Made with just a few simple ingredients, this garlic butter sauce is a quick and easy way to enhance the flavors of any dish. It serves multifunctionally as a pasta sauce, dipping sauce, or a marinade for meats and vegetables.
8tablespoonsunsalted butterpreferably European style butter*
3clovesgarlicfinely minced
¼teaspoonKosher saltplus more to taste
¼teaspoonground black pepperoptional
1tablespoonfresh parsleychopped, optional
Instructions
Heat a small skillet (or small saucepan) over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
Add the garlic and stir until soft for approximately 2-3 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in the salt. If using, add the pepper and parsley as well. Serve or use in your recipe.
Notes
Butter: You can make this sauce using salted butter. However, if you use unsalted butter, we recommend omitting salt. Alternatively, you can use clarified butter (aka ghee) as a vegan option. Garlic ghee sauce is just as tasty without any dairy.
Optional Add-ins: Depending on the recipe you are planning to use this sauce, you can easily flavor it with dried herbs and spices, parmesan cheese, or add a splash of lemon juice and lemon zest to brighten the flavors.
Store: To store garlic butter sauce, place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheat: I recommend reheating it just before serving. Reheat it over low heat in a small saucepan or the microwave (5-second increments) until it reaches your desired heat and consistency.
Freeze: To freeze, first let it reach room temperature. Then, you can pour it into an airtight container or ice cube trays to make individual portions. Store the sauce in the freezer until ready to use.
Thaw: There’s no need to thaw your frozen butter garlic sauce. Instead, reheat it just before serving.