Bold creamy butter sauce (Printable)

Creamy butter infusion with lemon, garlic, Dijon, and spices enhancing various dishes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter

→ Fresh

02 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)

→ Pantry

06 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
08 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
11 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

# Method:

01 - In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter until just foamy.
02 - Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
03 - Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, kosher salt, and cayenne if using.
04 - Simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to blend flavors.
05 - Remove from heat and stir in parsley, chives, and thyme leaves.
06 - Serve immediately as a warm condiment or use as a dipping sauce for steak, seafood, vegetables, or bread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms plain grilled chicken or shrimp into something you'd order at a restaurant.
  • The lemon and mustard cut through the richness so it never feels heavy.
  • You can make it in the time it takes your steak to rest.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even bolder the next day.
02 -
  • Keep the heat low or the butter will separate and turn greasy instead of staying creamy.
  • Add the fresh herbs at the very end so they stay vibrant and don't turn muddy brown.
  • If the sauce feels too thick after cooling, warm it gently and whisk in a teaspoon of water or lemon juice.
03 -
  • Make a double batch and freeze half in an ice cube tray, then pop out a cube whenever you need instant flavor.
  • Use European-style butter with higher fat content for an even silkier, richer sauce.
  • Taste it before serving and adjust the heat, salt, or lemon to match your mood.
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