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Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

4.7 from 148 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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