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How to Make Seafood Boil Sauce recipe. In the center is a large bowl filled with a rich, buttery, spicy sauce made with unsalted butter, fresh minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, hot peppers, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. The sauce is a bright orange-red color, speckled with pieces of garlic and fresh herbs, and radiates warmth and depth of flavor.

How to Make Seafood Boil Sauce at Home: Easy Recipe and Tips

By Nancy
Learn how to make seafood boil sauce with this easy guide! Discover step-by-step instructions, tips, and recipes for creating the perfect
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Sauce, Condiment
Cuisine Cajun, Creole, American
Servings 6
Calories 165 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics

  • Mince your garlic finely – don’t rush this part. I learned the hard way that chunky garlic pieces can burn and turn bitter. Take thirty seconds to do this right. Your future self will thank you.

Step 2: Melt and Infuse

  • Heat butter in your saucepan over medium-low heat. Watch it carefully – butter can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Add garlic when butter starts foaming. Let it sizzle gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Spice Base

  • Stir in Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne. The mixture should smell incredible at this point. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add the Liquid Elements

  • Pour in lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. The sauce will bubble enthusiastically – that’s exactly what we want. Whisk everything together until smooth.

Step 5: Final Seasoning Adjustments

  • Taste and adjust. Need more heat? Add cayenne gradually. Want more tang? Squeeze in extra lemon. This is your moment to make it perfect for your palate.

Step 6: Strain and Serve

  • For restaurant-quality smoothness, strain through a fine mesh. But honestly? I skip this step at home – those little garlic bits add character.

Notes

Per 2-tablespoon serving:
  • Calories: 165
  • Fat: 18g (mostly from butter)
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Protein: 0.5g
  • Vitamin C: 8% daily value (from lemon juice)
Keyword seafood boil, dipping sauce, cajun sauce, butter sauce, summer, party food, holiday feast