A rich and flavorful sauce that combines the savory taste of garlic with buttery goodness, perfect for enhancing the natural flavors of your favorite seafood dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Pairs perfectly with shrimp, crab, lobster, and fish.
- Rich and Savory: Packed with bold flavors from garlic, butter, and spices.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Perfect for Seafood Boils: Drizzle over a seafood boil for extra richness.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Directions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until fully liquefied and slightly bubbling, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
- Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the melted butter. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
- Sprinkle in the Old Bay seasoning, lemon pepper, oregano, paprika, chili powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the sauce.
- Crumble the chicken bouillon cube directly into the sauce and mix until it dissolves. Add the brown sugar and stir until fully incorporated.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and serve warm as a sauce for seafood or drizzle over a seafood boil for extra richness.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: Approximately 211 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Citrus Twist: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the sauce for a tangy balance.
- Herb-Infused: Stir in fresh parsley or thyme for extra depth.
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer, velvety texture.
- Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for a stronger, more intense flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving for extended periods to prevent separation.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of Old Bay seasoning to prevent excess saltiness.
What seafood pairs best with this sauce?
This sauce is perfect for shrimp, crab, lobster, scallops, and even grilled fish.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and chili powder to make it milder.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! Fresh oregano or parsley can enhance the flavor—use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
You can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or plant-based butter.
How do I prevent the butter from separating?
Stir continuously while heating and avoid overheating the butter.
Can I use this sauce for non-seafood dishes?
Absolutely! It works well as a dip for bread, drizzled over pasta, or even on grilled chicken.
Can I add lemon juice to the sauce?
Yes! A squeeze of lemon juice enhances the overall flavor with a hint of acidity.
Conclusion
Seafood Garlic Butter Sauce is a game-changer for seafood lovers. Whether you’re using it as a dip, drizzling it over a seafood boil, or serving it alongside grilled shrimp or crab legs, this rich and flavorful sauce will elevate any dish. Easy to make and packed with bold flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
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Seafood Garlic Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich, flavorful sauce blending savory garlic with buttery goodness—perfect for enhancing the natural taste of your favorite seafood.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and onion, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in Old Bay, lemon pepper, oregano, paprika, chili powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Crumble in the chicken bouillon cube and mix until dissolved.
- Add brown sugar and stir well.
- Simmer on low for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Serve warm over seafood or use as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes for more or less heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
