Blove’s Smackalicious Sauce Recipe (Copycat)

Blove’s Smackalicious Sauce is the rich, buttery, ultra-garlicky seafood boil sauce that became a viral sensation for a reason. It’s bold, deeply seasoned, slightly spicy, and thick enough to cling to crab legs, shrimp, lobster, corn, and potatoes. One dip and you understand why people call it “smackalicious.” The flavor is intense, comforting, and completely addictive.

This copycat version recreates the signature butter base, heavy garlic presence, Cajun spice depth, and scoopable texture that define the original sauce—using pantry spices and simple cooking techniques.

What Makes Smackalicious Sauce Unique

Unlike typical seafood butter sauces, this one is:

• Loaded with fresh garlic and onion for depth
• Seasoned heavily with Cajun and Old Bay spices
• Slightly thickened so it coats seafood instead of running off
• Balanced with lemon, broth, and Worcestershire for complexity
• Customizable in heat level from mild to fiery

It’s not just melted butter with seasoning. It’s a layered, cooked sauce with serious flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter and Aromatics

• 2 cups unsalted butter (4 sticks)
• 1 large onion, very finely minced
• 18–20 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Liquids for Depth

• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Juice of 1 large lemon

Signature Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• Salt to taste

Thickening Slurry

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup water

Prep Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Enough sauce for a large seafood boil (8–10 servings)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Melt the Butter Gently

Place a large pot over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt slowly. Do not allow the butter to brown, as this changes the flavor profile.

Step 2: Cook the Onion First

Add the very finely minced onion to the melted butter. Cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. This step builds a sweet, savory base.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 60–90 seconds. You want it fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Bloom the Spices

Add paprika, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, red pepper flakes, thyme, oregano, brown sugar, and salt.

Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes. Toasting the spices in butter unlocks their full flavor and gives the sauce its signature depth.

Step 5: Add the Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk flour and water until smooth. Slowly pour this slurry into the sauce while stirring constantly. Let simmer for another 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Taste the sauce and adjust:

• More cayenne for heat
• More lemon for brightness
• More salt if needed

Why This Tastes Like the Original

The key elements that recreate the authentic flavor are:

• Large quantity of fresh garlic
• Onion cooked in butter for sweetness
• Proper spice blooming technique
• Balanced use of broth and lemon to prevent heaviness
• Slight thickening for clingy texture

Tips for Perfect Smackalicious Sauce

• Always use fresh garlic, never pre-minced jars
• Finely mince the onion so it blends into the sauce
• Don’t rush the spice toasting step
• Simmer gently, never boil aggressively
• Let the sauce rest 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor

How to Use This Sauce

This sauce is designed for seafood boils, but it’s incredibly versatile.

Perfect for:

• Crab legs and clusters
• Shrimp (shell-on or peeled)
• Lobster tails
• Crawfish
• Corn on the cob
• Boiled baby potatoes
• Dipping toasted bread

You can also drizzle it over grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or rice bowls.

Heat Level Guide

• Mild: Use ½ teaspoon cayenne, skip red pepper flakes
• Medium: Follow recipe as written
• Spicy: Double cayenne and add extra flakes

Storage and Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The butter will solidify—this is normal.

Reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat while stirring. Avoid microwaving on high power to prevent separation.

This sauce also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Burning the garlic
• Skipping the onion
• Not blooming the spices in butter
• Making the sauce too thin
• Over-thickening with too much flour

Variations You Can Try

No Flour Version

Skip the slurry and simmer the sauce longer to reduce naturally.

Extra Lemon Garlic Version

Add zest of one lemon and 5 extra garlic cloves.

Smokier Version

Increase smoked paprika to 2 tablespoons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this sauce only for seafood?

No. It’s amazing with chicken, vegetables, fries, or even as a dipping sauce for sandwiches.

Why is there so much garlic?

That bold garlic flavor is the signature of Smackalicious sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can substitute butter with plant-based butter, but the flavor will change slightly.

How thick should the sauce be?

It should be thick enough to cling to seafood but still pour easily.

Serving Ideas for a Seafood Boil

Toss freshly boiled seafood directly into a large bowl with this sauce, or serve it on the side as a dipping pot. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges for presentation.

Final Thoughts

Blove’s Smackalicious Sauce is not just a butter dip—it’s a bold, flavor-packed experience. The layers of garlic, onion, Cajun spices, lemon, and rich butter create a sauce that transforms simple seafood into something unforgettable.

Once you make this at home, you’ll realize why this sauce became a viral favorite. It’s rich, spicy, comforting, and absolutely smackalicious.