Drawn Butter Sauce
A rich drawn butter sauce with delicate lemon flavor, perfect for enhancing broiled or fried fish, offering a smooth, buttery, and mildly spiced taste experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a double boiler, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour, pepper, salt, and paprika until smooth.
- Slowly stir in water.
- Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Just before serving, stir in lemon juice.
- Use on broiled or fried fish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother sauce, ensure the butter is fully melted before adding flour. If you want a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the water with vegetable broth. This Drawn Butter Sauce can also be enhanced with a pinch of garlic powder or fresh herbs. If you prefer a slightly thicker consistency, you can add more flour gradually until desired thickness is reached.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce is perfect for drizzling over broiled or fried fish, but it also pairs well with steamed vegetables or grilled chicken. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a delightful twist, try using it as a dip for shrimp or as a dressing for the Hollandaise Snack Mix.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Drawn Butter Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth consistency. Avoid using a microwave, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Drawn Butter Sauce contains roughly 552 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 489mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter for this recipe?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly. Choose a high-quality margarine for the best results, and ensure it's unsalted if you're watching your sodium intake.
What can I serve with Drawn Butter Sauce?
Drawn Butter Sauce is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. It complements broiled or fried fish beautifully, but can also be served with vegetables, grilled chicken, or even as a dip for shrimp. Consider serving it with a side of crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
How can I make this sauce dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version of this sauce, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. You can also replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend if necessary, ensuring that the consistency is maintained. The lemon juice will still provide a nice tang to balance the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).