This garlic butter sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes. Whether you're drizzling it over pasta, using it as a dipping sauce for bread, or enhancing the taste of your favorite seafood, this sauce is sure to impress with its rich, buttery, and garlicky goodness.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, you might need to pick up some fresh parsley if you don't already have it on hand. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to the sauce, making it a key component to elevate the overall flavor.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Butter: Provides a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
Parsley: Brings a fresh and vibrant element to the sauce.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When melting the butter in the saucepan, make sure to do it over medium heat to prevent it from browning too quickly. Browning the butter can alter the flavor profile of your garlic butter sauce. Keep a close eye on the minced garlic as it cooks; you want it to become fragrant but not burnt, which can happen quickly. Stir constantly to ensure even cooking and to release the aromatic oils from the garlic. When adding the salt and black pepper, taste as you go to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Finally, add the fresh parsley off the heat to preserve its bright color and fresh flavor.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a rich flavor and is a healthier fat option.
unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can mimic the texture and spreadability of butter.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile, though it is less pungent.
minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter taste that can complement the sauce.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more nuanced flavor compared to regular table salt.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different heat profile and can add a subtle complexity.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice to the sauce.
chopped fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley can provide a similar flavor, though it is less vibrant.
chopped fresh parsley - Substitute with basil: Basil offers a different but complementary herbal note to the sauce.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Sauce
How to Store or Freeze This Sauce
- Allow the garlic butter sauce to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to a watery sauce.
- Transfer the sauce into an airtight container or a mason jar. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the sauce's freshness.
- Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of its shelf life.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. The garlic butter sauce will stay fresh for up to one week.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce. Pour the cooled sauce into an ice cube tray for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- When ready to use, thaw the desired amount of sauce in the refrigerator overnight or reheat it gently on the stove over low heat.
- Avoid microwaving the frozen sauce directly, as this can cause uneven heating and alter the texture.
- If you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell, discard the sauce. Freshness is key to maintaining the delightful flavors of garlic and butter.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method: Place the leftover garlic butter sauce in a small saucepan. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the butter to separate.
Microwave Method: Transfer the garlic butter sauce to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a paper towel to prevent splattering. Heat on medium power in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the sauce is heated evenly.
Double Boiler Method: Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl with the garlic butter sauce over the pot, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir occasionally until the sauce is warm and smooth.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the garlic butter sauce in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sauce is warmed to your liking.
Best Tools for Making This Sauce
Saucepan: A medium-sized pan used to melt the butter and cook the garlic.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the butter, garlic, salt, and pepper without scratching the saucepan.
Garlic press: Useful for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the salt and black pepper.
Chopping board: A surface to chop the fresh parsley.
Chef's knife: Used to finely chop the fresh parsley.
Heat-resistant spatula: Handy for scraping down the sides of the saucepan and ensuring all ingredients are well-mixed.
How to Save Time on Making This Sauce
Pre-mince the garlic: Mince the garlic in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Use pre-chopped parsley: Buy pre-chopped parsley from the store to save chopping time.
Melt butter in microwave: Use the microwave to melt the butter quickly instead of a saucepan.
Measure ingredients beforehand: Measure out the salt and pepper before starting to streamline the process.

Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup Butter unsalted
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley chopped
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the salt and black pepper.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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