Secret Sauces

Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

By Emma :

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

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If you’re looking for a sauce that’s rich, garlicky, and bursting with bold Cajun spices, you’ve come to the right place! This Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce is pure magic—perfect for seafood, steak, pasta, or even as a dipping sauce. It’s buttery, slightly smoky, and has just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this sauce and thought, Why don’t I make this more often?! It’s quick, easy, and takes any dish to the next level. Plus, it comes together in just 10 minutes!

So, grab your butter and spices, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

  • Incredibly flavorful – A mix of Cajun spices, garlic, and buttery richness.
  • Versatile – Use it for shrimp, crab, chicken, veggies, or even drizzle it over mashed potatoes!
  • Easy to make – Takes just 10 minutes from start to finish.
  • Customizable heat – Adjust the cayenne to make it as mild or as spicy as you like.

What Does This Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce Taste Like?

Imagine the deep richness of melted butter infused with fragrant garlic, a smoky hint of paprika, and the bold warmth of Cajun seasoning. The Worcestershire sauce adds a little umami depth, while fresh lemon juice brightens everything up. Every bite is a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and buttery goodness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • ½ cup unsalted butter – The base of the sauce, making it rich and silky.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced – For that bold, garlicky kick.
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning – The star of the show, adding deep, spicy flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Gives the sauce a slightly smoky depth.
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – For extra heat if you love spice!
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder – Adds a touch of savory sweetness.
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) – Enhances all the flavors.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds just a bit of extra bite.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Gives the sauce a savory, umami boost.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Balances the richness with a fresh, tangy note.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – Adds color and freshness.

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. Melt the Butter – In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until it’s fully liquid but not browned.
  2. Sauté the Garlic – Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  3. Add the Spices – Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the flavors bloom for 30 more seconds.
  4. Finish the Sauce – Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Garnish and Serve – Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

That’s it! Your sauce is ready to drizzle, dip, or smother over your favorite dishes.

What to Serve with Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

This sauce is incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

  • Seafood – Drizzle it over shrimp, crab, lobster, or salmon for a buttery, spicy kick.
  • Chicken – Toss grilled or baked chicken in this sauce for extra flavor.
  • SteakSpoon a little over a juicy steak for a restaurant-quality finish.
  • Pasta – Mix it into cooked pasta for an easy Cajun-style butter sauce.
  • Vegetables – Toss roasted or grilled veggies in this sauce for extra flavor.
  • Bread Dipping Sauce – Serve it with crusty bread for a delicious appetizer!

For another delicious seafood sauce, check out my Seafood Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce.

Tips for Making the Best Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

  • Use high-quality butter – Since butter is the base, good-quality unsalted butter makes a big difference.
  • Adjust the heat – Add more or less cayenne to control the spice level.
  • Don’t overcook the garlic – It burns quickly, so only sauté it for about 30 seconds.
  • Make it creamy – For a creamier texture, whisk in a tablespoon of heavy cream at the end.

How to Store and Reheat

This sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers:

  • Refrigerate – Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat – Gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it separates, whisk it together again.
  • Freeze – Not recommended, as butter sauces don’t freeze well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.

Is Cajun seasoning spicy?

Cajun seasoning has a mild to medium heat level. If you want it spicier, add extra cayenne pepper.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to avoid an overly salty sauce.

Can I make a larger batch?

Absolutely! Just double or triple the ingredients as needed.

More Delicious Sauce Recipes to Try

Love sauces? Here are a few more recipes that pair perfectly with a variety of dishes:

Give It a Try!

This Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce is rich, spicy, and packed with flavor—perfect for elevating your favorite dishes. Whether you’re drizzling it over seafood, steak, or pasta, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a review, share a photo on Pinterest, or tag me on social media. Happy cooking! 😊

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Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce – Bold, Buttery, and Packed with Flavor!


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: About ½ cup 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce is bold, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness and Cajun spices! Perfect for drizzling over seafood, steak, pasta, or veggies. Ready in just 10 minutes, this rich and flavorful sauce will take your meals to the next level!


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

 

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until fully liquid but not browned.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  • Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the flavors blend for about 30 seconds.
  • Add the Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

 

  • Serve immediately over seafood, steak, pasta, or as a dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
  • If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt.
  • For a creamy version, stir in 1 tablespoon of heavy cream at the end.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring as needed.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Sauces & Condiments
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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