Bold, buttery, and full of heat, this Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce is your secret weapon in the kitchen. Whether you drizzle it over seafood, brush it on grilled meats, or use it as a dunking sauce for bread and fries, this sauce packs a fiery punch with rich Cajun flavor and deep garlic notes.


This quick recipe comes together in minutes and is made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand. It’s a must-have for summer cookouts, seafood boils, or any dinner that needs a bold Southern kick.
What Kind of Butter Should I Use?
For the richest flavor, always choose unsalted butter when making garlic butter sauces. This gives you full control over the salt levels, especially when combining with seasoning blends like Cajun spice that already contain sodium.
High-quality European butter or grass-fed butter will make the sauce extra creamy and flavorful.
Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce
- Unsalted Butter: The base of the sauce. Rich and creamy, it melts down into a luscious medium to carry all the flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced or grated garlic infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic depth.
- Cajun Seasoning: Brings the heat and signature Southern spice with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs.
- Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and enhances the vibrant red color.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but perfect for cranking up the spice.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to balance the bold spices.
- Lemon Juice: Just a splash to cut through the richness and balance the butter.
How To Make the Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter slowly. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Once the butter is melted, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
Step 3: Season It Up
Add the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all the spices with the butter.
Step 4: Finish With Freshness
Turn off the heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let the sauce sit for a minute to allow the flavors to bloom.

Serving and Storing This Flavor-Packed Sauce
This sauce is best served warm and freshly made, but it can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reuse, simply reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until melted.
You can also pour it into ice cube trays, freeze, and use one cube at a time for quick seasoning of sautéed veggies, shrimp, or rice.
What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce?
Grilled Shrimp or Crawfish
Drizzle the sauce generously over grilled or boiled seafood for a Louisiana-style feast.
Roasted Potatoes
Use it as a finishing drizzle over crispy roasted potatoes or smashed potatoes.
Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls
Dip warm bread into the sauce for a spicy buttery bite that melts in your mouth.
Steak or Chicken
Brush it over grilled meats to boost flavor and juiciness.
Pasta or Rice Bowls
Toss it with pasta or spoon over rice and grilled vegetables for a simple yet bold meal.
Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce
Pair it with this Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce for the ultimate flavor match.
Want More Sauce and Seasoning Ideas?
If you love bold flavor combinations, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
- KFC Style Gravy when you want savory Southern comfort.
- Shrimp Butter Spread Recipe for seafood lovers.
- Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni with a creamy, garlic-forward twist.
- Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni for a full-flavored pasta night.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Wings to pair with this sauce as a spicy dip.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this bold and buttery sauce to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to bring the heat back to the table.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe a splash of bourbon or a hint of honey? I’d love to hear how it turned out—share your version in the comments.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on Savor Queen on Pinterest. There’s always something fresh and flavorful waiting for you.
Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/4 cups
Description
Turn up the heat in your kitchen with this irresistible Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce. Perfect for everything from seafood boils and grilled meats to garlic bread and roasted vegetables, this sauce is a bold blend of butter, fresh garlic, Cajun spices, and a zing of lemon. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just spicing up a weeknight dinner, this easy recipe is your go-to for adding rich flavor in minutes. Packed with flavor and made from simple ingredients, it’s a great choice for quick dinner ideas, food inspiration, or spicy sauces for dipping and drizzling.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter slowly, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, without browning it.
3. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes until fully combined.
4. Remove from heat and add chopped fresh parsley and lemon juice. Stir well.
5. Let the sauce rest for 1 minute before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
For a smoky twist, try using smoked paprika instead of regular.
Add a teaspoon of honey if you want a sweet-spicy balance.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cajun garlic butter sauce, spicy sauce recipe, garlic butter, seafood sauce
