Description
This Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce that combines the heat of Cajun seasoning with the smoothness of garlic and butter. It’s perfect for drizzling over shrimp, chicken, pasta, or vegetables. It’s easy to make and adds a bold kick to any dish!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Melt the Butter:
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s fully melted and starting to bubble slightly. -
Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. -
Season the Sauce:
Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like extra heat). Mix well to combine. -
Add Lemon Juice and Adjust Flavor:
Add the lemon juice to the skillet and stir. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. -
Simmer and Thicken:
Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally. -
Finish and Serve:
Once the sauce is done, pour it over your desired dish (shrimp, chicken, pasta, vegetables, etc.). Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like the sauce.
- If you prefer a creamier version, you can stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream after adding the lemon juice.
- This sauce is perfect for seafood dishes like shrimp, crab, or fish, but it also works wonderfully with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce, Gravy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg