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A white bowl of homemade Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce with a spoon, surrounded by fresh lemon, garlic, and parsley.

Healthy Lemon Garlic Sauce

A vibrant, zesty, and aromatic sauce that's incredibly versatile and light. Perfect for elevating the flavor of soups, roasted vegetables, or lean proteins without added guilt.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce, Side Dish, Soup Enhancement
Cuisine: Healthy, Mediterranean
Calories: 35
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Broth low sodium
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice from 1-2 lemons
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest from 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 2 tbsp Cold Water for slurry
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley finely chopped
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Pinch Red Pepper Flakes optional, for a kick

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Fine Grater or Zester
  • Small Bowl

Method
 

Prepare Ingredients
  1. Mince the garlic, zest one lemon, and then juice enough lemons to yield 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Finely chop the fresh parsley. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) and cold water until a smooth slurry forms. Set aside.
Cook the Sauce
  1. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it, which can make it bitter.
  2. Pour in the vegetable broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Increase heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  3. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry and gradually whisk it into the simmering sauce. Continue to whisk gently for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly to your desired consistency.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve
  1. Serve the Healthy Lemon Garlic Sauce immediately warm, or allow it to cool before storing. This sauce is excellent drizzled over grilled chicken or fish, stirred into a hearty lentil soup, mixed with roasted vegetables, or as a light pasta sauce.

Notes

This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If it thickens too much upon cooling, you can thin it out with a splash of vegetable broth or water when reheating. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of dried oregano along with the broth.