Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce 🍋🧄

This zesty, creamy sauce is bursting with flavor and is super versatile! With a perfect blend of fresh lemon, garlic, and butter, it's ideal for enhancing a variety of dishes. Whether you're looking to elevate your seafood or pasta, this sauce will take your meals to the next level. Trust us, once you try it, you'll want to drizzle it on everything!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well to combine.
5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

🥄 For a smoother sauce, consider straining out the garlic bits after cooking. However, leaving them in adds great flavor!

Ideas for Use

1. Seafood Delight: Drizzle over grilled shrimp or pan-seared salmon for a bright, zesty flavor boost! 🍤

2. Pasta Perfection: Toss with spaghetti and sautéed vegetables for a quick and delicious pasta dish. 🥗

3. Roasted Veggies: Use as a finishing sauce for roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.

4. Chicken Glaze: Brush over chicken breasts before baking for an added layer of taste and moisture. 🐔

5. Popcorn Topping: Drizzle over freshly popped popcorn for a gourmet movie night snack! 🍿

6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brush the sauce on grilled corn for a tangy twist to your summer BBQ. 🌽

7. Savory Toast: Spread on toasted bread or baguette slices for a quick appetizer; top with sliced tomatoes or avocado for extra flavor! 🥑

8. Baked Potatoes: Spoon over baked or mashed potatoes for a deliciously simple side dish. 🥔

9. Sizzling Fajitas: Use it as a marinade for fajita veggies like bell peppers and onions before grilling for a citrusy kick! 🌶️

10. Flavorful Soups: Incorporate into soups or stews for depth and a creamy finish.

🧊 This sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat over low heat before using again!

Variations

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or chives for an aromatic twist. 🌿
• Spicy Kick: Mix in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat! 🌶️
• White Wine Upgrade: Pour in a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic for added depth of flavor. 🍷
• Dairy-Free: Swap butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version!

Once you’ve made this vibrant Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce, you'll find countless ways to enjoy its bright and buttery goodness! 🌟