Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This creamy lemon butter sauce is a bright and velvety addition to many dishes, from seafood to vegetables. Its rich texture combined with zesty lemon makes it a perfect finishing touch that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 120 grams unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 240 millilitres heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it begins to bubble, taking care not to let it brown.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant and lightly softened.
- Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Stir in the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to develop the citrus flavor.
- Step 5: Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk in the Dijon mustard for added depth if you like.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t have the same vibrant taste.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that complements the citrus.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled salmon, steamed vegetables, or roasted chicken.
Storage
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. This sauce is best served fresh, as reheating may affect its texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving, but it’s best enjoyed freshly made for optimal texture and flavor.
What dishes go best with creamy lemon butter sauce?
This sauce pairs exceptionally well with seafood like salmon or shrimp, as well as vegetables such as asparagus or green beans. It’s also a delicious complement to chicken and pasta dishes.
PrintCreamy Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
This creamy lemon butter sauce is a luscious, tangy complement perfect for seafood, chicken, or vegetables. Made with rich butter, fresh lemon juice, and fragrant garlic, this sauce offers a smooth, velvety texture with bright citrus notes and a hint of fresh herbs for garnish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 120 grams unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 240 millilitres heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Heat it until it begins to bubble, being careful not to let it brown in order to preserve its delicate flavor.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step softens the garlic and releases its aroma without burning it.
- Simmer with Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and allow it to cook for 3 to 5 minutes, which enables the sauce to thicken slightly and develop a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Lemon Flavours: Stir in the finely grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the citrus flavors to meld beautifully with the creamy base.
- Season and Finish: Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. If desired, whisk in the Dijon mustard to add depth and a subtle tang.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the sauce from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Serve immediately to enjoy its vibrant and creamy texture at its best.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the sauce.
- Do not let the butter brown to avoid a bitter taste in the sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best citrus flavor for this sauce.
- Dijon mustard is optional but enhances complexity.
- Serve immediately as the sauce thickens upon standing.
- Great accompaniment for grilled or pan-seared fish, chicken, or steamed vegetables.
Keywords: lemon butter sauce, creamy sauce, lemon cream sauce, garlic butter sauce, seafood sauce, chicken sauce, easy sauce, lemon cream
