Hey, Welcome to the Hook and Reel Sauce Recipe. Hook and Reel Sauce is a bold, buttery, and spicy seafood sauce that elevates any boil to perfection.
If you’ve ever had it at a seafood boil restaurant, you already know how addictively flavorful and rich it is.
I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this mouthwatering recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American (Seafood)
Category: Sauce
History and Origin
Hook and Reel Sauce originated from Cajun and Creole cooking traditions in the Southern United States. By the way, you can also try the Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese Recipe.
It combines butter, garlic, Cajun spices, and seasoning blends, making seafood boils flavorful, spicy, and aromatic. The sauce gained fame through seafood boil restaurants.
What does Hook and Reel Sauce taste like?
Hook and Reel Sauce tastes buttery, garlicky, and smoky with a perfect balance of spiciness and tang.
The Cajun seasoning brings heat, while paprika and lemon juice add depth and freshness. It’s rich, bold, and unforgettable.
Hook and Reel Sauce Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Hook and Reel Sauce Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 2 sticks (1 cup) |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 10 cloves |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Cajun seasoning | 2 tbsp |
| Old Bay seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Paprika | 1 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 tsp (optional) |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy Hook and Reel Sauce Recipe:
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Citrus squeezer
How to Make Hook and Reel Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Melt the butter
Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil. Let the butter melt slowly without burning.
Step 2: Sauté garlic and onion
Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Stir well until fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 3: Add spices
Mix in Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Add liquids
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Add brown sugar to balance the flavors. Stir thoroughly.
Step 5: Simmer the sauce
To allow the flavors to meld, let the sauce simmer for ten minutes. Stir occasionally until thickened.
Step 6: Serve
Turn off the heat and serve this flavorful sauce over seafood boils, shrimp, or crab legs.
Recipe Card
Hook and Reel Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil. Let the butter melt slowly without burning.
- Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Stir well until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Mix in Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Add brown sugar to balance the flavors. Stir thoroughly.
- To allow the flavors to meld, let the sauce simmer for ten minutes. Stir occasionally until thickened.
- Turn off the heat and serve this flavorful sauce over seafood boils, shrimp, or crab legs.
Video
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Hook and Reel Seafood Boil Sauce Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Sugar | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hook and Reel Sauce warm with crab, shrimp, lobster, or crawfish for a true seafood feast.
It also pairs perfectly with boiled potatoes, corn, or sausages. It can be used as a dipping sauce or generously poured over seafood boils.
Storage Tips
Store Hook and Reel Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheat gently on the stove, stirring well. Avoid microwaving as it may split the butter. Freeze leftovers for two months.
Conclusion
Making Hook and Reel Sauce Recipe at home is simple, flavorful, and satisfying. Now you can enjoy restaurant-style seafood boils without leaving your kitchen.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How spicy is Hook and Reel Sauce?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Can I use it for non-seafood dishes?
Yes, it pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even pasta.
What makes this sauce different?
The rich butter base combined with Cajun and Old Bay spices creates a bold, unique flavor.
Can I freeze Hook and Reel Sauce?
Yes, freeze it in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Does it taste like Cajun sauce?
Yes, but with more butter, garlic, and lemon, making it richer and more balanced.
You will also like Harold’s Mild Sauce Recipe.
