EASY Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe (Seafood, Steak or Pasta) (2024)

This Garlic Butter Sauce, also known as garlic herb butter, is the ultimate in silky and delicious compound butters. Using lemon, parsley, fresh garlic and salt, it is a verstile sauce that can be made ahead of time.

EASY Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe (Seafood, Steak or Pasta) (1)

This post used to house my garlic sauce for pizza. The perfect easy sauce recipe to dip pizza, pizza crust and breadsticks, but so many people were angry telling me it wasn’t a real garlic butter sauce. In fact, it was, but not what they were looking for.

So I made this post an elevated herb garlic butter suited for seafood and other uses and new post for the pizza garlic sauce.

EASY Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe (Seafood, Steak or Pasta) (2)

What's In This Article

What Butter To Use

This delicious sauce is one of those times when the quality of butter is important. This garlic sauce is such a simple recipe, that choosing quality ingredients is very important and not all butters are created equal.

While it is fine to just throw a stick of butter in the pan, consider using cultured or European butter for a tangy, robust flavor. You can also use clarified butter, butter with milk solids and water removed.

Some mass produced brands supplement their butter sauces with vegetable oil or olive oil. To me, that is just greasy, so I stick with the basics.

EASY Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe (Seafood, Steak or Pasta) (3)

Butter Grades

Butter is required to have an 80% butterfat, but cheaper butters might also have more water.

American butter typically doesn’t have as much flavor either. Grades, ranging from the best grade AA to grade B, are based on flavor, body, color and salt and water content.

For just bread and butter, or something where the dish is butter-forward with uncooked butter, splurge for the AA grade. If you plan to mix it, clarify it or use it minimally, opt for a lower grade. I keep 3 types of butter in my house.

The good stuff for bread, toast and bagels. It is typically already salted. A middle grade for basic cooking, also usually salted. And unsalted middle grade for baking.

Ingredients

This recipe uses basic ingredients, but simmered together for a short period of time, they are pure magic.

  • Unsalted Butter- The butter being clarified isn’t mandatory, but it is the only way to get that liquid gold look without the white froth. Unsalted is best so you can adjust the saltiness, but if it is salted, omit additional salt.
  • Fresh Garlic Cloves– Again with the quality of ingredients, use fresh garlic and not the jarred stuff or garlic powder. It is the only way to get real garlic flavor and not sweet. Garlic can be amped up by finely mincing, grating or pressing and taken back a little by a coarse chop or even slices. It all depends on how many membranes and fibers are broken. So whole garlic if often less garlicky than juiced or migrated. Garlic lovers unite!
  • Flat leaf parsley– Flat leaf is also known as Italian parsley and has the true parsley flavor. Curly parsley is used more for garnish than flavor. Other fresh herbs can be substituted or added in addition to, just make sure they are fresh. Chives, tarragon, thyme and rosemary are all winners, just make sure they are finely minced. Just don’t use any dried herbs.
  • Lemon Zest– Zest will give the most pure lemon flavor. Many recipes also use fresh lemon juice, but this will separate in the sauce, so for recipes like seafood, you are better off giving a spritz right before serving in addition to the garlic butter sauce than stirring it in.
  • Coarse Kosher Salt– Always my go-to, it is the least salty of the salts. If using a fine sea salt, reduce to just a small pinch and omit altogether if you use a salted butter.
EASY Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe (Seafood, Steak or Pasta) (4)

Make It!

This rich buttery sauce is so easy to make.

  1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Don’t let the heat get too high.
  2. Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh parsley and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes, then remove from the heat and set aside so the flavors can marry.
  3. Butter will harden if it gets too cool, simply reheat until melted.
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Variations

This easy sauce has so many ways to make it your own through easy customizations. Here are a few of my favorites.

  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Ground black pepper
  • Addition of more fresh herbs
  • Dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika
  • Dash of hot sauce
  • Splash of white wine at the end

Ways to Use It

It’s a garlic butter sauce, so really what can’t you use it on?

  • Grilled lobster or fish
  • Shrimp or scallops
  • Over your favorite pasta
  • Spooned over steak frites
  • Whipped into mashed potatoes
  • Basted on easy breadsticks
  • Baked chicken breast or pork tenderloin
  • Drizzled on roasted veggies
  • On garlic bread
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Storage & Freezing

You can store this sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, but remember it will solidify so you’ll need to remelt it. Butter absorbs the flavors around it, so to preserve all of the deliciousness, make sure it is in well sealed container or topped with a piece of plastic wrap.

Can I freeze Garlic Butter Sauce? You can freeze butter, but you want to make sure it is a high quality butter with little to no additional water. You’ll see they are graded on the packaging. Clarified butter freezes better than straight butter with milk solids.

Some folks like to pour slightly cooked butter into ice cube trays, pop them out and then freeze them in airtight plastic bag. I like the silicone ones, they are easier to pop the cubes out.

EASY Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe (Seafood, Steak or Pasta) (7)

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EASY Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe (Seafood, Steak or Pasta) (11)

Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

4.14 from 79 votes

Easygarlic butter saucerecipe is perfect for steak, pasta, fish, shrimp, vegetables, and more! Make ahead and freezer friendly!

Prep Time: 2 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 12 minutes mins

Servings: 0.5 cup

Print RecipePin Recipe SaveRate this Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted clarified butter*
  • 4-5 cloves garlic ,minced
  • 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley ,roughly chopped
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.

  • Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes, then remove from the heat and set aside. Butter will harden if it gets too cool, simply reheat until melted.

  • If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 835 kcal, Carbohydrates: 5 g, Protein: 2 g, Fat: 92 g, Saturated Fat: 58 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 24 g, Trans Fat: 4 g, Cholesterol: 244 mg, Sodium: 1316 mg, Potassium: 104 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 0.4 g, Vitamin A: 3176 IU, Vitamin C: 14 mg, Calcium: 60 mg, Iron: 1 mg

Author: Jessica Formicola

Calories: 835

Course: Condiment, Sauce

Cuisine: American, French

Keyword: butter garlic sauce, garlic butter sauce, lemon garlic butter

Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!

EASY Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe (Seafood, Steak or Pasta) (2024)

FAQs

What is garlic butter sauce made of? ›

Melt butter in a small saucepan. Add garlic, and saute until cooked and fragrant. Add oregano and basil and stir until heated through. Serve warm.

What is seafood butter sauce made of? ›

Seafood boil sauce is thought to have originated in the southern United States. Typically made with garlic, butter, and Old Bay seasoning - a blend of herbs and spices that's popular in the region. The combination of flavours is perfect for accenting cooked seafood.

How to thicken butter garlic sauce? ›

Garlic butter sauce is a rich, flavorful mixture made by sautéing garlic in melted butter over low heat until the butter is fully melted and minced garlic is lightly toasted. How do you thicken garlic butter sauce? To thicken, let the mixture simmer over low heat until it reduces, stirring frequently.

What is creamy garlic sauce made of? ›

Combine butter and garlic in a small skillet and cook over medium low heat until the butter is melted and you can begin to smell the garlic. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute more. Stir in cream, a bit at a time, whisking after each addition. Simmer 2-3 minutes or until thickened.

What is Greek garlic sauce made of? ›

It is a thick sauce/dip that is made by mixing garlic paste with olive oil and a starchy base either potato or bread resulting in a puree that can be grainy or smooth depending on the method of making it.

What is the best butter to melt for seafood? ›

One of the best things about eating lobster, crab, or shrimp (and even scallops) is dipping the juicy, succulent meat into butter and savoring the delicious flavor combination. If you're indulging in a fresh seafood meal that includes those shellfish, clarified butter - also known as drawn butter - is a must.

What is seafood sauce made of? ›

Combine HELLMANN'S Real Mayonnaise, garlic puree, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce. Mix well, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

How to make seafood sauce thicker? ›

Combine equal parts cornstarch and cold water. Stir together until smooth. Pour into your sauce and cook over medium heat, stirring continually, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Why is my garlic sauce not fluffy? ›

Alternating oil and water will yield a fluffy, thick, and stable garlic sauce. Add more oil for a thicker and milder spread or garlic dip, less for a more pungent and free-flowing sauce.

Does lemon juice thicken sauces? ›

It was time for the secret weapon: lemon juice. Turns out, the acidity of the juice acts as a thickening agent, which reacts with the proteins in the dairy to increase the viscosity. It's a similar concept to adding vinegar to milk to make buttermilk, said Clark.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic paste? ›

If you do not have fresh garlic paste on hand and are in a pinch, you can easily substitute fresh or minced garlic in its place. If you need to substitute, each teaspoon of garlic paste can be replaced with 1 large clove of garlic or 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.

How to make garlic paste at home without blender? ›

Instructions
  1. Mince: Smash the garlic cloves under the heel of the knife. ...
  2. Sprinkle with salt: Sprinkle the minced garlic with kosher salt. ...
  3. Scrape into paste: Holding the blunt side of the knife with both hands, press and scrape the sharp end of the knife against the pile of garlic at an angle to flatten the garlic.

What does garlic butter contain? ›

Unsalted butter, garlic, finely chopped fresh parsley or chives, and salt.

What is garlic sauce made of? ›

A very simple garlic sauce can be made by adding crushed or minced garlic to strained yogurt, mayonnaise or sour cream. Lemon juice, salt, pepper and herbs such as dill can be used to impart additional flavour.

Is garlic butter healthier than regular butter? ›

Yes it's better to eat garlic butter coz garlic is a superfood which provides you vitamin C, Selenium, Vitamin B6 and Manganese. Garlic lowers blood sugar due to the compounds called allicin. It reduces cholesterol levels. It can help prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

What is another name for garlic butter? ›

Garlic butter, also known as beurre à la bourguignonne, is a compound butter used as a flavoring for many dishes or as a condiment. It is composed of butter and garlic mixed into a paste. The ingredients are blended and typically chilled before use.

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