December 28, 2023
Review RecipeGarlic & Butter Sauce
Table of Contents
Experience the magic of a simple yet flavorful garlic & butter sauce that transforms any dish into a gourmet delight. This sauce is a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and aromatic elements that will make your taste buds sing.
Garlic & Butter Sauce Ingredients
Every great recipe begins with quality ingredients. For our garlic & butter sauce, we’ve chosen a few simple components that come together to create a sauce that’s truly remarkable.
Butter is the base of our sauce and adds a creamy, rich texture that carries the flavors of the other ingredients. We recommend using salted butter for that extra hint of flavor.
Fresh garlic is a staple in many cuisines and brings a robust, aromatic element to the sauce. Minced garlic infuses the butter with its flavor, creating a delightful harmony.
The lemon adds a tangy note to the sauce, balancing the richness of the butter. The zest also contributes a subtle citrus aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 cup of salted butter
- 5-6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley
Substitution And Additions
BUTTER: If you’re on a dairy-free diet, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like olive oil or coconut oil in this garlic butter recipe.
Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile of the sauce.
If you use unsalted butter, you will likely need to season the sauce with some additional salt. If using salted butter, you may just want a little pepper.
GARLIC: Try using roasted garlic instead of raw for a different flavor. Roasted garlic has a sweeter, milder flavor that can add a unique twist to the sauce.
LEMON ZEST AND JUICE: If you’re not a fan of citrus, you can omit the lemon zest and juice from this simple sauce.
Alternatively, you could substitute them with white wine or vinegar for a different kind of tanginess.
How To Make This Garlic & Butter Sauce Recipe
Making our easy garlic & butter sauce recipe is a straightforward process that requires just a few steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through it:
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Having everything prepared beforehand will make the cooking process smoother.
STEP ONE: In a small saucepan, melt the butter, minced garlic, and lemon zest over medium-low heat.
PRO TIP:
Keep the butter simmering over low or medium-low heat. If the heat is too high, it will brown the butter, which is delicious but has a completely different flavor than intended with this sauce.
STEP TWO: Simmer over low heat, constantly whisking, for three to five minutes, until the garlic has softened.
PRO TIP:
The key to this delicious sauce is not to rush the cooking process. Keep the heat low and watch for the garlic to soften. Once it’s soft, you know your sauce is ready for the next step.
STEP THREE: Remove from the heat. Whisk in the lemon juice and the freshly chopped parsley.
PRO TIP:
Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking and to align with what you’re serving the sauce with. An extra punch of lemon goes especially well with fish and vegetables.
STEP FOUR: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
STEP FIVE: Serve over fish, chicken, steak, or vegetables!
How To Serve
Our simple garlic & butter sauce recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. Here are a few suggestions:
This sauce is a fantastic accompaniment to fish, chicken, or steak. It adds a rich, buttery flavor that complements the natural taste of the protein.
Drizzle the sauce over steamed or roasted vegetables for an easy and delicious side dish. The garlic and butter enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making them even more enjoyable.
Toss your favorite pasta in this homemade butter sauce for a simple yet satisfying meal along with garlic bread. Add some grated parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Use this easy recipe as a great dipping sauce as a dip for crusty bread or dinner rolls. It’s a simple appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
Our copycat Olive Garden Alfredo sauce is perfect over pasta, and our easy homemade tomato sauce is a classic.
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Storage
We’ve got you covered on how to store this flavor-packed sauce.
MAKE AHEAD: If you’re looking to get a head start on your meal prep, you can absolutely make this sauce ahead of time.
Once you’ve prepared it, allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag.
Pop it in the fridge, and it will keep well for up to a week. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s smooth and creamy again.
IN THE FRIDGE: Our butter garlic sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To store, simply transfer the sauce to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat until it’s warm.
IN THE FREEZER: If you want to make this buttery sauce ahead of time, you can store it in the freezer for up to three months.
To freeze, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
When you’re ready to use the sauce, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stove.
Why We Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why we love our best garlic & butter sauce. Here are a few:
VERSATILITY: This sauce can be served with a variety of dishes, from proteins to vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
EASE OF PREPARATION: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, this sauce is easy to prepare, even for novice cooks.
FLAVOR PROFILE: The combination of butter, garlic, and lemon creates a rich, flavorful sauce that enhances the taste of any dish it’s served with.
Our delicious garlic & butter sauce is a versatile condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Its rich, creamy texture, combined with the robust aroma of garlic and the tanginess of lemon, creates a culinary masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use unsalted butter. However, you may need to add extra salt to the sauce to balance the flavors.
Fresh parsley is recommended for its vibrant flavor and color, but dried parsley can be used in a pinch. Use one-third of the amount, as dried herbs are more potent.
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its bright, tangy flavor. Bottled lemon juice can have a slightly bitter taste due to preservatives.
This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months.
This garlic & butter sauce can be used as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables. Let the ingredients marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
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Garlic & Butter Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter
- 5 to 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter, minced garlic, and lemon zest over medium-low heat.
- Simmer over low heat, constantly whisking, for 3 to 5 minutes, until the garlic has softened.
- Remove from the heat. Whisk in the lemon juice and the freshly chopped parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over fish, chicken, steak, or vegetables!
Notes
- Having everything prepared beforehand will make the cooking process smoother.
- Keep the butter simmering over low or medium-low heat. If the heat is too high, it will brown the butter, which is delicious but has a completely different flavor than intended with this sauce.
- The key to this delicious sauce is not to rush the cooking process. Keep the heat low and watch for the garlic to soften. Once it’s soft, you know your sauce is ready for the next step.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking and to align with what you’re serving the sauce with. An extra punch of lemon goes especially well with fish and vegetables.
Comments
Betty says
Tried this and loved it over veggies