Name: Garlicky Seafood Boil Sauce with Butter
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Garlicky Seafood Boil Sauce with Butter is the ultimate companion for any seafood feast. Bursting with rich flavors from garlic, butter, and a mix of spices, this sauce adds depth and zest to your favorite seafood dishes. Whether you’re drizzling it over crab, shrimp, or lobster or using it as a dip for a seafood boil, this sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. What makes it truly irresistible is the balance between the warm richness of butter and the bold kick of garlic and spices, perfectly suited for enhancing the natural sweetness of seafood. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to any seafood dish. Let’s dive into the details of this delectable sauce!

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation:

Step 1:
Begin by melting 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Be sure to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the sauce, as the Old Bay seasoning contains salt.

Step 2:
Once the butter has fully melted, add 6 cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Stir occasionally and sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 3:
Next, stir in 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the sauce with a hint of acidity. The lemon juice helps balance the richness of the butter and the strength of the garlic.

Step 4:
Add 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat), 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Mix well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Step 5:
Simmer the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the spices to infuse the butter. The sauce should thicken slightly as it simmers.

Step 6:
Once the sauce has simmered and the flavors have developed, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the sauce, along with a pop of color.

Cooking Note:

This garlicky seafood boil sauce is incredibly versatile. You can drizzle it over your seafood boil, toss it with shrimp or crab legs, or use it as a dipping sauce for your favorite seafood. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. The sauce can also be prepared in advance and reheated gently when needed, making it a great option for large gatherings.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Garlicky Seafood Boil Sauce with Butter alongside a variety of seafood dishes. It’s especially perfect for:

Crab legs
Shrimp
Lobster tails
Mussels
Clams
Corn on the cob (for a full seafood boil experience)

You can also drizzle this sauce over baked or grilled fish fillets for an added burst of flavor. For a complete meal, pair the sauce with garlic bread or crusty French bread, ideal for dipping into the rich, garlicky goodness.

Tips:

For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add some freshly grated lemon zest while sautéing the garlic.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, strain out the garlic and parsley before serving.
To make the sauce creamier, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mayonnaise just before serving.
If you’re making a large batch of seafood, consider doubling or tripling the sauce recipe to ensure everyone gets enough!
This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 0.5g
Sodium: 400mg

FAQs:

1. Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally.

2. Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, this butter sauce freezes well. Place it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag and store it for up to 3 months. To use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stove.

3. Is the cayenne pepper necessary?
Cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted based on your heat preference. If you enjoy spicy food, keep it in for a mild kick. Otherwise, you can leave it out without compromising the flavor of the sauce.

4. What can I use if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
If Old Bay seasoning isn’t available, you can substitute it with a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, cayenne, and ground mustard. This will mimic the flavor profile of Old Bay.

5. Can I use salted butter?
While unsalted butter is preferred, you can use salted butter in a pinch. Just be mindful of the amount of salt in the Old Bay seasoning and adjust accordingly to prevent the sauce from being too salty.

Conclusion:

Garlicky Seafood Boil Sauce with Butter is a simple yet flavorful addition to any seafood dish, whether you’re preparing a classic seafood boil or enjoying a plate of shrimp or crab legs. The combination of butter, garlic, lemon, and Old Bay seasoning creates a rich, savory sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can elevate your seafood experience with this irresistible sauce. Try it at your next gathering and watch your guests come back for more!