Hot n Juicy Sauce Recipe (My Most Favourite Seafood Sauce)
My husband and I recently got back from a trip to Vegas, and oh boy, did we find a hidden gem! We stumbled upon a place called Hot’n Juicy, right off the strip, advertising crawfish on their sign.
My husband, a crawfish fanatic, couldn’t resist. We dived into their crawfish and shrimp, smothered in their signature hot n juicy sauce, and it was love at first bite. The bold, spicy flavors were unlike anything I’d ever tasted, so I knew I had to recreate this amazing sauce at home.
If you’re a seafood lover, this Hot n Juicy Sauce Recipe will blow you away. But before you scroll down, I have also made few Jack in The sauce recipes here.
Why Hot n Juicy Sauce is So Popular
Hot n Juicy sauce is so popular because it’s the signature flavor from the famous Hot N Juicy Crawfish restaurant. Known for their generous portions of boiled crawfish, shrimp, and crab legs, this sauce takes seafood to the next level with its bold and customizable spice blend.
The rich, buttery base, infused with garlic and Cajun spices, creates a taste that’s both comforting and unforgettable. Every bite feels like a special treat, and it’s no wonder people can’t get enough of it.
Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why it’s the star of their menu
Hot n Juicy Sauce Ingredients
for Boiling Seafood:
- Quartered Lemons and Juice (2 lemons): The lemons add a fresh, citrusy flavor that cuts through the richness of the seafood and enhances the overall taste.
- Halved Onions (1 large onion): These infuse the stock with a deep, savory aroma and add a touch of sweetness to balance the bold flavors.
- Cajun/Creole Seasoning (2 tbsp): This spice blend brings a signature spicy and smoky base that makes the boil extra flavorful.
- A Pinch of Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps balance the heat and acidity without making it sweet, enhancing the seafood’s natural flavors.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): These seasonings are essential for bringing out the best in the seafood, making it more flavorful.
for Hot n Juicy Sauce:
- Seafood Boil Stock (1 cup): This stock, made from boiling the seafood, serves as the base of the sauce and is packed with rich, savory seafood flavor.
- Salted Butter (or Margarine, 1/2 cup): Butter gives the sauce a rich, smooth texture and adds a creamy, luxurious mouthfeel.
- Crystal Hot Sauce (or Louisiana Hot Sauce, 2 tbsp): This hot sauce brings a tangy, spicy kick that livens up the sauce and gives it a nice tang.
- Cayenne Pepper Powder (1 tsp): If you love heat, cayenne pepper is perfect for adding an extra level of spiciness to the sauce.
- Smashed Garlic (6 cloves): Garlic adds a bold, savory depth to the sauce, infusing it with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Finely Chopped Onion (1/2 small onion): The onion brings sweetness and a bit of texture, balancing the heat and spices.
- Fish Sauce (1 tbsp): Fish sauce adds umami and depth to the flavor, enhancing the savory quality of the sauce (Red Boat is my favorite brand).
- Cajun Seasoning (1 tbsp): This seasoning blend is key to giving the sauce that authentic Cajun flavor, packed with spices and herbs.
- Dried Thyme (1/2 tsp): Thyme adds a subtle herbal note that rounds out the flavors of the sauce.
- Ground Celery Seeds (or Celery Salt, 1/2 tsp): This gives the sauce a unique, savory touch that complements the other spices.
- Lemon Pepper (1 tsp): Lemon pepper adds a citrusy zing that brightens up the sauce, balancing the richness.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Paprika adds color and a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that deepens the sauce.
- Black Pepper and White Pepper (1/4 tsp each): Both types of pepper provide a balanced heat and layer of flavor to the sauce.
Recipe Substitutions
- Butter Alternatives: If you’re out of butter, margarine works just as well. For a healthier option, use olive oil, though the flavor will slightly differ.
- Cajun Seasoning: No Cajun seasoning? Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and thyme as a DIY substitute.
- Fish Sauce Substitute: Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can work, though the flavor will vary slightly.
- Hot Sauce Options: Use your favorite brand, but keep in mind the flavor profile may differ.
Kitchen Appliances You’ll Need
- A large pot for boiling seafood
- A medium saucepan for making the sauce
- A strainer to reserve the seafood stock
- A wooden spoon for stirring
- A sharp knife and chopping board
How To Make Hot n Juicy Sauce
Cook the Seafood:
Boil your seafood in a large pot with lemons, onions, Cajun seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Once cooked, strain the seafood and reserve some of the flavorful stock for the sauce.
Prepare the Sauce Base:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it stops bubbling. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent.
Build the Flavors:
Stir in the fish sauce and half the garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly add the reserved seafood stock, stirring constantly.
Spice It Up:
Add the remaining garlic, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, and all the spices (thyme, celery seeds, lemon pepper, paprika, black and white pepper). Mix well and simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Taste and Adjust:
Adjust seasoning with more hot sauce, salt, or pepper as needed. The sauce should be bold, spicy, and slightly tangy.
Recipe Notes
- Control the Heat: Adjust the cayenne and hot sauce to your spice preference.
- Garlic Tip: Fresh garlic works best, but you can use pre-minced garlic in a pinch.
- Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little more seafood stock.
- Serving Ideas: Use this sauce over seafood, rice, or even roasted vegetables!
Recipe Variations and Additions
- Add Extra Heat: Toss in some chili flakes or a splash of sriracha for an extra fiery kick.
- Milder Version: Reduce the cayenne and opt for a milder hot sauce.
- Vegan Twist: Use vegetable stock and vegan butter, and skip the fish sauce for a plant-based option.
- Cheesy Finish: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan for a rich, cheesy twist.
What to Serve
- Boiled shrimp, crawfish, or crab
- Steamed rice or crusty bread for dipping
- Corn on the cob and potatoes as a classic seafood boil side
- A crisp green salad to balance the richness
How To Store This Sauce
- Refrigerator: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat it on low heat, adding a little water if necessary.
Hot n Juicy Sauce FAQs
Can I use this sauce for chicken or pork?
Yes, it’s delicious on grilled chicken or pork chops, adding bold flavor!
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook it on medium heat and add it gradually to avoid overcooking.
What type of butter should I use?
Salted butter is preferred for a richer flavor.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer it longer, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
Can I store the sauce without seafood stock?
Yes, use vegetable stock as a substitute for a longer shelf life.
Hot n Juicy Sauce Recipe
If you love bold and flavorful seafood, you have to try this Hot n Juicy Sauce Recipe! It's packed with spicy, tangy, and savory flavors that will make your seafood dishes unforgettable. Wondering How To Make Hot n Juicy Sauce? It's super easy! Just combine butter, hot sauce, garlic, and Cajun spices to create the perfect sauce that will make your shrimp, crab, or crawfish taste amazing.
Ingredients
For Boiling Seafood:
- 4 lemons, quartered (plus juice of 2 lemons)
- 2 large onions, halved
- 3 tablespoons Cajun/Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Hot n Juicy Sauce:
- 1 cup seafood boil stock (reserved from the seafood boil)
- 1 cup salted butter (or margarine)
- 2–3 tablespoons Crystal Hot Sauce (or Louisiana hot sauce)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder (adjust to taste)
- 6–8 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (Red Boat recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground celery seeds (or celery salt)
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper (or zest of 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- Boil your seafood in a large pot with lemons, onions, Cajun seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Once cooked, strain the seafood and reserve some of the flavorful stock for the sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it stops bubbling.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent.
- Stir in the fish sauce and half the garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly add the reserved seafood stock, stirring constantly.
- Add the remaining garlic, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, and all the spices (thyme, celery seeds, lemon pepper, paprika, black and white pepper).
- Mix well and simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning with more hot sauce, salt, or pepper as needed. The sauce should be bold, spicy, and slightly tangy.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350Total Fat: 30gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 900mgCarbohydrates: 5g
Nutrition information is an estimate based on available ingredients and preparation methods. Exact nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For more accurate nutrition details, please consult with a registered dietitian.
