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Seafood boil sauce recipe

Seafood Boil Sauce Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Sauce & Tips

This rich and flavorful seafood boil sauce is the perfect accompaniment for shrimp, crab, lobster, clams, or mussels. Made with a blend of butter, garlic, lemon, and a medley of spices, this sauce will elevate your seafood boil to a whole new level. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just craving a delicious seafood feast, this sauce will tie everything together beautifully.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine American, Seafood
Servings 4 -6 people

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Stirring spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small bowl for seasoning
  • Brush (optional for basting)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice fresh
  • 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning or your preferred seafood seasoning
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon sliced into wedges for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Melt the butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until completely liquefied.
  • Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Add the seasonings: Stir in Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt & pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  • Add acidity and sweetness: Stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  • Finish with parsley: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
  • Toss seafood in sauce: Pour the sauce over your boiled seafood (shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.) and toss to coat evenly. You can also serve it as a dipping sauce.
  • Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and serve immediately.
  • Details:
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Time to Cook: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4-6 people
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American, Seafood
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Based (unless using dairy-free butter)
  • Keywords:
  • Seafood boil, seafood sauce, butter sauce, Cajun seasoning, seafood boil recipe, shrimp boil, crab boil, spicy seafood, garlic butter sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon butter sauce
  • Nutrition (per serving):
  • Serving Size: 2 tbsp
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Notes

Adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes based on your preferred heat.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
For added flavor, you can throw in a few slices of lemon or lime while the sauce is simmering for a citrusy punch.
This sauce is also great for dipping crusty bread into or drizzling over roasted vegetables.
Keyword Seafood boil, seafood sauce, butter sauce, Cajun seasoning, seafood boil recipe, shrimp boil, crab boil, spicy seafood, garlic butter sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon butter sauce