Why You’ll Love This Recipe
With its buttery base and spicy, garlicky kick, this sauce is both comforting and exciting. It’s incredibly versatile—ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions—and takes less than 30 minutes to make. The optional lemon juice brightens the flavors, while the fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of freshness.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic, minced
- Cajun seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon juice (optional)
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, mixing well.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- If using, squeeze in the lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
Servings and timing
Serves: About 8 (2 tablespoons per serving)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Use smoked paprika in place of some Cajun seasoning for a smoky twist.
- Swap butter for half butter and half olive oil for a lighter sauce.
- Use roasted garlic instead of fresh for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Make it creamy by whisking in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent separation. This sauce is not recommended for freezing, as butter-based sauces can split when thawed.
FAQs
What can I use Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce on?
It’s delicious on seafood, chicken, steak, pasta, vegetables, or as a bread dip.
How spicy is this sauce?
It has a moderate kick, but you can reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free butter substitute.
What’s in Cajun seasoning?
It typically contains paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just keep the same ingredient ratios.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, and black pepper.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Freezing is not recommended as the butter may separate when thawed.
How do I keep the garlic from burning?
Cook it over low heat and stir frequently to prevent browning.
Can I add more lemon juice?
Yes, adjust to your taste for a brighter, tangier flavor.
Conclusion
Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce is a simple yet powerful way to elevate everyday meals. Whether you’re topping grilled shrimp, tossing pasta, or dipping fresh bread, this rich and zesty sauce brings irresistible flavor in just minutes. It’s a recipe worth keeping in your kitchen rotation.
Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A quick and versatile homemade strawberry sauce made with fresh berries, lightly sweetened, and optionally brightened with orange zest and juice. Perfect for topping desserts, breakfast dishes, or mixing into yogurt.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh strawberries, rinsed and quartered
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons warm water
Optional: 1 teaspoon orange zest
Optional: 2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the warm water and cornstarch until dissolved.
- Add the strawberries, sugar, cornstarch mixture, and (if using) orange juice and zest to a saucepan.
- Bring to a slow boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- For a smoother texture, remove 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the strawberries, puree them, and stir back into the sauce.
- Allow the sauce to cool at room temperature before transferring it to a jar for storage.
Notes
You can use frozen strawberries; no need to thaw before cooking.
Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Add balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
Fresh mint leaves can be stirred in after cooking for a refreshing taste.
Swap orange zest and juice for lemon for a sharper citrus note.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
