Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 2 Tbsp good quality Cajun seasoning blend
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Melt the unsalted butter in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat. Allow it to melt completely without letting it brown.
  2. Once the butter is shimmering, add the finely minced garlic. Sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not brown.
  3. Reduce the heat to low. Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the mixture. Whisk continuously for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  4. Increase the heat slightly to medium-low and let the sauce gently simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the fresh lemon juice and the optional hot sauce. Taste and adjust salt or spice levels as necessary.
  6. Stir in the fresh parsley right before serving. Serve the Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce immediately while hot.