Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce is a quick and flavorful addition to elevate any dish. With its rich buttery base infused with garlic and a kick of heat, it’s perfect for seafood, steak, or roasted vegetables. Ready in just 15 minutes, it brings a restaurant-quality touch to your table.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp spicy chili garlic sauce
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. When it begins to bubble slightly, it’s ready for the next step.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Step 3: Stir in the spicy chili garlic sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Season with salt and black pepper, mixing everything well.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and add lemon juice and honey. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. You can also replace the honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Add a splash of white wine during simmering for a subtle tang and depth.
- Use fresh herbs like cilantro or basil instead of parsley to change the flavor profile.
Storage
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat to prevent the butter from separating. Avoid microwaving at high power to maintain the sauce’s texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil and ensure the chili garlic sauce does not contain animal products.
What dishes pair well with this sauce?
This sauce complements grilled shrimp, roasted chicken, steamed vegetables, and even crusty bread for dipping. Its bold flavor adds a delicious kick to many meals.
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Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving (approximately ¾ cup sauce) 1x
Description
This Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce is a quick and flavorful condiment that blends rich melted butter with aromatic garlic, spicy chili sauce, and a hint of smoky paprika. Perfect for adding a zesty kick to your favorite dishes, it’s finished with fresh lemon juice and a touch of honey to balance the heat. Ready in just 15 minutes, this sauce makes an excellent accompaniment to seafood, grilled meats, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Butter Base
- ½ cup unsalted butter
Spices and Flavorings
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp spicy chili garlic sauce
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Finishers
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: Place unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and allow it to melt completely. Watch for small bubbles forming, indicating the butter is heated and ready for the next step.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Then add the spicy chili garlic sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Finish with Lemon and Honey: Reduce the heat to low and stir in lemon juice and honey. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together into a smooth, balanced sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the sauce warm as a delicious accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- The honey adds a subtle sweetness to balance the heat; omit if you prefer a purely spicy sauce.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic to prevent bitterness.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with seafood, grilled chicken, vegetables, and pasta.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or oil, but the flavor profile will slightly change.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: spicy garlic butter sauce, garlic butter sauce, spicy sauce, chili garlic sauce, easy sauce, stovetop sauce, quick sauce
