How To Make Cajun Butter Sauce For Seafood Recipe
Introduction
This Cajun Butter Sauce is the perfect spicy and flavorful accompaniment for seafood. Made with a blend of aromatic spices, garlic, and butter, it adds a rich and zesty kick to shrimp, crab, or fish dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ tbsp white pepper
- ½ tbsp black pepper
- ½ tbsp oregano
- ½ tbsp thyme
- ¼ tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 stick (110 grams) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning mix
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- Cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Measure and gather all the ingredients in one place to streamline the cooking process.
- Step 2: Prepare the garlic and onions by grating or blending them until finely minced. Chop the fresh cilantro leaves if using.
- Step 3: Melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the minced garlic and chopped onions to the melted butter and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Step 5: Stir in the Cajun seasoning mix and the optional extra cayenne pepper for a spicier sauce.
- Step 6: Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat once done.
- Step 7: Pour the sauce into a serving bowl, sprinkle with cilantro if desired, and enjoy it as a dip with your favorite seafood.
Tips & Variations
- Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add a subtle tang to the sauce.
- For a smoother texture, strain the sauce before serving.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
Storage
Store any leftover Cajun butter sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to maintain smoothness. Avoid boiling as it may separate the butter.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce without fresh garlic and onions?
Yes, you can use garlic powder and onion powder instead, but fresh ingredients provide a more vibrant flavor. Adjust quantities to taste if substituting.
Is this sauce suitable for dishes other than seafood?
Absolutely! This spicy butter sauce works well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a flavorful dipping sauce for bread.
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How To Make Cajun Butter Sauce For Seafood Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of sauce, serves 4 1x
Description
This rich and flavorful Cajun Butter Sauce is the perfect accompaniment for seafood lovers. Combining a robust blend of paprika, garlic, onion, and traditional Cajun spices with creamy unsalted butter, this sauce offers a spicy, aromatic kick that elevates any dish. Ideal for dipping or drizzling over grilled shrimp, crab, or fish, this sauce is quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Spices Mix
- 1 ½ tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp salt
- ½ tbsp white pepper
- ½ tbsp black pepper
- ½ tbsp oregano
- ½ tbsp thyme
- ¼ tbsp cayenne pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 stick (110 grams) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning mix
- 5 cloves garlic, grated or blended
- 1 cup chopped onions, grated or blended
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- Cilantro, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Start by measuring out and gathering all the ingredients in one place to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Prepare Ingredients: Grate or blend the garlic cloves and the chopped onions finely to help release their flavors into the butter sauce. Also, chop fresh cilantro leaves for garnish if desired.
- Melt Butter: Add the unsalted butter to a small pan and place it on medium heat on the stove. Allow the butter to melt fully, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Sauté Garlic and Onions: Add the prepared garlic and onions to the melted butter. Cook them together for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add Spices: Stir in the Cajun seasoning mix and the extra cayenne pepper if using. This step infuses the butter with the rich, smoky spice mixture characteristic of Cajun cuisine.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to blend the flavors and prevent sticking. Once the sauce is aromatic and the spices are well incorporated, remove the pan from the heat.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the Cajun Butter Sauce into a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the chopped cilantro and add lemon juice if using for a fresh zing. Serve immediately alongside your favorite seafood dishes as a dipping sauce or drizzle over grilled or boiled seafood.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness of the sauce.
- Use fresh garlic and onions blended finely to maximize flavor and a smooth texture.
- The optional lemon juice adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the butter.
- Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- This sauce pairs especially well with shrimp, crab, lobster, and grilled fish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Keywords: Cajun butter sauce, seafood sauce, cajun seasoning, butter dipping sauce, spicy seafood sauce, cajun recipe
