Hook And Reel Sauce Recipe
This Hook And Reel Sauce Recipe delivers rich garlic butter flavor with spices, lemon juice, and heat—easy to make and totally irresistible.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Garlic press or microplane
- Small prep bowls for spices
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks
- 8 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce optional
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup seafood or chicken broth optional, for thinning
Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Butter Gently
- Add the butter to a medium saucepan over low heat. Let it melt slowly until fully liquid and glossy. You want rich butter aroma—not browning—so keep the heat gentle.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. The garlic should soften and perfume the butter without turning golden.
Step 3: Bloom the Spices
- Add paprika, onion powder, Old Bay, cayenne, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme. Stir constantly for about one minute. The sauce will deepen in color and release an irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Balance the Flavor
- Stir in the brown sugar, lemon juice, and hot sauce if using. This is where the sauce becomes addictive—the sweetness smooths the spice, and the citrus lifts the richness.
Step 5: Adjust the Texture
- If you prefer a thinner sauce for tossing seafood, whisk in broth a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt as needed.
Step 6: Serve Warm
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, or keep warm on very low heat until ready to use.