Name: Cajun Butter Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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A rich and creamy Cajun butter sauce bursting with bold spices, perfect for drizzling over seafood, chicken, or roasted vegetables to add a flavorful Southern kick.

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Once melted, whisk in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper until well combined.

Cook the mixture gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, to allow the spices to infuse the butter without burning.

Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Optionally, stir in fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve warm over grilled or baked seafood, chicken, vegetables, or use as a dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings, with each serving providing approximately 2 tablespoons of sauce. Prep time is just 5 minutes, cooking time is 5 minutes, so the total time to make this sauce is about 10 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes like to switch things up by adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of dried thyme for a different herbaceous note. For a creamier version, stirring in a tablespoon of heavy cream at the end makes the sauce extra indulgent. If I want it less spicy, I reduce the cayenne pepper or skip it entirely. This sauce also works great with a hint of honey for a subtle sweetness that balances the heat.

Storage/reheating

I keep any leftover Cajun butter sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often to prevent the butter from separating. If the sauce thickens too much when chilled, I add a little water or lemon juice to loosen it back up.

FAQs

What can I use this Cajun butter sauce on?

I love using it on grilled or baked seafood like shrimp and fish, roasted or grilled chicken, steamed or roasted vegetables, and even as a dipping sauce for crusty bread or fries.

Can I make this sauce dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, I swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How spicy is this sauce?

The heat level is moderate because of the cayenne pepper. I usually adjust the amount depending on my mood or who I’m serving. Removing or reducing cayenne makes it milder.

Can I prepare this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just warm it gently before serving to bring back the smooth texture and flavor.

Is this sauce keto-friendly?

Absolutely! This sauce is low-carb and keto-friendly since it’s primarily made of butter and spices without any added sugars or carbs.

Conclusion

This Cajun butter sauce is one of my favorite quick and flavorful additions to many dishes. It’s versatile, easy to make, and brings a bold Southern flair to seafood, chicken, and veggies with minimal effort. Whether I’m cooking for family or friends, this sauce adds a delicious punch that always gets compliments. I highly recommend giving it a try whenever I want a simple but tasty boost to my meals.

Recipe:

Cajun Butter Sauce

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: About 4 servings (2 tablespoons per serving)

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Description

A rich and creamy Cajun butter sauce bursting with bold spices, perfect for drizzling over seafood, chicken, or roasted vegetables to add a flavorful Southern kick.

Instructions

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once melted, whisk in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
Cook the mixture gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, to allow the spices to infuse the butter without burning.
Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Optionally, stir in fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve warm over grilled or baked seafood, chicken, vegetables, or use as a dipping sauce.