Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried making a tomato lemon butter sauce, you’re in for a treat! This sauce is like a burst of sunshine in a pan—it’s bright, tangy, and oh-so buttery. The combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh lemon juice creates a flavor explosion that’s just irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can drizzle it over pasta, spoon it over grilled chicken, or even use it as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. And the best part? It comes together in just about 25 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal solution. Trust me, once you whip this up, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Tomato Lemon Butter Sauce
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped (fresh is best for that vibrant flavor!)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (the magic ingredient for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (adjust to your tangy preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy—season it well!)
- Pepper to taste (for that little kick!)
- Fresh basil for garnish (adds a beautiful pop of color and flavor)
How to Prepare Tomato Lemon Butter Sauce
Making this tomato lemon butter sauce is as easy as pie—seriously! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a luscious sauce ready in no time. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Just let it melt gently; you don’t want it to brown yet!
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn; we want that lovely garlic flavor, not bitterness!
- Now, toss in your chopped tomatoes. Cook them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and break down. This is where the magic begins—your kitchen will start smelling divine!
- Next, stir in the lemon juice, along with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes. This is the moment when all those flavors meld together beautifully.
- Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh basil. This adds a fresh pop of color and flavor that you’ll absolutely love!
And just like that, you’ve got a delicious sauce ready to elevate your dishes!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the numbers! This tomato lemon butter sauce is not just delicious, but it also packs a decent nutritional profile. Here’s a rough estimate of what you’re getting per serving:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so think of this as a ballpark figure. It’s a wonderful sauce that adds flavor without too much guilt! Perfect for drizzling over your favorite dishes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Bright, tangy flavor that elevates any dish.
- Versatile sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta, chicken, or even veggies.
- Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Makes your kitchen smell amazing while it cooks!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your tomato lemon butter sauce turns out perfectly every time! First, always use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor—trust me, it makes all the difference! If you want a smoother sauce, feel free to blend it briefly after cooking; it’ll still be delicious!
Adjust the lemon juice to your taste. If you love that zesty kick, add a little more, but if you prefer it milder, go easy on it. For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking for a subtle heat that complements the tanginess.
And don’t forget to taste as you go! This ensures the seasoning is just right. Finally, a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving can add a luxurious finish. Happy cooking!
Variations of Tomato Lemon Butter Sauce
One of the best things about this tomato lemon butter sauce is how easy it is to customize! If you want to switch things up, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for an earthy twist. Just toss them in during the last minute of cooking to keep their vibrant flavor.
Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat that pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon. You could even introduce some sautéed bell peppers or spinach to the mix for extra veggies and color! Another delightful option is to throw in some olives for a Mediterranean flair—just chop them up and stir them in right before serving.
And if you’re a fan of creaminess, swirl in a bit of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche at the end to create a richer sauce. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and find your favorite version!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the fun doesn’t stop with just the tomato lemon butter sauce! This delightful sauce is perfect over a steaming bowl of pasta—just toss it with your favorite noodles for a quick dinner that feels fancy! You can also drizzle it over grilled chicken for a zesty flavor boost that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. And don’t overlook roasted vegetables—this sauce can turn even the simplest veggies into a gourmet side dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftover tomato lemon butter sauce (which is rare in my kitchen!), storing it is super simple. Just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat. This way, you can bring back that beautiful flavor without losing its charm!
Stir occasionally as it warms, and if it seems a bit thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Trust me, it’s just as delicious on day two, especially when paired with fresh pasta or grilled veggies!
FAQ about Tomato Lemon Butter Sauce
You might have some questions about this tomato lemon butter sauce, and I’m here to help clear things up!
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned tomatoes work just fine. Just make sure to drain them a bit to avoid excess liquid, which can make your sauce too watery.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
If you’re looking for a little heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Just a pinch can elevate the flavor and give it a delightful kick!
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving to keep that fresh taste.
What can I serve this sauce with?
This tomato lemon butter sauce is versatile! It pairs beautifully with pasta, grilled chicken, fish, or even drizzled over roasted veggies. Think of it as a flavorful accent to elevate your meals!
Can I freeze the sauce?
You can definitely freeze it! Just let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container. It should stay good for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to use it!
Print
Tomato Lemon Butter Sauce: 25 Minutes to Blissful Flavor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, lemon, and butter.
Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- Use fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste.
- Serve over pasta or grilled chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: tomato lemon butter sauce
