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A close-up, side-down view of rich, golden crab boil sauce simmering in a pan, with visible garlic, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley floating on the surface. The sauce has a glossy, buttery texture with a deep, reddish-brown color.

How to Make Crab Boil Sauce: Easy Recipe & Tips

Alex
Crab boil sauce is a rich, buttery, and flavorful sauce that enhances seafood dishes, particularly crab, shrimp, and lobster. Packed with Cajun spices, garlic, and a hint of citrus, this sauce is perfect for dipping or drizzling over your favorite seafood boil.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine American, Cajun
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Base Ingredients
  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • Seasonings & Spices
  • 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Liquids & Enhancers
  • ½ cup chicken broth or seafood stock
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce optional, for extra heat
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Sauté the AromaticsMelt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Toast the SpicesAdd the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and chili powder. Stir well and let the spices toast for about 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavors.
  • Incorporate LiquidsPour in the chicken broth (or seafood stock) and lemon juice. Stir continuously to combine all ingredients. If you like extra heat, mix in the hot sauce.
  • Simmer and Adjust SeasoningAllow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
  • Serve and EnjoyRemove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm as a dip or drizzle over seafood for a bold, flavorful experience.

Notes

  • Adjust the heat level by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
  • For a thinner consistency, add more broth or stock.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat before serving.
Keyword Cajun butter sauce, crab boil sauce, garlic butter sauce, seafood boil sauce, spicy seafood sauce