Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
This creamy lemon butter sauce is a luscious and tangy accompaniment, perfect for drizzling over fish, chicken, or vegetables. Made with unsalted butter, garlic, heavy cream, and fresh lemon, it combines rich and zesty flavors in a smooth, velvety texture. The sauce comes together quickly on the stovetop, enhanced with optional Dijon mustard and fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 120 grams unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 240 millilitres heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it begins to bubble, being careful not to let it brown.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is aromatic and lightly softened.
- Simmer with Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Lemon Flavours: Stir in the finely grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Continue to simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes to infuse the citrus flavors.
- Season and Finish: Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk in the Dijon mustard if using, to add an extra depth of flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the sauce from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve immediately over your preferred dish.
Notes
- Be careful not to brown the butter during melting to maintain a smooth, light sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for a bright citrus flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice for best results.
- Dijon mustard is optional but adds a nice complexity to the sauce.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled or baked fish, chicken breasts, steamed vegetables, or pasta.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, but flavor and texture will differ.
Keywords: lemon butter sauce, creamy lemon sauce, butter sauce, lemon cream sauce, garlic lemon sauce
Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/creamy-lemon-butter-sauce-recipe/
