Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce is a bold, savory sauce that combines the rich depth of melted butter with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning and the aromatic punch of garlic. Perfect for drizzling over seafood, grilled meats, pasta, or vegetables, this sauce elevates any dish with its buttery heat and smoky flavor.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
unsalted butter
garlic (minced)
Cajun seasoning
paprika
lemon juice
crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
directions
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 1 cup of sauce.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
Add a splash of white wine for extra depth.
Use lime juice instead of lemon for a slightly different citrus profile.
Mix in a tablespoon of honey for a sweet-spicy balance.
Include a bit of cream for a richer, thicker consistency.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Stir well before serving as butter may separate upon cooling.
FAQs
Is Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce spicy?
It has a moderate kick, but you can adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes.
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes, but check the salt content—some blends can be very salty.
Can this sauce be frozen?
Yes, freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat gently.
What dishes go well with this sauce?
Seafood boils, shrimp, crab, grilled chicken, steak, rice, pasta, and even vegetables.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free butter alternative.
Conclusion
Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce is a quick and flavorful addition that transforms ordinary meals into crave-worthy dishes. Its spicy, buttery goodness pairs beautifully with a variety of foods, making it a versatile and essential sauce to have in your cooking repertoire.
PrintCajun Garlic Butter Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and flavorful sauce made with butter, garlic, and Cajun spices, perfect for seafood, pasta, or grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes to let the spices bloom in the butter.
- Stir in the lemon juice and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve warm over seafood, pasta, or grilled meats.
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and reheated before use.
- Use clarified butter for a smoother texture and higher smoke point.
- Great as a dipping sauce for crab, shrimp, or bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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