Traditional Lemon Butter

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 3 min
🍽 Serves: 8

If you're looking to elevate your dishes with a touch of zesty brightness, this Traditional Lemon Butter is a must-try. Its simple yet decadent charm makes it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire, perfect for adding a citrusy punch to everything from grilled fish to fresh vegetables.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with just five ingredients.
  • Adds a refreshing lemony twist to any meal.
  • Perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by taking your unsalted butter out of the fridge and letting it sit at room temperature until it softens. This makes it easier to blend with the other ingredients. While the butter is softening, you can zest your lemon. Make sure to only get the yellow outer layer, as the white pith underneath can be bitter.

Once softened, place the butter into a mixing bowl. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the butter. You’re looking for a uniform consistency here.

Lay out a sheet of parchment paper on your counter. Spoon the butter mixture onto the parchment, forming a rough log shape. Roll the parchment around the butter, twisting the ends tightly to seal it into a neat log. This not only helps with portioning but also makes it easier to slice once it’s solidified.

Pop the butter log into the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chilling time is essential as it allows the flavors to meld together and the butter to firm up. Once set, your lemon butter is ready to be enjoyed!

Tips & Tricks

  • For a more intense lemon flavor, use organic lemons to ensure the zest is free from any wax coatings.
  • If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
  • Wrap the butter log in plastic wrap before refrigerating to prevent it from picking up any fridge odors.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon butter pairs beautifully with grilled or baked fish, adding a fresh, zesty finish. It’s also excellent melted over steamed vegetables or swirled into mashed potatoes. For a breakfast treat, try spreading it on warm, crusty bread or a freshly baked scone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but remember to reduce the added salt to avoid an overly salty butter.
How long will this lemon butter last?
It can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly.
Can I freeze lemon butter?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and it can be frozen for up to three months.

Ingredients Explained

Butter is the creamy base that carries the rich flavor, making the butter smooth and spreadable. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the final product.

Lemon zest imparts a fragrant citrus aroma, capturing the essential oils of the lemon's skin. It’s the zest, not the juice, that carries the most intense lemon flavor.

Fresh lemon juice adds a tart, tangy brightness, balancing the richness of the butter with its lively acidity.

Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, making each mouthful more savory and satisfying.

Black pepper gives a subtle hint of warmth and depth, rounding out the flavor profile without overpowering the citrus notes.

Simplified Instructions

1. Soften the butter at room temperature.
2. In a bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper.
5. Shape and roll into a log, twisting the ends to seal.
6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to solidify.

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