Get ready to take your seafood boil to the next level, as I’ve concocted a zesty, buttery sauce that dances on the border between spicy and savory, leaving taste buds cheering for an encore!
I love crafting the perfect seafood boil sauce that balances rich flavors and aromatic spices. My recipe calls for a base of unsalted butter infused with minced garlic and brightened with lemon juice.
The kick from lemon pepper seasoning and a dash of paprika complements any seafood feast wonderfully.
Seafood Boil Sauce Garlic Butter Lemon Pepper Recipe Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Provides rich creaminess; source of healthy fats.
- Garlic: Packed with antioxidants; enhances flavor and aroma.
- Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness; high in vitamin C.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Offers citrusy zest; unique peppery taste.
- Paprika: Delivers mild sweetness; vibrant red color.
- Hot Sauce: Adds heat and zest; boosts metabolism.
- Cayenne Pepper: Optional spice; contains capsaicin for warmth.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Savory depth; subtle umami flavor.
Seafood Boil Sauce Garlic Butter Lemon Pepper Recipe Ingredient Quantities
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- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
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How to Make this Seafood Boil Sauce Garlic Butter Lemon Pepper Recipe
1. In a large saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat until fully melted and bubbling slightly.
2. Add 5 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
3. Stir in 3 tablespoons of lemon juice to the garlic butter mixture, allowing it to combine thoroughly.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon pepper seasoning, 1 tablespoon of paprika, and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
5. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if desired for extra spicy flavor), and 1 teaspoon of salt into the sauce. Mix well to incorporate these seasonings fully.
6. Add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, stirring to blend all the flavors together.
7. Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors. Continue to stir the sauce mixture over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
8. Once all ingredients are well combined, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
9. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference.
10. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly before using it to dress your seafood boil. Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature to complement the seafood for a delightful burst of flavors.
Seafood Boil Sauce Garlic Butter Lemon Pepper Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large saucepan
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
5. Garlic press or knife and cutting board (for mincing garlic)
6. Citrus juicer (optional, for lemon juice)
FAQ
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, just reduce the added salt to balance the flavors.
- Is the cayenne pepper necessary? No, it’s optional and only adds extra heat, so you can skip it if you prefer a milder sauce.
- Can I substitute fresh lemon juice for bottled? Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
- How can I make this sauce less spicy? Omit the cayenne pepper and use a milder hot sauce to reduce spice levels.
- What seafood pairs best with this sauce? Shrimp, crab, and lobster are all excellent choices for this garlic butter lemon pepper sauce.
- Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
- What can I use as a hot sauce substitute? You can use Sriracha, chili paste, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for heat.
Seafood Boil Sauce Garlic Butter Lemon Pepper Recipe Substitutions and Variations
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- Instead of unsalted butter: use salted butter, but reduce or omit the additional salt.
- Instead of lemon juice: use lime juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
- Instead of lemon pepper seasoning: use a mix of lemon zest and ground black pepper.
- Instead of hot sauce: use sriracha or a similar hot chili sauce.
- Instead of Worcestershire sauce: use soy sauce for a different umami flavor.
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Pro Tips
1. Infuse the Butter: Before adding the garlic, try gently cooking some lemon zest in the melted butter for an extra kick of citrus flavor. Once fragrant, remove the zest to avoid any bitterness.
2. Garlic Boost: For a deeper garlic flavor, consider using roasted garlic instead of minced fresh garlic. Roast a whole head of garlic in the oven, then squeeze out the softened cloves and add them to the butter.
3. Spice Adjustment: If you’re unsure about the spice level, start with half the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce, then taste and adjust as needed. This lets you customize the heat without overpowering the dish.
4. Balance the Acidity: If the sauce tastes too acidic from the lemon juice, add a small pat of extra butter at the end to smooth and mellow the flavors.
5. Texture Tip: For a slightly thicker sauce, consider whisking in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water before the final simmer. This will give the sauce a bit more body and help it cling to your seafood better.
Seafood Boil Sauce Garlic Butter Lemon Pepper Recipe
My favorite Seafood Boil Sauce Garlic Butter Lemon Pepper Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large saucepan
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
5. Garlic press or knife and cutting board (for mincing garlic)
6. Citrus juicer (optional, for lemon juice)
Ingredients:
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- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
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Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat until fully melted and bubbling slightly.
2. Add 5 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
3. Stir in 3 tablespoons of lemon juice to the garlic butter mixture, allowing it to combine thoroughly.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon pepper seasoning, 1 tablespoon of paprika, and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
5. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if desired for extra spicy flavor), and 1 teaspoon of salt into the sauce. Mix well to incorporate these seasonings fully.
6. Add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, stirring to blend all the flavors together.
7. Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors. Continue to stir the sauce mixture over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
8. Once all ingredients are well combined, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
9. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference.
10. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly before using it to dress your seafood boil. Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature to complement the seafood for a delightful burst of flavors.
