Name: Tarragon Lemon Butter
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon dried tarragon; 1 shallot; good grind black pepper; ½ cup butter salted

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Every time I make Tarragon Lemon Butter, I find myself transported to a sunny kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of fresh herbs and citrus. This recipe is not just about the ingredients; it’s a love letter to the beautiful dance of flavors that can elevate even the simplest of dishes. Picture this: a warm slice of bread, fresh out of the oven, spread generously with a glossy, vibrant butter that sings of tart lemons and the earthy notes of dried tarragon. It’s pure comfort and sunshine on a plate!

It all started on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I wanted to add something special to my meal. I had some leftover butter, and I thought, why not whip up something new? I rummaged through my pantry and found some dried tarragon and a lovely lemon. And just like that, Tarragon Lemon Butter was born! The first time I tried it, I was amazed at how a simple combination of flavors could transform my meal. It turned a mundane dinner into something extraordinary.

Now, I make it regularly, and every time, I’m reminded of its versatility. Whether you’re serving it with grilled fish, tossing it with fresh vegetables, or dolloping it onto a hot baked potato, Tarragon Lemon Butter never fails to impress. Just the thought of it makes my mouth water. I encourage you to give it a try because this recipe is as easy as it is delightful. You’ll be adding it to your go-to favorites in no time!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
5 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
100 kcal

Protein:
1 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
11 g

Tools Used:
Food Processor

The Best Thing About This Tarragon Lemon Butter

It’s All About Flavor

The beauty of Tarragon Lemon Butter lies in its incredible flavor profile. The brightness of the lemon cuts through the richness of the butter, while the tarragon adds a unique herbal note that elevates the entire dish.

Quick and Simple

What I love most about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to make. In just a few minutes, you can create a compound butter that tastes gourmet. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by.

Versatile Use

This butter isn’t just a condiment; it’s a multi-purpose ingredient! You can use it for spreading on bread, melting over vegetables, or enhancing the flavor of chicken and fish. The options are endless!

Impressive Presentation

When you roll the butter into a log and wrap it in cling film, it looks beautiful! You can slice it into rounds and serve it on a platter. It adds a touch of elegance to any table setting.

Great for Meal Prep

Tarragon Lemon Butter is perfect for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time, and you’ll always have a flavorful addition ready to go. Just store it in the fridge, and it will last for weeks.

Kid-Friendly

This recipe is a hit with kids! The creamy texture and zesty flavor make it easy to introduce them to new tastes. Use it to encourage them to eat more vegetables!

Everything You Need for Tarragon Lemon Butter

When it comes to creating a delicious Tarragon Lemon Butter, the choice of ingredients makes all the difference. Each one plays a pivotal role in crafting the taste profile. The bright, zesty lemon juice balances the rich, creamy butter, while the aromatic dried tarragon adds a special herbal touch. Together, they work in harmony to create a compound butter that is sure to be a favorite.

2 teaspoons lemon juice: Adds a refreshing tartness that brightens up the butter.
1 tablespoon dried tarragon: This herb brings a unique flavor that complements the lemon beautifully.
1 shallot: Provides a mild onion flavor that enhances the overall taste.
good grind black pepper: Adds a hint of spice, balancing the rich flavors.
½ cup butter salted: The base of our recipe, bringing creaminess and richness to the butter.

Preparation Steps for Tarragon Lemon Butter

Making Tarragon Lemon Butter is a simple and enjoyable process. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious compound butter ready to elevate your meals. Let’s dive into the instructions!

Start by soaking the dried tarragon in the lemon juice. This step helps to rehydrate the herb and infuse it with the lemony flavor. You’ll want to let it sit for a few minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
Place the shallot in a food processor and give it a good blitz until finely chopped. This will ensure that the flavor of the shallot is evenly distributed throughout the butter.
Use a spatula to push the sides down, then add the soaked tarragon with its lemon juice and the remaining ingredients: a good grind of black pepper and the salted butter. This combination will create a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful butter.
Pulse the mixture in the food processor until you have a well-combined butter. You want it to be smooth yet still have a bit of texture from the shallot and tarragon.
Lay a large strip of cling film out on your work surface. Spoon the butter mixture into a rough log onto the long edge of the cling film. Make sure to keep it centered for rolling.
Carefully roll the cling film around the butter, pinching the ends together to form a tight log. You’ll want to roll it tightly so that it holds its shape when chilled.
Once you have a nice tight log, tie a quick knot in the ends of the cling film to secure it. This step is crucial for keeping the butter fresh and maintaining its shape during storage.
Store your Tarragon Lemon Butter in the fridge. Let it chill for at least an hour to firm up before using it. This will help the flavors meld beautifully together.
When ready to serve, simply slice the butter into rounds and enjoy it on your favorite dishes!

Things Worth Knowing

Soaking dried herbs: Soaking dried tarragon in lemon juice rehydrates it, allowing the flavor to infuse into the butter more effectively.
Using a food processor: This tool ensures that your shallot and herbs are finely chopped, helping to distribute flavors evenly.
Temperature of butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy blending. Cold butter will not mix well.
Storage: Wrapped tightly, this butter can be stored in the fridge for several weeks or frozen for longer use.

Make It Your Own

There are countless ways to customize your Tarragon Lemon Butter. Here are some tips to inspire your creativity!

Storage: Keep your butter wrapped tightly in the fridge to maintain its freshness. It can last for up to two weeks.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the butter in small portions. This way, you can thaw only what you need for a meal.
Pairing: This butter pairs beautifully with grilled fish or roasted vegetables. Its tangy flavor balances rich and savory dishes.
Variations: Experiment by adding other herbs like dill or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Serving suggestion: Use this butter as a topping for baked potatoes or steamed asparagus to elevate those simple sides.

How to Enjoy Tarragon Lemon Butter

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy your Tarragon Lemon Butter. Here are some ideas:

Spread on bread: A generous smear of this butter on a warm piece of bread is heavenly!
Toss with vegetables: Melt it over steamed or roasted vegetables for a burst of flavor.
Use with seafood: This butter is perfect for finishing grilled fish or shrimp, adding a fresh and zesty note.
Flavor your pasta: Toss cooked pasta with melted Tarragon Lemon Butter for a quick and fancy dish.
Enhance meats: Top grilled chicken or pork with a slice of this butter right before serving for a gourmet touch.
Seasonal pairings: Use it in spring for light dishes that celebrate fresh ingredients, or in winter to brighten up hearty meals.

FAQ

Tarragon Lemon Butter is a compound butter made by blending butter with lemon juice, dried tarragon, shallots, and seasoning. It’s a versatile condiment that enhances the flavor of various dishes, adding a rich, tangy, and herbal note.

You can store Tarragon Lemon Butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in small portions. Just remember to wrap it tightly in cling film before freezing.

This butter is fantastic on grilled fish, roasted vegetables, and fresh bread. You can also use it to finish pasta dishes or as a topping for baked potatoes. Its versatility makes it a must-have in your culinary arsenal.

Absolutely! In fact, making Tarragon Lemon Butter ahead of time is a great idea. It allows the flavors to meld and mature. You can whip it up and store it in the fridge or freezer, ready to impress at a moment’s notice.

Conclusion

Tarragon Lemon Butter is a delightful way to add a burst of flavor to your meals. Its combination of tangy lemon and aromatic tarragon brings any dish to life. I encourage you to try making it; you’ll be amazed at how such a simple recipe can make a big impact in your cooking.

So why wait? Whip up a batch today and discover just how versatile and delicious this butter can be. Your taste buds will thank you!