Garlic Butter Recipe

Vegan butter: A plant-based alternative to traditional butter, providing a creamy texture and rich flavor.

Garlic: Fresh cloves minced to release their potent aroma and taste.

Olive oil: Adds a smooth, slightly fruity flavor and helps blend the ingredients.

Lemon juice: Provides a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the butter.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the mixture.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the butter.

When mincing garlic, use a microplane or garlic press to achieve a finer texture. This ensures the garlic blends seamlessly with the vegan butter, creating a smoother and more flavorful garlic butter.

• vegan butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a rich, creamy texture similar to vegan butter and has a mild flavor that complements garlic well.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, which can be a pleasant variation in the recipe.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a great alternative to olive oil in cooking.

• lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar tangy acidity that can enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavor that can enhance the depth of the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a slightly different heat and flavor profile, providing a subtle change while maintaining the peppery essence.

• To store your garlic butter, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. Your garlic butter will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Scoop the garlic butter into small portions using a spoon or an ice cube tray. This makes it easy to use just the amount you need without defrosting the entire batch.
• Once the garlic butter portions are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When you're ready to use the frozen garlic butter, simply take out the desired amount and let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. You can also thaw it at room temperature for quicker use.
• If you prefer, you can also soften the frozen garlic butter by microwaving it for a few seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the vegan butter to separate.
• For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil to your garlic butter before freezing. This will infuse the butter with a delightful aroma and taste when you use it later.
• Always ensure that your garlic butter is well-sealed to prevent freezer burn and maintain its rich, savory flavor.

• For a quick and easy method, place the garlic butter in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even melting.
• If you prefer a more controlled approach, use a small saucepan. Place the garlic butter over low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired consistency. This method helps maintain the rich flavors of the garlic and olive oil.
• For a more gourmet touch, consider using a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the garlic butter in the top pot and stir occasionally until melted. This gentle heating method preserves the delicate notes of lemon juice and black pepper.
• If you’re planning to use the garlic butter as a spread, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This allows it to soften naturally without losing any of its aromatic qualities.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together.

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the ingredients until smooth.

• Garlic press: A tool to mince the garlic cloves efficiently.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the precise amounts of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

• Spatula: Helpful for transferring the mixture to a serving dish or storage container.

• Serving dish: A dish to present the garlic butter when ready to serve.

• Refrigerator: Used to store the garlic butter until it is ready to be used.

Pre-mince the garlic: Mince the garlic in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Use a food processor: Combine all ingredients in a food processor to save time on mixing and ensure a smooth consistency.

Room temperature butter: Let the vegan butter come to room temperature before mixing to make it easier to combine with other ingredients.

Batch prep: Make a larger batch and freeze portions in ice cube trays for quick use in future recipes.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.