This lemon herb butter combines fragrant fresh herbs, garlic, and a bright lemon finish. It’s an effortless, flavorful topping for seafood, grilled or roasted chicken, vegetables, and rice.
Herb Butter for Seafood:
Flavored butter elevates simple dishes quickly. It pairs beautifully with any protein, but it truly shines with seafood. My favorite method for fish is to pan-sear it, finish briefly in the oven, and then add a generous spoonful of fresh herb butter so it melts into the hot fillet.
While you should avoid overcooking fish, a bright lemon herb butter will rescue slightly firm fillets by adding moisture and flavor. It’s incredibly simple to make and transforms everyday meals into something special.
Key Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter – Using unsalted butter gives you full control over seasoning. If you must use salted butter, reduce or omit added salt.
- Fresh herbs – A mix of cilantro, parsley, and dill is bright and seafood-friendly. Swap in basil, chives, thyme, or tarragon if you prefer. Fresh herbs deliver the best flavor.
- Lemon – Use both zest and juice for a citrus lift that complements the herbs.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is best, though pre-minced works in a pinch.
- Kosher salt – Salt enhances all the flavors; a small amount is enough.
How to Make Herb Butter:
Compound butter or flavored butter is fast and requires no special equipment. It’s a great make-ahead topping.
- Soften the butter. Leave the butter at room temperature until soft, or warm it briefly in the microwave until it yields to a gentle press. Do not melt it — it should remain spreadable but solid.
- Prep ingredients. Mince the herbs and garlic, zest and juice the lemon, and measure the salt.
- Mix. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with herbs, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Mash and fold with a fork until fully combined and smooth. Use immediately, refrigerate, or freeze for later.
What herbs can I use?
Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor. Popular choices include cilantro, dill, parsley, basil, rosemary, sage, thyme, mint, and chives. Stick to two or three complementary herbs rather than adding too many at once; for seafood, parsley with dill or cilantro is an especially reliable combination.
My Favorite Ways to Use It:
This lemon herb butter is versatile and adds instant flavor wherever you spoon it. Here are some favorite uses:
- Seafood – A dollop on hot fish or shrimp melts into the protein for immediate flavor and moisture.
- Grilled meat – Top grilled steak or chicken with a slice of herb butter while it rests to add richness and herb notes.
- Vegetables – Stir into steamed or roasted vegetables to liven them up.
- Rice and grains – Mix into hot rice, quinoa, or couscous for an easy herbed side.
Storage:
Keep leftover butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, form the butter into a log by rolling it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to six months. Slice off rounds as needed for a convenient, flavorful garnish.
Lemon Herb Butter
Author: Carolyn
This lemon herb butter is full of fragrant herbs, garlic, and a bright pop of lemon — perfect on seafood or roasted chicken.
Times
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Small bowl
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon minced cilantro
- 1 teaspoon minced parsley
- 1 teaspoon minced dill
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ lemon, zested
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced herbs, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and kosher salt.
- Use a fork to mash and fold the butter until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust salt or lemon if needed.
- Use immediately on hot seafood, grilled meats, vegetables, or rice. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze rolled in plastic wrap for up to 6 months.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 77 kcal • Fat: 9 g • Protein: 0.2 g • Carbohydrates: 0.5 g