Lemon Herb Garlic Butter

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 6 min
🍽 Serves: 16
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This Lemon Herb Garlic Butter is a game-changer for any meal. With its fresh, zesty kick and aromatic herbs, it’s like a flavor bomb that explodes in the best way possible. Ideal for adding a gourmet touch to your everyday dishes.

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Garlic Butter

Butter is the creamy base that carries all the flavors, making this spread rich and indulgent. Garlic brings a robust, savory element that’s a classic favorite. The lemon zest adds a refreshing zing, while fresh parsley adds an earthy balance. Thyme leaves introduce a subtle, aromatic note, and the salt and black pepper tie it all together, enhancing and rounding out the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For easier mixing, allow the butter to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  • Use a microplane for zesting the lemon; it makes a finer zest that distributes better.
  • Swap out parsley and thyme for your favorite herbs if you prefer; basil or dill work wonderfully too.

Serving Suggestions

This butter is a match made in heaven with grilled steaks or roasted chicken. It also elevates a simple loaf of crusty bread to something extraordinary. Try melting a pat over steamed veggies or tossing it with pasta for a quick and flavorful meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just reduce the amount of added salt to taste.
How long will this butter keep?
Stored in the fridge, it will last for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
If fresh herbs aren’t available, use about one-third the amount of dried herbs.

Lemon Herb Garlic Butter Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl and tossing in your softened butter. If your butter is still a bit hard, you can give it a quick zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds, but be careful not to melt it. Add the minced garlic and use a fork to mash and mix until they’re nicely combined. You’re aiming for a smooth, well-mixed base here.

Once your garlic and butter are best friends, it’s time to add the zest of one lemon. Use a fine grater or zester and make sure to only grate the yellow part, avoiding the bitter white pith. Toss in the lemon zest along with your chopped parsley, thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly. You want those herbs and seasonings to be evenly distributed throughout the butter.

Now, place a piece of parchment paper on your counter. Scoop the butter mixture onto the paper and shape it into a log. Roll it up tightly in the parchment paper, twisting the ends to seal it. Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This chilling time allows all those flavors to meld together into something magical.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Packs a punch of flavor with minimal effort.
  • Versatile enough to enhance any dish, from steaks to veggies.
  • Easy to make ahead and store for later use.
  • Perfect for impressing guests with homemade flair.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter and minced garlic using a fork until well mixed.
2. Add lemon zest, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper to the butter mixture.
3. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
4. Transfer the garlic butter onto a piece of parchment paper and roll into a log shape.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

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