Can I make this spicier?

Absolutely - you can increase the cayenne pepper. I recommend adding 1/4 teaspoon additional and let it cook in the sauce for a few minutes before adding more. Another way to increase the spicy factor would be adding a tablespoon of hot sauce like Tabasco or Texas Pete. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, or, for a smokier heat, try a teaspoon of ground chipotle chili powder.

Can I make this milder?

Spice levels are a matter of personal preference and everything can be modified! The easy fix is to omit the cayenne from the seasoning list. Old Bay has a small amount of heat in the spice mixture, so start by adding 1/2 tablespoon of Old Bay, then simmer, taste, and adjust seasoning. If you omit the cayenne, you could add a few drops of hot sauce instead to add a balance to the rich, salty flavors. A few drops of Worcestershire sauce or an extra squeeze from a few lemon wedges will also mellow out spice.

I can't find seafood stock - help?

Seafood stock is available on Amazon, but if you're in a hurry, grab a jar of clam juice or substitute vegetable stock.

What can I do with leftover sauce?

I love using leftover spicy sauce as a starter for rice or quinoa. Add 2 tablespoons of the sauce to 2 cups of grains while cooking. Frozen vegetables also enjoy bathing in this seafood sauce recipe. Add a few tablespoons to your pot of frozen green beans or broccoli. As it cooks, watch the magic happen! This sauce is also ideal as a dipping sauce or topper for almost all of your seafood market finds, including steamed clams, baked tilapia, seared salmon or steamed cod. Garlic butter seafood sauce is a great recipe that works well in almost any one of your seafood meal plans.

How to store leftover sauce?

To store, wrap the leftover seafood boil sauce tightly with plastic wrap in a small bowl or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Homemade Buttery Seafood Boil Sauce

Description

It's buttery and garlicky and spicy - everything you want in a sauce for your shrimp, potatoes, rice, vegetables...it adds flavor to anything it touches!

Ingredients

Scale

8 tablespoons butter

5 garlic cloves, diced

1/2 medium red onion, diced

1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning

1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning

1/2 teaspoon cayenne, optional

1/2 cup seafood stock

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Instructions

Combine butter, garlic and onion in a saucepan. Saute for 4-5 minutes, until garlic and onion are fragrant and tender. Add Old Bay Seasoning, lemon pepper and cayenne, if using. Cook for another minute. Add seafood stock and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Use an immersion blender for 20-30 seconds to emulsify the butter sauce until smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning.
Serve immediately over baked shrimp, potatoes or vegetables.

Notes

Emulsifying the sauce is optional - without blending you'll have a traditional seafood boil sauce. Blending creates a richer, creamier experience that is magical!

Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 15
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Seafood