- Can I use margarine?
- It's not recommended. Margarine has a high water content and lacks the flavor profile needed for a silky, rich finish.
Lemon Herb Butter Sauce
Think of this as the liquid cousin of a compound butter. It's a triumph of simplicity: high-quality butter melting into the essential oils of fresh herbs. It doesn't require complex techniques, just a watchful eye to ensure the butter foams rather than burns, gently coaxing out the aromas.
Ingredients
1
stick (4 oz)
Unsalted Butter (high quality)
1
tbsp
Fresh Parsley
1
tsp
Fresh Basil
1
tsp
Fresh Thyme Leaves
1
clove
Garlic
2
tsp
Lemon Juice
1
pinch
Salt
1
pinch
White Pepper
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Small Saucepan
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
Allergen Information
Milk
Instructions
1
✓
Wash and thoroughly dry the herbs, then chop them very finely. Grate the garlic.
Tip: Wet herbs will splatter when hitting hot butter, so ensure they are dry.
2
✓
Melt the butter over low heat. When it begins to foam, add the garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds.
Tip: The foaming indicates water is evaporating from the butter.
3
✓
Remove the pan from the heat immediately! Stir in the chopped herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Tip: Do not cook the herbs; the residual heat of the butter is enough to release their oils without darkening them.
4
✓
Serve immediately while warm and liquid.
Tip: If it cools, it will solidify, but can be refrigerated and used as a compound butter later.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1 stick (4 oz) Unsalted Butter (high quality)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley
- 1 tsp Fresh Basil
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves
- 1 clove Garlic
- 2 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 pinch White Pepper