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Creamy Lemon Butter

Lemon butter with zest, juice, and Dijon, stored in an Anyday Anytime Freezer Tray for portioning. Great for savory or sweet recipes.
PT5M PT30M

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

30-35 seconds

Free Time

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Creamy Lemon Butter

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Bright, tangy, and buttery, creamy lemon butter is a flavor-packed essential that’s simple to make in the microwave. The Anyday dish helps butter soften in the microwave evenly with gentle, consistent heat—no melted hot spots—so it’s easy to blend in fresh lemon juice and zest for a smooth, citrusy finish. Portion the butter into Anytime Freezer Trays to keep ready-to-use bursts of flavor on hand. A single portion can instantly elevate seafood, pasta, vegetables, and more.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

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Dish

2-Tbsp Anytime Freezer Tray

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks-225g) salted butter
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Preparation

  1. Place the butter in a Shallow Dish and cover it with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Soften in the microwave for 30-35 seconds, or until the butter is soft enough to press with a fork.
  3. Add the lemon juice, zest, and mustard and mix until a smooth butter mixture is formed.
  4. Add the butter into the 2-tablespoon Anytime Freezer Trays, then cover with the lid and freeze until needed.
  5. When ready to use, simply pop a frozen portion directly into an Anyday dish and cook with any ingredient you choose. Looking to use it as a spread? Allow to soften at room temperature for 5 minutes or until soft enough to spread with a butter knife.

Suggestions

  • Lemon butter rice: Add the frozen lemon butter to uncooked rice and cook in the microwave for a flavorful twist on a classic side dish. Try the same method with couscous, quinoa, or barley!
  • Lemon butter veggies: Add a portion of frozen lemon butter to raw vegetables like broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, or spinach and cook as indicated in the recipes.
  • Lemon butter seafood: Add a portion of frozen butter to uncooked shrimp, halibut, cod, tilapia, or salmon for a deliciously rich and tangy finish that complements the natural sweetness of the fish.
  • Swap mustard for honey: For a sweet alternative, use sweet unsalted butter and replace mustard with honey. The result is another, sweeter flavor that pairs beautifully with pancakes, french toast, cornbread, and rice pudding.
  • Discover more flavored butter recipes by exploring our collection here!

Recipe Notes

  • For a lower sodium option, use unsalted butter.
  • For the freshest taste, use whole, fresh lemons in this recipe.
  • For a milder lemon flavor, use a sweet variety such as Meyer lemons.
  • For a lighter, fluffier result, mix all ingredients using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment. Incorporating air during mixing can result in a few additional portions thanks to the extra fluffiness.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Lemon Butter

What is lemon butter?

Lemon compound butter is a flavorful blend of softened butter mixed with fresh lemon juice, zest, and optional herbs or seasonings. This versatile compound butter is perfect for adding a zesty, buttery finish to seafood, vegetables, bread, and more.

What is compound butter?

Compound butter is a versatile, flavored butter made by mixing softened butter with additional ingredients like herbs, spices, or sugar. Compound butters, such as lemon compound butter, are typically rolled, shaped, or portioned into molds and can instantly elevate dishes with their concentrated flavor.

Why do chefs use compound butter?

Compound butter is a culinary secret weapon that adds bold flavor and a bit of luxury to any dish. Perfect for finishing a juicy steak, glazing tender vegetables, or adding a gourmet touch to baked goods, it’s a must-have in every chef’s toolkit. Whether you’re running a professional kitchen or cooking at home, compound butter transforms everyday meals into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Can I make compound butter in the microwave?

Yes, you can make lemon compound butter in the microwave! Use an Anyday dish to quickly soften butter in the microwave and mix in the flavorful ingredients. Making compound butter has never been this easy.

How do I use lemon compound butter?

Lemon compound butter is incredibly versatile! Add this compound butter to rice, quinoa, or couscous while cooking for an instant boost of flavor. It’s also perfect for finishing steamed vegetables or adding to fish or chicken for a burst of zesty richness. Check out our serving suggestions section for more ideas.

How do I store compound butter?

To store lemon compound butter, portion it into Anytime Freezer Trays, cover the tray with the lid, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. This keeps the compound butter fresh and ready for use in your favorite recipes.

Can I customize lemon compound butter?

Absolutely! Add minced garlic, fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or even a pinch of chili flakes to customize the flavor of your compound butter. Adjust the amount of lemon juice or zest to make the butter more tangy or subtle in flavor, depending on your taste.

Can I make compound butter dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this compound butter recipe dairy-free! Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter. Choose one with a similar consistency to traditional butter for the best results. This ensures the compound butter is smooth and full of flavor.

How do I use frozen compound butter?

Simply add a portion of the frozen lemon compound butter directly to your dish while cooking or reheating. The butter will melt evenly, infusing the dish with flavor. For quick meals, microwave frozen portions with cooked rice or vegetables for a flavorful finish. Level up your basic ingredients by exploring our collection here!

Can I make sweet lemon butter?

Yes! To make a sweet version of lemon compound butter, swap the Dijon mustard for honey, sugar, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener to taste. This creates a versatile compound butter that’s perfect for spreading on pancakes, waffles, or scones, or adding a hint of sweetness to baked goods.

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