oil is a prevalent ingredient in many frying oil blends.
It is always crucial for individuals with known allergies to inquire about the specific ingredients used in the frying oil at any restaurant, including Buffalo Wild Wings. Cross-contamination is also a concern. Even if the oil itself is safe, shared fryers could expose the fries to allergens from other fried foods.