- Why is it bitter?
- You likely grated the white pith of the lemon. Only use the yellow zest, which contains the essential oils; the white pith is bitter.
- Can I skip the cream?
- Yes, you'll end up with a 'beurre blanc' style sauce—thinner, but with a more intense flavor profile.
Creamy Lemon Rosemary Sauce
This sauce brings the scent of the Mediterranean coast to your kitchen. The piney, resinous aroma of rosemary and the freshness of lemon are a classic pairing, especially with fatty fish (like salmon) or roasted chicken. The butter and cream act as carriers, taming the lemon's acidity and creating a luscious coating.
Ingredients
4
tbsp
Butter (1/2 stick)
1
whole
Lemon (Juice and Zest)
1/2
cup
Heavy Cream
1
tsp
Fresh Rosemary (finely chopped)
1
clove
Garlic
1
pinch
Salt
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Small Skillet
- Zester/Grater
- Citrus Juicer
Allergen Information
Milk
Instructions
1
✓
Finely chop the rosemary leaves and smash the garlic. Zest the lemon, then juice it.
Tip: Rosemary leaves can be tough; chop them very fine to avoid an unpleasant texture.
2
✓
Melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and rosemary, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Tip: Fat helps extract flavor from herbs. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3
✓
Pour in the lemon juice and cream. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Tip: The cream stabilizes the mixture, creating a uniform emulsion.
4
✓
Remove from heat, stir in the lemon zest, and season with salt.
Tip: Don't cook the zest; add it at the very end to preserve its fresh aroma.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp Butter (1/2 stick)
- 1 whole Lemon (Juice and Zest)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 tsp Fresh Rosemary (finely chopped)
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 pinch Salt