How To Make Cajun Butter Sauce For Seafood

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Last Updated on October 30, 2023 by Toya

Learn how to make cajun butter sauce for seafood in under 10 minutes! This flavorful sauce is literally one of the best butter sauces for a cajun-style seafood boil in a bag. When you try this homemade cajun butter recipe, you’ll never miss restaurant cajun dipping sauce again! 

Cajun garlic butter sauce for seafood

When it comes to delicious and easy sauces that go well with seafood, this cajun butter sauce is a guaranteed hit!

It is yummy, easy, quick, and spicy, and it pairs well with just about any kind of seafood.

This cajun garlic butter sauce is perfect for shrimp, crab legs, lobster tails, mussels, or any cajun seafood, or any other seafood, meat, or vegetable that you can dip into the sauce. This easy buttery cajun sauce makes everything come together so well!

And of course, the best part is that you likely have most of the ingredients to make this easy cajun seafood sauce in your kitchen right now!

What is cajun butter sauce?

This is a spicy butter sauce made with a base of butter, of course, but also often with the addition of onion and garlic. This sauce is flavored with cajun seasonings or a cajun seasoning mix for spiciness and a rich flavor.

A cajun sauce is usually made to be used as a buttery dipping sauce for seafood and seafood boils. 

What does cajun butter dipping sauce taste like?

This sauce is rich, spicy, and flavorful. It’s perfect for anyone who likes a kick of spice.

Ingredients for cajun butter sauce

• 1 stick (or 110 g) of butter
• 2 tablespoons of cajun seasoning mix
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup onion
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• Cilantro, for garnish (optional)

How to make cajun butter sauce for seafood

Start by measuring out and gathering all the ingredients in one place.

Next, prepare the ingredients by chopping, grating, or blending the onion and garlic and chopping up the fresh cilantro leaves.

Add the butter to a small pan, then place it on a stove on medium heat and melt. About 1–2 minutes.

Then add the garlic and onion (and optional lemon juice) to the melted butter and cook for 3 minutes. Stir frequently.

 

Next, add the cajun seasoning mix and the extra cayenne pepper, if using.

Mix well and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from the heat.

Pour the cajun dipping sauce into a bowl, sprinkle with cilantro, and enjoy with your favorite seafood.

Recipe variations for cajun garlic butter sauce for seafood 

While this recipe tastes amazing, you may want to make some variations either because you don’t have all the ingredients listed above or because you just want a more simple sauce. Here are some variations you can try:

Simple cajun butter sauce: I’ve made this recipe before with just the cajun seasoning and butter. This is a simple recipe; however, it is very delicious and works perfectly for anyone who really doesn’t want to add cilantro, garlic, or onions. 

Cajun butter with old bay seasoning: I’ve also made a very simple cajun dipping butter sauce with butter, old bay, cayenne pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder and thyme. 

Serving cajun seafood sauce

While this sauce is usually made as a dipping butter sauce for seafood, There are also some other ways you can serve it. Here are a few ideas on how to serve this cajun spicy butter sauce:

• Seafood and seafood recipes that go well with this cajun butter dipping sauce include seafood boil recipes like this seafood boil recipe made with eggs or this super easy low country boil, shrimp boil, shrimp, crawfish, crab legs, lobster, clams, mussels, scallops, salmon, and other seafood.
• Vegetables like steamed gumbo, fresh cucumber slices, boiled potatoes, or corn on the cob.
• Meats like steak: You can make super delicious cajun butter steak with this sauce.

Can it be made ahead of time?

Yes! This sauce can be made ahead. This easy sauce stores well, so you can make it, then place it in an airtight container, place it in the fridge, and simply reheat it to melt when you’re ready to use it.

Storing your cajun butter sauce for seafood 

Store in an airtight container for future use. I like to leave mine in the fridge for up to two weeks. I also like to freeze my leftover sauce. If you want to freeze any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 2 months.

To reheat the cajun butter sauce for seafood, thaw for a few minutes, then place the solid sauce in a small pan and warm over medium heat for a few minutes until melted. You can also microwave for a minute in a microwave-safe bowl. 

This easy butter sauce for seafood is really amazing. Any time you make seafood, this is definitely the sauce you’ll want to serve it with! Note: If you enjoy this sauce, you may want to check out my creamy cajun sauce made with mayo as well! 

More seafood sauce recipes

• Bloves sauce
• Seafood boil sauce
• Garlic butter sauce