Sage Butter Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Sage butter sauce is one of those classic, yet simple, dishes that elevates any meal with its rich, savory flavors. Whether you’re using it to top a plate of pasta, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce for fresh bread, this sage butter sauce has a versatility that makes it a favorite in our home. Recently, I decided to give this recipe a try with some homemade pasta, and it was a hit! The combination of the melted salted butter, fragrant garlic, and earthy sage made for a sauce that was both aromatic and comforting. Everyone in the family loved how easy it was to make and how much flavor it packed in just a few minutes. If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to amp up your dishes, this sage butter sauce is a must-try!

Ingredients

• 155 grams salted butter (or about 3/4 cup)
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, packed

Instructions

1. Melt the Butter: In a saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely and begin to sizzle slightly, but don’t let it brown just yet.
2. Add the Garlic and Sage: Add the minced garlic and sage leaves to the butter. Continue to cook the mixture, swirling the pan often to ensure that the garlic and sage don’t burn. Cook until the butter turns amber in color and you begin to see some brown flecks appear. This is when the butter starts to brown and infuses with the garlic and sage flavor.
3. Serve: Once the butter has browned and has developed a rich, nutty aroma, remove the pan from the heat. You can serve the sauce immediately or transfer it to a bowl to prevent further cooking from the residual heat. Drizzle it over your favorite dish and enjoy the burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, yields about 0.75 cup or 6 servings):

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: 200
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 360mg
• Cholesterol: 60mg

(Note: The nutritional information is based on salted butter. If using unsalted butter, adjust the sodium content accordingly.)

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 0.75 cup (6 servings)

How to Serve

• Pasta: Drizzle over a bowl of pasta for a rich, flavorful sauce. It pairs especially well with spaghetti, ravioli, or gnocchi.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pour over roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
• Bread: Serve as a dipping sauce for warm, crusty bread or rolls.
• Chicken or Pork: Use as a finishing sauce for grilled chicken, pork chops, or even roasted turkey.
• Risotto: Stir into a creamy risotto to enhance the flavor and add a silky finish.
• Mashed Potatoes: Top your mashed potatoes with the sage butter sauce for an added depth of flavor.

Additional Tips

1. Watch the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so be sure to swirl the pan often and monitor it closely once you add the garlic. If it starts turning too brown too fast, lower the heat slightly.
2. Use Fresh Sage: Fresh sage has the best flavor for this sauce, but dried sage can also be used in a pinch. However, you will need to use less dried sage (about 1 tablespoon) since it’s more concentrated.
3. Try Unsalted Butter: If you’re sensitive to salt or using the sauce in a dish that already has salt, try using unsalted butter to control the salt levels.
4. Make It Herb-Infused: If you want to add more depth of flavor, consider infusing other herbs like thyme or rosemary into the butter along with the sage.
5. Prevent Overheating: When transferring the sauce from the pan, remember that the residual heat in the pan can continue cooking the butter. To prevent it from overcooking, transfer it to a bowl right away.

Recipe Variations

• Bacon Sage Butter: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the sage butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor. The smoky bacon pairs wonderfully with the earthy sage and buttery sauce.
• Lemon Sage Butter: For a lighter, more citrusy twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the butter right before serving. This is especially great with seafood or grilled chicken.
• Garlic Parmesan Sage Butter: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce just before serving for a cheesy, savory kick.
• Mushroom Sage Butter: Sauté some mushrooms in the butter before adding the sage and garlic for a rich, umami-packed version of the sauce.
• Chili Sage Butter: If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the butter mixture for a mild heat.

Serving Suggestions

This sage butter sauce is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes to elevate the flavors:

• Pasta Dishes: Use the sage butter sauce as a topping for fresh, homemade pasta or mix it through store-bought pasta for a quick and flavorful meal.
• Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or cauliflower are enhanced with the addition of sage butter.
• Meat: Serve over grilled or roasted chicken, turkey, or pork. The buttery, savory flavor complements the richness of meats beautifully.
• Egg Dishes: Drizzle over scrambled eggs, omelets, or poached eggs for an indulgent breakfast or brunch option.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftover sage butter sauce, it can be stored in the fridge or frozen for later use. Here’s how:

• Refrigerating: Transfer any leftover sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat before serving.
• Freezing: Sage butter sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, pour the cooled sauce into ice cube trays or silicone molds for individual portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to use, simply melt the cubes in a saucepan.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use unsalted butter for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just be mindful to adjust the salt in your dish accordingly.
2. Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
   Yes, you can use dried sage. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried sage for the equivalent of 1/4 cup of fresh sage.
3. Can I make this sauce without garlic?
   While garlic adds a lot of flavor, you can skip it if you prefer a more straightforward butter and sage sauce.
4. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Use a dairy-free butter substitute, such as a plant-based butter, and check the other ingredients for dairy content.
5. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
   Keep an eye on the heat, and stir the pan often to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn. If needed, reduce the heat slightly after adding the garlic.
6. Can I add other herbs to the butter?
   Yes! You can experiment with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to customize the flavor.
7. How long can I store this sauce in the fridge?
   The sage butter sauce will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
8. What can I serve this sage butter sauce with?
   This sauce pairs wonderfully with pasta, vegetables, meats, and eggs.
9. Can I make this in advance?
   Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for later use.
10. How can I make the sauce thicker?
    If you want a thicker sauce, add a little more butter or reduce it over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Sage butter sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal. With just three ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you can transform a basic dish into something extraordinary. Whether you’re drizzling it over pasta, vegetables, or meats, the rich and nutty flavor of the sage butter sauce will elevate your meal and leave everyone asking for seconds. Try it today and explore the endless possibilities of this classic, easy-to-make sauce!