Garlic butter, also known as beurre à l’ail in French cuisine, is a compound butter used as a flavor base in cooking. It consists of butter blended with garlic cloves or garlic powder. Due to its simplicity and versatility, garlic butter can be used to quickly add flavor to a wide variety of dishes.
Basic Ingredients
The two main ingredients in garlic butter are:
- Butter – Usually unsalted butter is used so the garlic flavor comes through. Salted butter can be used but may overpower the garlic taste.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves or garlic powder are most commonly used. The garlic is what gives the butter its distinctive flavor.
That’s it – just butter and garlic are needed to make basic garlic butter. However, there are some additional optional ingredients that can be added as well:
- Herbs – Popular choices are parsley, chives, oregano, basil. This adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Spices – Options like black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper add a spicy kick.
- Citrus – Lemon or lime juice brighten up the buttery garlic taste.
- Cheese – Grated parmesan or other hard cheese can be mixed in.
So in summary, the two essential components are butter and garlic. Herbs, spices, citrus, and cheese can optionally be added as well depending on the flavor profile you want.
How to Make Garlic Butter
Making homemade garlic butter is simple. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Start by peeling the papery outer skin off of fresh garlic cloves. For a moderate garlic flavor, you’ll want around 8 large cloves for 1 cup of butter. Use less cloves for milder garlic taste or more for very strong garlic flavor.
- Chop or mince the peeled garlic cloves until they are finely diced. You can also use a garlic press to squeeze out the minced garlic.
- Allow the minced garlic to rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows time for the flavorful compounds in garlic to develop.
- Soften 1 cup of unsalted butter so it is smooth and spreadable but not fully melted.
- Add the minced garlic and any other ingredients like herbs or spices to the softened butter.
- Thoroughly mix everything together until well combined.
- Transfer the garlic butter mixture to a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Form it into a log shape.
- Tightly wrap the garlic butter log and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Once chilled and firmed up, slice disks of garlic butter off the log as needed for recipes.
And that’s it! With just a few simple steps, you can have homemade garlic butter ready to add instant flavor to steaks, bread, pasta, vegetables, and more.
Substituting Garlic Powder
While fresh garlic cloves are best, you can also use garlic powder in a pinch:
- Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per 1 cup of butter.
- Whisk the garlic powder into softened butter until evenly distributed.
- Let the garlic butter firm up in the refrigerator before using.
Garlic powder imparts a concentrated flavor, so start with just a little and add more to taste if you want a stronger garlic presence.
Storing and Freezing
To extend its shelf life, there are a couple options for storing garlic butter:
Refrigerating:
- Shape garlic butter into a log and wrap tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Slice off what is needed and rewrap the remainder.
Freezing:
- Wrap garlic butter log or shape butter into cubes.
- Place in freezer bag or airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Properly stored, garlic butter will maintain its flavor and texture when refrigerated or frozen.
Tips for Making Amazing Garlic Butter
Follow these tips for incredible restaurant-quality garlic butter every time:
- Use fresh garlic cloves rather than pre-minced garlic or powder whenever possible.
- Allow the minced garlic to rest before mixing it into the butter. This boosts flavor development.
- Use unsalted butter so the garlic can shine.
- Mix in any extra ingredients gently so they are well distributed.
- Chill the shaped garlic butter log before slicing and using.
- Store properly in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness.
- Let frozen garlic butter thaw completely in the fridge before using.
What Is Garlic Butter Good For?
Garlic butter is very versatile and can be used to add flavor in both savory and sweet applications:
Savory Uses:
- Basting meats like steak, chicken, lamb, pork
- Spread on bread for garlic bread
- Flavored butter for seafood like shrimp, fish, crab, lobster
- Toss with hot pasta
- Saute vegetables
- Stir into rice, potatoes, or other sides
- Compound butter for corn on the cob
- Base for garlic butter sauces
Sweet Uses:
- Fold into cookie dough
- Spread on muffins, scones, biscuits
- Brush on croissants or cinnamon rolls
- Flavor buttercream frosting
- Enhance the flavor of cakes and cupcakes
In summary, garlic butter can be used both savory for meats, seafood, vegetables, pasta and more or sweetly in pastries, muffins, frostings, and other baked goods.
Popular Garlic Butter Recipes
Here are some top recipes that showcase the flexibility of garlic butter:
Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp each minced parsley, chives, oregano
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Mix together all ingredients until thoroughly combined.
- Form into a log, wrap, and chill before using.
- Slice and use to top grilled meats, seafood, pasta dishes.
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp garlic butter
- 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Melt garlic butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until opaque.
- Toss cooked shrimp in skillet to coat with garlic butter.
- Serve over rice or pasta.
Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf refrigerated breadstick dough
- 1/2 cup garlic butter, softened
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 2 tbsp parsley
Instructions:
- Separate and roll out breadsticks on a baking sheet.
- Mix together garlic butter, parmesan, and parsley.
- Brush garlic butter mix over breadsticks.
- Bake 10-12 minutes at 400°F until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Benefits of Cooking With Garlic Butter
Some of the top benefits of using garlic butter include:
- Adds tons of flavor – Garlic butter provides a big flavor boost with just a little bit.
- Saves prep time – No need to chop garlic and herbs when it’s already prepared.
- Versatile – Can be used in many types of savory or sweet recipes.
- Enhances dishes – Brings out the best in meats, seafood, vegetables, breads.
- Convenient to store – Keeps well refrigerated or frozen.
- Customizable – Flavor it with different herbs, spices, cheeses.
- Simple to make – Just a few ingredients blended together.
Garlic butter is a handy and flavorful staple that makes cooking quicker and easier.
Common Questions
Is garlic butter healthy?
Garlic butter is high in fat from the butter and contains minimal nutritional value on its own. However, when used to flavor vegetables, seafood, chicken, and other healthy foods, it can add taste without significantly affecting the nutrition of the dish. Consuming garlic butter in moderation can fit into a balanced diet.
How long does garlic butter last?
When stored properly, garlic butter can last 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure it is tightly wrapped and chilled to maximize its shelf life.
What can I use instead of garlic butter?
Some substitutes for garlic butter include:
- Olive oil or vegetable oil infused with garlic
- Powdered garlic mixed with melted butter or oil
- Garlic mayonnaise
- Mix of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice
Can you freeze garlic butter?
Yes, freezing is a great way to store garlic butter for longer periods. Shape it into a log or cubes and wrap airtight before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Conclusion
Garlic butter is an easy way to infuse bold, aromatic garlic flavor into all kinds of dishes. Just two main ingredients – butter and garlic – are combined to make a versatile flavor enhancer. Optional mix-ins like fresh herbs, spices, citrus, and cheese can customize the taste. Refrigerating or freezing homemade garlic butter extends its shelf life. It can be used to quickly amp up the flavor of everything from meats and vegetables to seafood, pasta, and even pastries.