Garlic butter is a versatile condiment that can transform simple dishes into flavorful delights. Whether you’re spreading it on bread, drizzling it over vegetables, or adding a dollop to steaks, garlic butter adds a rich, aromatic flavor that’s hard to resist. While fresh garlic is commonly used in garlic butter recipes, garlic powder offers a convenient and equally tasty alternative. This blog post introduces a quick and easy garlic butter recipe using garlic powder, ensuring you can whip up this delicious spread anytime.
Why Use Garlic Powder?
Garlic powder, made from dehydrated ground garlic, provides a smooth, less pungent flavor than its fresh counterpart. It blends seamlessly into butter, offering a consistent garlic taste throughout. Garlic powder is also shelf-stable and convenient, making it a staple ingredient in your pantry for impromptu cooking sessions.
Garlic Powder Garlic Butter Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 teaspoons of high-quality garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of ground black pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (optional, for a zesty flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened butter. Using a fork or an electric mixer on low speed, beat the butter until it’s creamy and smooth.
- Add Flavor: Sprinkle the garlic powder evenly over the butter. If you’re using parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, add them as well. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is uniform in color.
- Taste and Adjust: Give your garlic butter a taste test. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or garlic powder if needed. Remember, the garlic flavor will become more pronounced as the butter rests.
- Shape the Butter: Transfer the garlic butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Shape it into a log by rolling it tightly. Twist the ends of the parchment or plastic wrap to seal. Alternatively, you can store the garlic butter in a small airtight container.
- Chill: Refrigerate the garlic butter log for at least 2 hours or until it’s firm. This step allows the flavors to meld and the butter to solidify for easy slicing.
- Serve: Once chilled and firm, slice the garlic butter log into rounds or scoop it as needed. Serve on warm bread, over cooked vegetables, with pasta, or as a finishing butter for meats and fish.
Storing Your Garlic Butter
Garlic butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for up to three months. If freezing, consider slicing the butter log into individual portions before freezing, allowing you to use as much or as little as you need without thawing the entire log.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic butter is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Garlic Bread: Spread garlic butter on a baguette, sprinkle with a little grated cheese, and broil until golden and bubbly.
- Vegetables: Toss steamed or roasted vegetables with garlic butter for an instant flavor boost.
- Steaks and Seafood: Finish grilled steaks or seafood with a pat of garlic butter just before serving.
Conclusion
This garlic powder garlic butter recipe is a testament to the power of pantry staples. By utilizing wholesale garlic powder, you can create a delicious, aromatic spread that enhances a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this garlic butter recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.