I was intrigued by how simple ingredients like unsalted butter, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice could meld into a captivating flavor. This Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce, brightened by fresh parsley and balanced with salt and pepper, perfectly complements seafood, pasta, and more, adding that extra spark to your favorite dishes.

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I recently stumbled upon the best garlic butter sauce recipe that’s surprisingly quick and impressively versatile. I mix 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 4 minced garlic cloves, then add a tablespoon of lemon juice for that unexpected tang.

Stirring in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley not only brightens the look but also adds a fresh burst of flavor. I season it all with salt to taste and a dash of 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

I’ve used this sauce with seafood, tossed it with pasta, and even drizzled it over a hearty steak, making it a real game-changer in my kitchen. For those of us who love experimenting with butter marinades and rich garlic sauces, this recipe is a must-try.

Its simplicity and rich flavor profile can also turn it into a perfect option when in the mood for an oyster butter sauce or even a sauce for crusty bread. Enjoy experimenting!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this garlic butter sauce recipe for several reasons. First, I love that it’s super easy to make. Even if I’m in a rush, I can melt the butter, toss in the garlic, and have a delicious sauce ready in minutes. Second, the mix of flavors is awesome. I like how the garlic, lemon, and parsley come together to give pretty balanced taste, with a little tang from the lemon and a fresh kick from the parsley. Third, I appreciate how versatile it is. Whether I’m making seafood, pasta, or even steak, this sauce just works every time.

This garlic butter sauce recipe isnt complicated at all. Its the best one because you can whip it up really quickly and it tastes great. I love that its made with simple ingredients like butter, garlic, and lemon, and then you add in parsley and a pinch of salt and pepper. Its perfect to drizzle over almost anything and makes any meal taste a bit fancier even if its just a simple dinner at home. Enjoying this sauce is like having a little homemade treat that makes everything taste better.

Ingredients

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Hey yall, here’s a breakdown of some key ingredients in our garlic butter sauce.

Each one plays an important role in flavor and nutrition, and they work together to create a tasty, balanced sauce.

Unsalted butter: Provides rich, creamy texture and healthy fats without extra salt.
Garlic: Offers potent antioxidants, a mild spicy note, and naturally boosts immunity.
Lemon juice: Infuses a bright tangy sour kick while enhancing overall flavor balance.
Fresh parsley: Adds vibrant color, mild earthiness, and essential vitamins for health.
Salt: Elevates and intensifies flavors so all ingredients can shine.
Black pepper: Delivers a sharp, pungent spice that subtly enlivens the dish.

Ingredient Quantities

1/2 cup unsalted butter (about 1 stick)

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed if possible)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Salt to taste

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How to Make this

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1. Start by melting 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low medium heat until it’s just melted.

2. Lower the heat, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and stir them into the butter.

3. Let the garlic and butter simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes so the garlic gets soft and fragrant but doesnt burn.

4. Stir in 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, making sure it’s well mixed with the garlic butter.

5. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley into the saucepan, giving it a good stir.

6. Season the sauce with salt to taste and sprinkle about 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.

7. Keep stirring and let the sauce simmer for another minute to blend all the flavors together.

8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for a minute before using.

9. Drizzle over your seafood, pasta, or steak, or use it as a dipping sauce for bread.

10. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter sauce while it’s warm!

Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Measuring cup
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Stirring spoon

FAQ

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

A: Yeah, you can! Just let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When you're ready to use it, warm it gently on the stove.

Q: What kind of dishes does this sauce go with?

A: This garlic butter sauce is super versatile. It works with pasta, grilled chicken, veggies, or even as a dip for some crusty bread.

Q: Can I tweak the ingredients to suit my taste?

A: Totally. If you like some extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or more lemon juice for tang. Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor profile a bit.

Q: Is it okay to use salted butter if I run out of unsalted?

A: Yes, that's fine. Just remember to cut back on the extra salt to avoid over seasoning.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from separating when I heat it up?

A: To keep it smooth, heat the sauce slowly over low heat and stir it often. This way, the butter and other ingredients mix well without separating.

The Best Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Unsalted butter: you can swap it with salted butter or even a high quality margarine if needed, but keep in mind you may need to cut down on extra salt
Garlic cloves: if you run out of fresh garlic, try using garlic powder instead (about 1/8 teaspoon per clove) but it wont give quite the same depth of flavor
Lemon juice: lime juice works as a great substitute or you could use a mild vinegar like white wine vinegar if you’re in a pinch
Fresh parsley: you can use dried parsley (use one third of the amount called for fresh) or even a bit of cilantro if you want a slightly different herby note

Pro Tips

1. Try cooking the garlic in the melted butter over low heat so it softens and gives off a sweet aroma without burning; burnt garlic can ruin the whole sauce.
2. When you add the lemon juice, use just a little at a time and stir it in really well so its tang is spread evenly throughout the butter.
3. Fresh parsley is key so make sure its really chopped and add it right before you take the saucepan off the heat to keep its bright flavor intact.
4. Taste as you go and season with salt and pepper gradually; it’s easier to add more seasoning than to fix a sauce that’s too salty or bland.

The Best Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

101

kcal

Equipment: 1. Small saucepan
2. Measuring cup
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Stirring spoon

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter (about 1 stick)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Start by melting 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low medium heat until it's just melted.
Lower the heat, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and stir them into the butter.
Let the garlic and butter simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes so the garlic gets soft and fragrant but doesnt burn.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, making sure it's well mixed with the garlic butter.
Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley into the saucepan, giving it a good stir.
Season the sauce with salt to taste and sprinkle about 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Keep stirring and let the sauce simmer for another minute to blend all the flavors together.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for a minute before using.
Drizzle over your seafood, pasta, or steak, or use it as a dipping sauce for bread.
Enjoy your delicious garlic butter sauce while it's warm!

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.