Citrus Herb Butter Sauce
This Citrus Herb Butter Sauce delivers a rich and vibrant flavor that beautifully enhances a variety of fish and poultry dishes. Combining the brightness of fresh lemon juice with the aromatic notes of garlic and shallot, this sauce captures the essence of the seaside dining experience. Ideal for drizzling over grilled salmon, sautéed scallops, or roasted chicken, its creamy texture and zesty flavor create a perfect balance that will impress your guests and elevate your culinary creations. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this sauce is sure to be a favorite.
10
Servings
80
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh garlic
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Fresh shallot
1 tablespoon (chopped)
White wine
2 tablespoons (preferably Chablis)
Fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons (squeezed)
Unsalted butter
1/2 lb (cold, cut into 1/4-inch squares)
Salt
1 pinch
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped garlic, shallot, white wine, and fresh lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
2
Continue to cook the mixture until the volume is reduced by half, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low to keep the mixture warm without boiling.
3
Gradually add the cold butter pieces to the saucepan, whisking continuously after each addition to ensure the sauce remains smooth and emulsified.
4
Once all the butter has been incorporated and the sauce is creamy, stir in a pinch of salt to taste.
5
To achieve a velvety texture, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate small pan to remove any solids.
6
Serve the Citrus Herb Butter Sauce immediately, drizzling it over your favorite fish or poultry dishes for a delightful burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
0.3g
Carbs
0.1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Herb Butter Sauce?
It is a rich and vibrant sauce made with fresh lemon juice, garlic, shallots, and butter, designed to enhance fish and poultry dishes.
What dishes pair best with this sauce?
This sauce is ideal for drizzling over grilled salmon, sauteed scallops, or roasted chicken.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are fresh garlic, shallots, white wine, fresh lemon juice, unsalted butter, and salt.
What type of white wine is recommended?
The recipe recommends using a dry white wine, preferably Chablis.
Why must the butter be cold?
Cold butter is used and whisked in gradually to ensure the sauce emulsifies properly and maintains a smooth, creamy texture.
How long should I reduce the liquid?
You should simmer the mixture for about 3-4 minutes or until the volume is reduced by half.
Do I need to strain the sauce?
Yes, straining the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve helps achieve a velvety texture by removing the solids.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving.
Can I use salted butter?
You can use salted butter, but you should reduce or omit the additional pinch of salt to maintain the right flavor balance.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this sauce is naturally gluten-free.
What can I substitute for shallots?
You can use finely minced yellow onion or the white parts of green onions as a substitute.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
To prevent breaking, keep the heat on low and whisk the cold butter in small pieces continuously.
Is this sauce suitable for a keto diet?
With only 0.3g of carbohydrates and 9g of fat, this sauce is very keto-friendly.
How should I serve this sauce?
The sauce should be served immediately for the best flavor and consistency.
Can I add fresh herbs to this sauce?
Yes, adding fresh parsley, chives, or dill at the end can further enhance the 'herb' profile of the sauce.
What is the protein content?
This sauce contains approximately 0.1g of protein per serving.
Can I make this sauce without alcohol?
You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth or extra lemon juice diluted with a little water.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh garlic.
What size should I cut the butter into?
The butter should be cut into 1/4-inch squares before being added to the sauce.
Is this sauce spicy?
No, this is a savory, tangy, and buttery sauce with no heat.
Can I use this for pasta?
Yes, it makes a delicious, light coating for seafood pasta dishes.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
Should I boil the sauce after adding butter?
No, avoid boiling the sauce once the butter is added, as high heat will cause the emulsion to break.
What makes this a gourmet sauce?
The technique of reducing wine and aromatics then mounting with cold butter creates a restaurant-quality finish.
How much salt should I add?
Add a single pinch of salt, or adjust to your personal taste once the sauce is emulsified.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is classified as an easy recipe, though it requires attention during the whisking process.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients used to make this Citrus Herb Butter Sauce.