Garlic Butter is a culinary staple, an aromatic mix of creamy butter and garlic, sometimes finished with herbs. It is popular for its versatility, as it goes from making dinner rolls to steak bites. It is a star ingredient that levels up the dishes, sauces, and snacks across the cuisines. Are you ready to know the perfect recipe for garlic butter? Learn about how to make garlic butter, its ingredients, nutritional values, advanced tips, and much more.
Garlic Butter: About
It is a french cuisine and originated in France by 14th century. It was used as a seasoning for vegetables and meats before becoming famous in 18th century. Over the years garlic butter spread become famous in Europe and then it appeared in American cookbooks by 19th century.
It is an easy but fancy composite butter. This is initiated by mixing soft butter with grind garlic and sometimes with herbs like parsley or chives. It brings out the deep and creamy texture for spreading. It is well known for spreading on bread and butter steak bites, the use reaches far beyond.
Ingredients
Here’s a table for ingredients with amounts for the easy and simple recipe. The key ingredients are:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Unsalted Butter | ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) | Softened; use unsalted for better control over the final salt level |
| Fresh Garlic (minced) | 2–4 cloves (1–1½ tbsp) | Adjust based on your garlic preference; finely minced or crushed |
| Fresh Parsley (chopped) | 1 tbsp | Optional, adds color and freshness |
| Salt | ½ tsp (or to taste) | Adjust if using salted butter or adding Parmesan |
| Optional: Lemon Zest | ¼ tsp | Adds brightness |
| Optional: Parmesan Cheese | 1 tbsp (grated) | Optional, but adds umami and richness |
| Optional: Italian Seasoning | ½ tsp | Optional, adds a herby blend; use sparingly |
| Optional: Paprika | ¼ tsp | Optional, adds color and a mild smoky note |
Notes: After mixing it always taste it before putting salt. For the soft texture, use the garlic paste. Also you can exclude the optional ingredients for the pure taste.
Garlic Butter Recipe
Learning how to make it easy, simple, and fast. The following recipe is:
Soften the Butter: Take ½ cup of unsalted butter and set it at room temperature until it turns into a soft texture.
Arrange the Garlic: Grind the 2-4 cloves of garlic and make a garlic paste for a smooth combination.
- Tip: Crushing the garlic protects it from being chunky and ensures the distribution of flavors.
Blend-In Flavors: Add the garlic, flaky salt (½ teaspoon), and chopped parsley (1 tablespoon) if you are using it to make it soft. Mix it with a spatula until it turns creamy.
Shape and Set it: Roll the mixture into a plastic wrap. Twist the ends and let it chill in the refrigerator for one hour, and then slice it.
Uses of Garlic Butter
It is known for its versatility, and here are the ways to enjoy it:
- Garlic Bread: Spread on baguettes and broil.
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Melt over the beef for a flavorful finish.
- Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, beans, and corn.
- Pasta and Seafood: Melt over shrimp and mix with hot pasta.
- Potatoes and Roasts: Spread on top of steak, chicken, and in hot mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Facts: Garlic Butter
| Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
| ~100 | 11 | <1 | <1 |
The calorie values might change due to the type of butter and garlic amount you are using. Parmesan or other extra ingredients will increase the sodium and protein.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter
There are some necessary tips for making this recipe, they are:
- Do always taste it before adding salt because parmesan and salted butter both have sodium.
- Always go for fresh garlic, and if you are using garlic powder, use it for a milder taste.
- Blend it perfectly so that there will be no chunks of garlic while eating.
- Add some lemon zest, paprika, or chili flakes for customization.
- For the perfect garlic butter steak bites, let them rest and then toss with garlic butter.
Conclusion
Garlic butter is a recipe every home cook should know. From traditional recipe to creative uses such as steak bites or sauce. It is the way for upraise the taste. By mainly focusing on qualities of ingredients, proper blending and storage you will have a versatile taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
A. Yes, it can be prepared in advance, and even chilling helps in enhancing the taste.
A. Store it in a tight container or wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated.
A. Yes, you can store up to 6 months for its freshness.
A. In the refrigerator up to 2 weeks and in the freezer up to 6 months, it can last.
Disclaimer: This recipe is inspired by traditional techniques and with professional tips. The number of ingredients and methods may be adjusted according to your taste and preferences. Check for food allergies and adjust it. The author is not responsible for any inconvenience.