A rich and flavorful sauce packed with bold Cajun spices, garlic, and buttery goodness, this Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce is the perfect complement to seafood, chicken, or vegetables. With its zesty kick and smooth texture, it’s a versatile addition to many dishes that will bring a burst of flavor to your meal. Whether I’m drizzling it over grilled shrimp, tossing it with pasta, or using it as a dipping sauce, it never fails to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce is incredibly easy to make and can be whipped up in just 10 minutes. I love how the richness of butter perfectly balances with the heat from Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and the slight tang from the lemon juice. The garlic and smoked paprika create a deeply aromatic base that elevates whatever dish I pair it with. Plus, with just a few ingredients, it’s a go-to for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a medium skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted, I add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown.
Then, I stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. I cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and infuse into the butter.
Next, I add the fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using) and stir everything to combine.
I let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together, then remove it from the heat.
Finally, I garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Storage/Reheating
This Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I suggest warming it gently over low heat in a skillet, adding a small amount of water or broth to help restore its smooth texture if needed.
Related Recipes:
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, I can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to reheat it gently to avoid separating the butter.
How spicy is this sauce?
The spice level can be adjusted based on how much cayenne pepper and hot sauce I use. If I prefer a milder version, I can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
Can I use this sauce on vegetables?
Absolutely! This Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce is a great addition to roasted or sautéed vegetables, adding a burst of flavor to dishes like grilled corn, asparagus, or potatoes.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
If I don’t have Cajun seasoning, I can substitute with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne for a similar flavor.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
I prefer using unsalted butter so I can control the salt level, but if I only have salted butter, I can reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe.
Conclusion
This Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce is a flavorful and versatile addition to any meal. With its rich buttery base and zesty Cajun kick, it’s sure to impress at any dinner table. Whether I’m using it for seafood, chicken, or vegetables, it never fails to bring bold, delicious flavor that elevates the entire dish. Perfect for any occasion, it’s quick and easy to make, and I’m sure it will become one of my go-to recipes.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce is a quick, flavorful, and versatile sauce that brings a zesty Cajun kick to seafood, chicken, and vegetables. Made with butter, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and a hint of lemon juice, it’s the perfect complement to your favorite dishes. Whether drizzled over shrimp, tossed with pasta, or used as a dipping sauce, this creamy sauce is sure to impress in just 10 minutes!
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
-
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
-
Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden brown.
-
Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
-
Add lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using), and stir to combine.
-
Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
-
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently over low heat, adding water or broth to restore texture if needed.
Adjust spice level by reducing or omitting cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce, Condiment, Dipping Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 130 kcal