Lemon butter is a delightful and versatile spread that adds a burst of fresh, tangy flavor to many dishes. Whether you want to jazz up your fish, vegetables, pasta, or just enjoy it on toast, making lemon butter at home is quick, easy, and incredibly rewarding. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make lemon butter from scratch, plus tips on how to use and store it.
What Is Lemon Butter?
Lemon butter is essentially butter infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, combined with a pinch of salt. The result is a creamy, flavorful butter that balances the richness of butter with the bright, citrusy notes of lemon. It’s perfect for adding a gourmet touch to everyday meals or serving as a delicious appetizer spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of lemon butter is in its simplicity. You only need a few quality ingredients:
– Butter: Use a good-quality butter with at least 82% fat content. Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the saltiness, but salted butter works too if you adjust accordingly.
– Lemon: Choose an untreated, fresh yellow lemon because you’ll be using both the zest and juice. Avoid the bitter white pith when zesting.
– Salt: A pinch of fine salt like fleur de sel or regular fine salt to enhance the flavors.
That’s it! Just three ingredients for a flavorful spread.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Lemon Butter
1. Soften the Butter
Take the butter out of the refrigerator and let it soften at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. Soft butter is easier to mix and will absorb the lemon flavor better.
2. Prepare the Lemon
Using a fine grater or zester, carefully grate only the yellow part of the lemon peel. Avoid the white pith as it can be bitter. Then, cut the lemon in half and squeeze out the juice. You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of zest and 1 tablespoon of juice for every half cup of butter.
3. Mix the Ingredients
Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter. Use a fork or an electric mixer to whip everything together until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. This usually takes a few minutes.
4. Taste and Adjust
Give your lemon butter a taste. If you want it more tangy, add a little more lemon juice or zest. If needed, adjust the salt to your liking.
5. Store or Serve
You can serve the lemon butter immediately or transfer it to an airtight container or a butter mold. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Let it soften a bit before serving for easy spreading.
Tips for the Best Lemon Butter
– Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon zest and juice provide the brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice or dried zest won’t give the same freshness.
– Choose quality butter: Butter is the base, so pick one with good fat content and flavor.
– Don’t overdo the zest: Too much zest can make the butter bitter. Stick to about a tablespoon per half cup of butter.
– Add herbs for variety: For a twist, mix in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to complement the lemon flavor.
Delicious Ways to Use Lemon Butter
Lemon butter is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Spread it on warm toast, croissants, or English muffins for a bright breakfast treat.
– Melt it over grilled or baked fish to enhance the natural flavors.
– Toss it with steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or spinach.
– Stir it into cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful sauce.
– Use it as a finishing touch on roasted potatoes or butternut squash.
– Serve it as part of a butter board or appetizer spread with crackers and bread.
Storing Lemon Butter
Keep your lemon butter in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it in small portions for longer storage. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature for easy spreading.
Lemon butter is a simple yet elegant way to brighten your meals with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can create a flavorful spread that elevates everything from breakfast to dinner. Give it a try and enjoy the fresh, zesty goodness!