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.