Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce is the perfect combination of rich, creamy butter and the heat of spicy seasonings, all tied together with aromatic garlic. This versatile sauce can be used on a variety of dishes, including seafood, pasta, grilled meats, and even roasted vegetables. The beauty of this sauce lies in its simplicity—it’s made with just a few ingredients, yet it packs a punch with its bold flavors. The smooth richness of the butter complements the heat from the spices and the robust flavor of the garlic, creating a sauce that adds depth and excitement to any meal. Whether you’re looking to spice up your favorite dish or create something new, this Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Unsalted Butter: The base of this sauce, unsalted butter adds a rich and creamy texture while allowing the other ingredients to shine. Using unsalted butter ensures you have control over the seasoning of the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic is the key to this sauce’s bold, aromatic flavor. It brings a savory depth that pairs beautifully with the butter and spices.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to add extra richness and help balance the butter’s smoothness. It also prevents the butter from burning when cooking over heat.
Red Pepper Flakes: The red pepper flakes provide a spicy kick to the sauce, giving it the heat that makes this sauce so exciting. Adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like your sauce.
Paprika: Smoked paprika enhances the flavor with a subtle smokiness, adding complexity to the sauce. Regular paprika can be used as well, though smoked adds a deeper dimension.
Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce, cutting through the richness of the butter and adding a refreshing contrast to the spice.
Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the flavors of the sauce and bring everything together. Adjust to taste depending on your preference.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley is optional but highly recommended. It adds a fresh, herbaceous note to balance the richness of the sauce.
Directions
- Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add olive oil to the butter and stir to combine.
- Add the minced garlic to the butter mixture and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes and paprika, allowing them to cook in the butter for another minute, which helps release their full flavor.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer on low heat for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness (optional).
- Serve immediately, drizzling the sauce over your favorite dishes. It’s great on seafood, pasta, grilled meats, or even vegetables.
Equipment Needed:
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 1 cup of sauce, which is enough for 4 servings. The total time to prepare this sauce is around 10-15 minutes, making it quick and easy to whip up whenever you need it.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before using. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a little extra butter or olive oil to bring it back to the right consistency.
Variations and Customizations
Adjust the Spice Level: You can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes. For an extra spicy kick, try adding some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mix.
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Fresh thyme, basil, or oregano can replace or complement the parsley, depending on the dish you’re pairing the sauce with.
Smoked Flavor: For an extra smoky taste, try adding a splash of liquid smoke or using a smoked chili powder in place of regular paprika.
Butter Alternatives: For a lighter option, you can substitute some of the butter with olive oil or even coconut oil for a dairy-free version of this sauce.
Garlic Substitutes: While fresh garlic is preferred for its flavor, garlic powder can be used in a pinch if you’re in a hurry. However, fresh garlic will give the sauce a richer, more aromatic flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Here’s the nutrition breakdown for one tablespoon of Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Protein (g) | 0 |
| Carbs (g) | 1 |
| Fat (g) | 10 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 6 |
| Fiber (g) | 0 |
| Sugar (g) | 0 |
| Sodium (mg) | 75 |
Note: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending on exact measurements and brands used.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Consistency Adjustment: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more olive oil or a splash of chicken broth or white wine to achieve your desired consistency.
Make It Dairy-Free: To make the sauce dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or extra olive oil. The flavor will remain rich, though the creamy texture may vary.
Great for Dipping: This sauce works wonderfully as a dipping sauce for bread, crab legs, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. It’s a simple way to add flavor to any appetizer or snack.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before using.
How can I adjust the spice level?
Simply increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes and paprika depending on how spicy you like it. You can also add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for additional heat.
Can I use this sauce on pasta?
Absolutely! Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce is perfect for pasta, especially seafood pasta. Just toss the cooked pasta in the sauce for a flavorful meal.
How long does this sauce last in the fridge?
This sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use this sauce with chicken?
Yes, this sauce is fantastic with chicken, particularly grilled or roasted chicken. It adds a spicy, buttery flavor that complements the meat beautifully.
Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is best for this recipe, as it provides a richer, more aromatic flavor. However, in a pinch, you can substitute garlic powder, though the flavor won’t be as robust.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, you can freeze Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce for up to 2 months. Let it cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Is this sauce spicy?
Yes, the sauce has a moderate level of spice, thanks to the red pepper flakes and paprika. You can adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less.
How do I reheat the sauce?
To reheat the sauce, gently warm it in a small saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of extra butter or olive oil if needed.
Can I add more herbs to this sauce?
Definitely! You can experiment with herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal, offering a delicious balance of heat, garlic, and butter. This versatile sauce can be used to enhance seafood, pasta, meats, and even vegetables, making it an essential recipe to keep in your cooking repertoire. With its quick preparation and endless customization options, you’ll find yourself using this sauce again and again to elevate your dishes with a bold, spicy kick.
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