I adore my Simple Garlic Butter for its simplicity and unexpected charm. Using 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 4 finely minced garlic cloves, and a dash of salt, this sauce brings a lively twist to pasta, steak, chicken, fish, or veggies. Every bite hints at a familiar yet intriguing flavor adventure.

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I recently discovered a game-changing recipe that totally upgraded my dinner routine. When it comes to a simple yet incredible sauce, my Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce is it.

This recipe only needs three basic ingredients and still packs a punch of flavor. I melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and let it mingle with four garlic cloves that I finely mince.

Just a pinch—about 1/4 teaspoon of salt—brings all these flavors together in a way that makes pasta, steak, chicken, fish, or even veggies taste absolutely amazing. It’s one of those rare finds you know are going to become a staple in your kitchen for a quick dip sauce or to spread on garlic bread.

I love how this recipe has that uncomplicated, homemade feel without being fancy or complicated. It’s super easy to whip up too, so give it a try and taste the difference for yourself.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, it only calls for three simple ingredients, so its super easy to whip up when I’m in a hurry and I dont have a lot of stuff in my pantry.

Second, the way the garlic infuses into the melted butter makes everything taste amazing — whether I pour it over pasta, steak, chicken, fish, or even veggies, it just makes the meal way more exciting.

Another thing is that I can totally adjust the salt to my liking. Sometimes I add a bit more if i feel like it needs an extra kick, and that makes the sauce feel personalized and just right every time.

Lastly, I enjoy how watching the garlic cook and smell all that awesome aroma really brings me into the cooking process, making me feel like Im creating something really special from scratch.

Ingredients

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Unsalted Butter: rich source of healthy fats that offers smooth, creamy texture in sauce.
Does not add extra salt, letting natural buttery flavor bloom.
Garlic Cloves: packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and may boost your immune system fun.
Minced garlic offers bold flavor and a slight kick in every drizzle.
Salt: enhances taste in moderation and balances out sauce flavors without overpowering.
Just a pinch adds emphasis to every ingredient for a harmonious blend.
Together, these ingredients create a garlic butter sauce bursting with rich flavor and simplicity.
They blend into an easy, delicious concoction perfect for pasta, bread, or veggies.

Ingredient Quantities

1/2 cup unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, finely minced

1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

How to Make this

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1. Start by placing a small saucepan on low heat and add 1/2 cup unsalted butter.

2. Let the butter melt completely, stirring every now and then so it doesn’t burn.

3. Once the butter is melted, add in the 4 garlic cloves that you finely minced.

4. Stir the garlic in the melted butter gently so that the flavor infuses into the butter.

5. Keep an eye on the garlic, letting it cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until it starts smelling awesome without turning brown.

6. Sprinkle in the 1/4 teaspoon salt, or use a little more if you taste that it needs it.

7. Stir well so the salt mixes in evenly throughout the sauce.

8. Remove the pan from the heat as soon as the garlic becomes fragrant to avoid burning it.

9. Let the sauce sit for a minute so it thickens up just a little bit and the flavors meld together.

10. Pour the Garlic Butter Sauce over your pasta, steak, chicken, fish, or veggies and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Stove
3. Measuring cup
4. Measuring spoon
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Wooden spoon

FAQ

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

A: Its best to stick with unsalted butter so you can control the salt level but if you only have salted butter you can adjust the extra salt accordingly.

Q: How long can I store the garlic butter sauce?

A: You can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5 to 7 days, just make sure you reheat it gently.

Q: What dishes can i use this sauce on?

A: This sauce goes great on pasta, vegetables, as a spread on bread, or even over grilled meats so its a versatile option.

Q: Can I adjust the amount of garlic?

A: Yes you can add more garlic if you love that punch or cut it down if you prefer a milder flavour its really up to your taste.

Q: Can i make a dairy free version?

A: Butter really gives it that rich flavour so its key for the original recipe; however you can try a plant based butter alternative if needed but expect a slightly different taste.

Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can swap unsalted butter for salted butter or ghee, but just remember to cut down on the extra salt added later.
If you dont have fresh garlic cloves, try using a spoonful of garlic paste or a pinch of garlic powder instead, but use less if its powder since it’s stronger.
You can replace regular salt with sea salt or kosher salt, keeping in mind that the amounts might need a small tweak.

Pro Tips

1. Don’t leave the garlic unattended—it’s real easy for it to burn if you stray even for a moment, and burnt garlic makes the sauce taste bitter.
2. Keep the heat low and stir it gently: even if it seems like it could be cooked faster, slow and steady really helps the flavors blend better.
3. Taste as you cook, then add a touch more salt if you think it needs it—sometimes a little extra sprinkle can really make the sauce pop.
4. If you’re feeling adventurous try tossing in a small pinch of dried herbs like thyme or parsley at the end, it adds an extra kick without much extra effort.

Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

207

kcal

Equipment: 1. Small saucepan
2. Stove
3. Measuring cup
4. Measuring spoon
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Wooden spoon

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Directions

Start by placing a small saucepan on low heat and add 1/2 cup unsalted butter.
Let the butter melt completely, stirring every now and then so it doesn’t burn.
Once the butter is melted, add in the 4 garlic cloves that you finely minced.
Stir the garlic in the melted butter gently so that the flavor infuses into the butter.
Keep an eye on the garlic, letting it cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until it starts smelling awesome without turning brown.
Sprinkle in the 1/4 teaspoon salt, or use a little more if you taste that it needs it.
Stir well so the salt mixes in evenly throughout the sauce.
Remove the pan from the heat as soon as the garlic becomes fragrant to avoid burning it.
Let the sauce sit for a minute so it thickens up just a little bit and the flavors meld together.
Pour the Garlic Butter Sauce over your pasta, steak, chicken, fish, or veggies and enjoy!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.