You know those days when you’re just yearning for something that’s a mix of tangy and buttery smoothness? This creamy lemon butter sauce is like a cozy sweater on a crisp autumn day. It wraps around your taste buds with a zesty hug, making even the simplest dish feel like a gourmet affair. Perfect over pasta, fish, or even a spoon—if you’re feeling wild.
Steps
- Place a small saucepan over low heat and melt the unsalted butter gently.
- Stir in the minced garlic and a pinch of salt, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour in the fresh lemon juice, stirring well to combine.
- Season the sauce with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add optional parsley and red pepper flakes for extra flavor, if desired.
- Serve immediately as a dip for steamed artichokes or toss it with pasta or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh lemon juice
- Garlic
- Salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- Fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
FAQ
- What can I pair lemon butter sauce with?
- This versatile sauce works wonderfully with pasta, rice, couscous, or as a dipping sauce for steamed or roasted vegetables like artichokes, green beans, and asparagus.
- How many ingredients do I need to make lemon butter sauce?
- You only need five ingredients: unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. If you prefer, you can use vegan butter but remember to adjust the salt accordingly.
- How long does it take to prepare lemon butter sauce?
- The sauce comes together quickly, taking less than five minutes to prepare.
- Can I make lemon butter sauce vegan?
- Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter. Since vegan butter is usually salted, you should omit the salt and adjust seasoning to your taste.
- What are some other sauce recipes I might enjoy?
- If you enjoy easy and flavorful sauces, you might also like to try artichoke dipping sauce, creamy dill sauce, tartar sauce, basil pesto, marinara sauce, or Alfredo sauce.
Tips
- Use unsalted butter to have full control over the seasoning, and adjust the salt based on your taste preference.
- To enhance the sauce’s flavor, add the lemon juice after removing the pan from the heat, preserving the lemon’s bright taste.
- For a vegan option, substitute with vegan butter, but omit the salt since vegan butter is typically pre-salted.
- Try experimenting with different garnishes like parsley or red pepper flakes to add an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.
Equipment
- Small Saucepan – Essential for melting butter and cooking the sauce.
- Citrus Juicer – Useful for extracting fresh lemon juice.
