Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce

The Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce is a tangy and buttery delight, enhanced with a touch of garlic. Unlike basic lemon butter recipes that simply combine melted butter and lemon juice, this sauce is more sophisticated, resembling a French Beurre Blanc. It’s an emulsified sauce that delivers a rich, creamy texture and vibrant flavor.

It may take a bit more time to prepare than a simple lemon butter sauce, the result is a luscious sauce that perfectly complements seared fish, vegetables, or rice. This recipe promises to elevate your dishes with its bright and savory profile.

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce

• White Wine: Use ½ cup of a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, or Pinot Grigio, to add depth and complexity. If you prefer, you can substitute this with chicken broth.
• Fresh Garlic Clove: Include 1 clove of minced garlic (optional) for a subtle garlic flavor. You could also add fresh herbs like thyme, dill, parsley, or chives for extra freshness.
• Heavy Cream: Use ½ cup of heavy whipping cream, which provides a rich and creamy texture to the sauce.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Add 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice to bring a bright, tangy flavor.
• Butter: Incorporate 4 tablespoons of butter, either salted or unsalted, to create a smooth and creamy finish.
• Salt and Pepper: Season the sauce to taste with salt and either white or black pepper. White pepper is milder, which can work well in this sauce.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients: Have ½ cup of white wine, 1 clove of minced garlic, ½ cup of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 4 tablespoons of butter, and salt and pepper ready.

Step 2: Reduce Wine and Garlic

Combine wine and garlic: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the white wine and minced garlic. Stir gently.

Step 3: Simmer Until Reduced

Reduce the mixture: Allow the wine and garlic to simmer until the liquid reduces by about half. This should take around 5-7 minutes. The alcohol will evaporate, leaving behind a concentrated flavor.

Step 4: Add Heavy Cream

Incorporate cream: Pour in ½ cup of heavy cream into the saucepan with the reduced wine and garlic. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Cook the mixture: Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Add Lemon Juice

Stir in lemon juice: Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to the sauce, mixing well. Let it simmer for an additional minute to combine the flavors.

Step 7: Remove from Heat

Take the saucepan off the heat: Remove the pan from the heat source once the sauce has thickened and is well combined.

Step 8: Whisk in Butter

Incorporate butter: Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the sauce, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until each piece is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Season the Sauce

Add salt and pepper: Taste the sauce and season with salt and either white or black pepper to your liking. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Serve the sauce: Pour the creamy lemon butter sauce over your favorite dishes, such as seared fish, seafood, or vegetables, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Grilled Chicken: Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts for a flavorful twist.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Use the sauce as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over roasted asparagus or other seasonal vegetables to enhance their natural flavors.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Pour the sauce over baked stuffed mushrooms as a rich and tangy topping that complements the savory filling.

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