Gather all your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic to ensure everything is ready for cooking.

In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of butter (or olive oil) over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely, creating a smooth base for your sauce.

Once the butter is melted, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the onion to become translucent and fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.

After the onion is softened, add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. Watch closely to avoid burning the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning and 1 tablespoon of paprika. These spices will infuse the sauce with flavor. Stir well to combine and let them toast slightly for about 1 minute.

Pour in the juice of 1 lemon and the 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. If you like heat, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper at this stage. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper to your preference. If you want more brightness, you can add a bit more lemon juice or even a dash of vinegar.

Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors develop even further.

Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. You can serve it warm over your seafood, or transfer it to a serving bowl.

Drizzle the sauce generously over boiled shrimp, crab, or lobster, and dig in! This sauce is perfect for dipping and enhances the natural flavors of the seafood.