Garlic butter sauce is my secret condiment to quick, flavorful meals. I love its creamy texture and aromatic garlic notes. This versatile sauce pairs perfectly with seafood, pasta, or bread.
Contents
Garlic Butter Sauce recipe
Garlic butter sauce is a versatile, rich condiment that can elevate various dishes. It is made with butter, garlic, herbs, and sometimes cream or lemon. This combination creates a savory and aromatic flavor profile.
This sauce is quick, easy, and delicious. It adds a depth of flavor without overpowering the main ingredients.
Garlic butter sauce is perfect for dipping bread, making garlic bread, or tossing with pasta and Parmesan. It also enhances steamed or grilled veggies like asparagus, broccoli, and green beans, as well as mashed or baked potatoes.
It’s great with seafood such as shrimp, scallops, and fish like cod or salmon. It also adds great flavor to grilled steak, chicken, or pork. For a tasty side, mix it into steamed rice.
Here’s how to make the garlic butter sauce:
Garlic Butter Sauce
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional, for extra richness
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp lemon juice optional, for brightness
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add olive oil if using.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown).
- Stir in salt, black pepper, and lemon juice if using. Mix well.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm over pasta, seafood, or bread.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use roasted garlic instead of fresh for a milder, caramelized flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 week; reheat gently before serving.
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Variations
Here are some variations of the sauce:
- Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce incorporates grated Parmesan cheese. This variation creates a rich, creamy sauce perfect for pasta, grilled chicken, or chicken wings.
- Roasted Garlic Butter Sauce uses roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Spicy Versions add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- White Wine Addition includes white wine. This adds depth and a subtle acidity to balance the richness of the butter.
- Dairy-Free Version substitutes butter with margarine or plant-based alternatives.