This lemon garlic butter sauce is rich, vibrant, and layered with bold flavor from fresh garlic, bright lemon juice, seafood stock, and warm spices. It’s a versatile sauce that transforms seafood, pasta, or chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal in just minutes.
Place a small saucepan over medium heat and gently melt the butter. Add the minced shallot and sauté until translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Add the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, and Sazon Complete. Stir well so the seasonings bloom in the butter and release their full flavor. Pour in the seafood stock and allow the sauce to simmer briefly so everything melds together. Turn off the heat, then squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and stir to combine. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Substitutions & Variations
No seafood stock? Substitute chicken stock or chicken broth.
Want a creamy texture? Add a splash of heavy cream and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a creamy sauce.
Add white wine before the stock for a more classic shrimp scampi flavor.
Use olive oil and reduce butter slightly for a lighter version.
Add lemon zest for an even brighter citrus flavor.
Make it spicy by increasing Cajun seasoning.
This butter lemon garlic sauce is flexible and adapts to different ways of cooking.