Lemon Butter Sauce
Lemon butter sauce is a rich, creamy, and tangy sauce that’s perfect for elevating a variety of dishes, especially seafood, poultry, and vegetables. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this luxurious sauce combines the brightness of fresh lemon juice with the richness of butter, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Whether you’re drizzling it over a piece of grilled fish or serving it alongside roasted vegetables, lemon butter sauce adds a touch of elegance and freshness to your meal. It’s quick and easy to make, and its versatility makes it a must-have in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon white wine or chicken broth (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
How to Make Lemon Butter Sauce:
Melt the Butter
Begin by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt slowly to prevent it from burning or browning. For the best flavor, use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the final sauce. Once the butter is fully melted, reduce the heat to low.
Add Lemon Juice and Zest
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest (if using). The lemon juice provides a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter, while the zest adds an extra burst of citrus flavor. If you want a more intense lemon taste, feel free to add a little more zest or juice.
Incorporate Optional Ingredients
If desired, add 1 tablespoon of white wine or chicken broth to the sauce. This adds another layer of flavor and helps to slightly thin the sauce. If you prefer a more garlic-forward sauce, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
Season the Sauce
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust based on your preference. For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce as you go to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
Finish the Sauce
Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 1-2 minutes to ensure all the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Once the sauce is smooth and fragrant, remove it from the heat. You can either serve it immediately or keep it warm over low heat until you’re ready to use it.
Serve and Garnish
Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over your favorite dish, whether it’s grilled or baked fish, sautéed shrimp, roasted chicken, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
Chef’s Note:
Balancing the Flavors:
The key to a great lemon butter sauce is balancing the richness of the butter with the acidity of the lemon. Start with the recipe’s suggested amounts and adjust as needed based on your personal taste. If the sauce is too tangy, add a little more butter; if it’s too rich, add a bit more lemon juice.
Thinning the Sauce:
Depending on how you want to use the sauce, you can adjust its consistency. For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of liquid (such as the optional wine or broth). For a thinner, more drizzly sauce, add a little more lemon juice, wine, or broth.
Pairing Suggestions:
Lemon butter sauce is a classic pairing with seafood, especially white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia. It’s also delicious with shrimp, scallops, and lobster. For a vegetarian option, try drizzling it over steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or grilled zucchini. It even works well with roasted chicken or as a dipping sauce for warm bread.
Making It Ahead:
Lemon butter sauce is best served fresh, but it can be made ahead of time and gently reheated before serving. If reheating, do so over very low heat and stir frequently to prevent the butter from separating. If the sauce does separate, simply whisk it vigorously to bring it back together.
Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat before using. You can also freeze the sauce for longer storage, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, approximately 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 100
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg (depending on added salt)
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin C: 6% of Daily Value (from lemon juice)
- Vitamin A: 7% of Daily Value
- Calcium: 0% of Daily Value
- Iron: 0% of Daily Value
Lemon butter sauce is a flavorful, high-fat condiment that is low in carbohydrates and sugars. While it’s rich due to the butter, the sauce offers a boost of vitamin C from the lemon juice, making it a delicious yet balanced addition to your meals. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet, adding flavor without overwhelming the dish.