Description
This rich and flavorful seafood boil sauce combines butter, aromatic garlic, bold spices, tangy citrus, and a touch of sweetness to elevate shrimp, crab, lobster, and crawfish feasts to unforgettable levels. Perfect for drizzling, dipping, and savoring every bite!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey
¼ cup seafood stock, broth, or water (optional, for thinning)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Melt the butter over low heat in a medium saucepan.
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Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Avoid browning the garlic.
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Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Let the spices bloom for 30 seconds.
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Add lemon juice, hot sauce (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
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If needed, add seafood stock or water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
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Simmer the sauce gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
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Serve immediately, drizzled over seafood or as a dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
Substitute part of the butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro at the end for brightness.
For extra depth, a small splash of soy sauce or fish sauce can be included.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: seafood boil sauce, seafood dipping sauce, cajun butter sauce, old bay seafood sauce, garlic butter seafood boil