Garlic butter sauce, a classic condiment that elevates any dish it accompanies, is a culinary gem cherished for its simplicity and rich flavor profile.

Originating from French cuisine, this sauce has transcended borders to become a staple in kitchens worldwide. Despite its gourmet appeal, creating this sauce is surprisingly easy, making it an ideal addition to your culinary repertoire, whether you’re a novice or an experienced home cook.

The beauty of garlic butter sauce lies in its humble yet potent ingredients. With just a handful of pantry staples, namely butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and parsley, you can whip up a decadent sauce that adds depth and complexity to a variety of dishes.

From drizzling over succulent seafood to smothering steamed vegetables, the versatility of this sauce knows no bounds.

Crafting the perfect garlic butter sauce requires attention to detail and a delicate balance of flavors. While mastering the art of garlic butter sauce may seem daunting at first, fear not. With a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll soon be savoring the irresistible allure of this culinary masterpiece.

Expert Tip: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.

Ingredients

Butter (Unsalted): Butter serves as the base of this sauce, contributing a rich, creamy texture and a luxurious mouthfeel. Unsalted butter is preferred in this recipe, allowing you to control the saltiness to your taste preference.

Garlic: Finely minced garlic is the star ingredient of this sauce, imparting its distinctive aroma and flavor. When sautéed in butter, the garlic becomes fragrant and develops a mellow sweetness, adding depth and complexity to the sauce.

Lemon Juice (Fresh): Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the sauce with its tangy acidity, balancing the richness of the butter and adding a refreshing citrus note. It helps to cut through the richness of the sauce, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the sauce, bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients and ensuring a well-balanced taste. It’s important to taste the sauce as you add salt, adjusting according to your preference.

Parsley (Fresh, finely chopped): Fresh parsley adds a vibrant burst of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness to the garlic butter sauce. Finely chopped parsley not only enhances the visual appeal of the sauce but also contributes a subtle earthy flavor, elevating its overall complexity.

Expert Tip: When sautéing the garlic, ensure the heat is not too high to prevent it from burning.

Serving Suggestions

• Seafood Delight: Garlic butter sauce is a perfect accompaniment to a variety of seafood dishes. Serve it drizzled over grilled shrimp, lobster tails, or pan-seared scallops for a decadent seafood feast. The rich, buttery flavor of the sauce complements the delicate sweetness of the seafood, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors.
• Pasta Perfection: Elevate your pasta dishes with a generous spoonful of garlic butter sauce. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce and top with grated Parmesan cheese for a simple yet indulgent meal. Add sautéed vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus, for a burst of color and freshness.
• Veggie Delight: Transform ordinary steamed vegetables into a gourmet side dish by drizzling them with garlic butter sauce. Whether it’s tender green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed broccoli, the sauce adds richness and flavor to every bite. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• Bread Dipping Bliss: Serve garlic butter sauce as a dipping sauce for freshly baked bread or crusty baguette slices. The warm, garlicky buttery goodness is perfect for dunking, creating a heavenly appetizer or snack that will leave your guests craving for more.
• Grilled Meats: Use garlic butter sauce as a finishing sauce for grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or pork chops. Brush the sauce onto the meats during the last few minutes of grilling to add a burst of flavor and moisture. The buttery garlic goodness will take your grilled meats to the next level of deliciousness.

Expert Tip:Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful of the saltiness of the sauce. Adjust the amount of added salt accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.

How long can I store garlic butter sauce?

Garlic butter sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze garlic butter sauce?

Yes, garlic butter sauce can be frozen for longer storage. Transfer the cooled sauce to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

Can I customize the recipe with additional herbs or spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the sauce. Thyme, rosemary, or basil are excellent choices that pair well with garlic butter sauce.

How can I prevent the garlic from burning when sautéing?

To prevent the garlic from burning, sauté it over low to medium heat and keep a close eye on it, stirring frequently. Garlic can quickly go from golden brown to burnt, so it’s essential to monitor it closely to achieve the desired flavor without bitterness.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Garlic Butter Sauce

by Nabeela Kauser

Discover the charm of a simple but tasty Garlic Butter Sauce. This flavourful, versatile condiment, perfect for any meal, brings a delightfully rich and buttery dimension to your culinary adventures.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Sauces & Dips

Cuisine American, Western

Servings 10

Calories 147 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 200 g Butter Unsalted
• ▢ 6 cloves Garlic Finely minced
• ▢ 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Fresh
• ▢ Salt
• ▢ 1 tbsp Parsley Fresh, finely chopped

Instructions

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the finely minced garlic and sauté until it’s lightly golden.
• Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and finely chopped parsley.
• Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Serve the sauce warm.

Notes

This sauce pairs well with a variety of dishes such as seafood, pasta, or roasted vegetables.

Make sure to serve it warm for the best taste.

If there are leftovers, it can be refrigerated and reheated.

Nutritional facts:
The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 129mgPotassium: 16mgFibre: 0.1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 534IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.1mg

Keyword Butter, Cooking, Dips, Food, Garlic, Recipe, Sauces

Tried this recipe?Mention @CookwithNabeela or tag #CookwithNabeela!