This rich and creamy seafood butter sauce is a quick and delicious way to elevate your seafood dishes. Whether you’re pouring it over a fresh seafood boil, drizzling it on grilled fish, or using it as a dip for shrimp and crab, this sauce brings a luxurious, buttery flavour with a hint of garlic and lemon that perfectly complements the sweetness of seafood. The best part? It takes just 10 minutes to make, making it a go-to recipe for when you want to add a gourmet touch to your meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
More about Seafood Butter Sauce
Made with simple ingredients like butter, garlic, lemon juice, and a blend of herbs and spices, this sauce is both easy and versatile. You can adjust the flavours to suit your preferences—add a little more lemon for brightness, or increase the garlic for a bolder taste. Once you’ve made it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again, as it’s the perfect companion to any seafood feast.
Here is a One-Pot Seafood Boil Bag Recipe – Ready in 30 Minutes
Rich & Creamy Seafood Butter Sauce in Just 10 Minutes
Recipe by Eric8
servings5
minutes5
minutes10
minutesIngredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add the Seasonings: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Drizzle the sauce over your favourite seafood or serve as a dipping sauce. Enjoy immediately.
Ideas for Serving:
- Seafood Boil: Drizzle this sauce over a freshly prepared seafood boil for a luxurious, buttery finish.
- Grilled Seafood: Pour over grilled shrimp, lobster, or crab to add rich flavour and moisture.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve as a dipping sauce for crab legs, lobster tails, or shrimp for an indulgent treat.
- Pasta: Toss with freshly cooked pasta and a handful of Parmesan for a quick and decadent seafood pasta dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0g
History:
Seafood butter sauces have been a staple in coastal cuisines for centuries. Traditionally, butter has been used to complement the delicate flavours of seafood, enhancing its natural sweetness and providing a rich, smooth texture. In American cuisine, variations of this sauce have evolved, often incorporating local spices and herbs, such as Old Bay seasoning, which is a hallmark of the Mid-Atlantic region. This modern twist on a classic seafood butter sauce brings together elements of traditional recipes while making the process quicker and more accessible for home cooks.
FAQs:
1. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat before serving.
2. Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.
3. What can I use instead of Old Bay seasoning?
If you don’t have Old Bay seasoning, you can substitute it with a combination of celery salt, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
4. Is there a non-dairy alternative for this sauce?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. The flavour will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
5. Can I add other herbs or spices?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add your favourite herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, or spices like black pepper or red pepper flakes.