The Zesty Lemon Cilantro Butter Freezer Recipe

Welcome to the vibrant world of Lemon Cilantro Butter, a refreshing twist on your regular butter that promises to bring zesty flavors into your kitchen! Perfect for those who love to add a splash of citrus and the fresh kick of cilantro to their meals, this recipe is a wonderful way to preserve the summer’s bounty. It’s not just about enhancing the flavor of your bread; this butter is a versatile companion to various dishes, bringing them to life with its bright and herby notes.

And if you’re thinking of thoughtful, homemade gifts, pairing this butter with fresh bread could be your next go-to. Dive into this budget-friendly, flavor-packed recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to use.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cilantro Butter

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon and cilantro will invigorate any dish.
• Versatile Kitchen Staple: Great on bread, vegetables, poultry, and seafood.
• Saves Summer Herbs: A fantastic way to use up leftover herbs.
• Charming Homemade Gift: Pair it with freshly baked bread for a heartwarming gift.

Equipment Needed

• Freezer
• Small mixing bowl
• Electric beater or whisk
• Parchment paper
• Cookie sheet
• Ziploc bags or freezer-safe containers

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
• 2 1/2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp finely grated lime peel

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Lemon Cilantro Butter

1. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, blend the softened butter, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and grated lime peel using an electric beater or a whisk. Aim for a fluffy consistency while ensuring the cilantro and lime are evenly mixed throughout the butter. This step not only combines the ingredients but also infuses the butter with a vibrant flavor profile.
2. Shape and Freeze: Spread out a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Scoop small portions of the butter mixture onto the parchment paper, shaping them according to your preferred size. You can opt for smaller pats suitable for individual servings or larger portions for a communal butter dish.
3. Freezing: Place the cookie sheet in the freezer and leave it until the butter portions are solid. This process locks in the flavors and makes the butter easy to store and use later.

Storage and Usage

1. Storing: Once solid, transfer the butter portions from the cookie sheet into a Ziploc bag or a freezer-safe container. Don’t forget to label it with the date and contents for future reference.
2. Using the Butter: To enjoy your Lemon Cilantro Butter, simply take out the required amount from the freezer and let it thaw. It spreads beautifully on warm, toasted bread, and can also be melted over vegetables, fish, or poultry to add a deliciously fresh flavor.

Customization Tips

• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add or substitute cilantro with other herbs like parsley or dill for a different flavor twist.
• Add Garlic or Spices: For an extra layer of flavor, consider incorporating minced garlic or a dash of chili flakes into the butter.
• Citrus Variations: Experiment with different types of citrus, such as orange or grapefruit, for a unique taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Bread and More: Slather it on freshly baked bread, corn on the cob, or grilled steaks.
• Seafood Delight: Melt it over grilled shrimp or salmon for a citrusy finish.
• Vegetable Toss: Toss it with roasted or steamed vegetables for an added zest.

Conclusion

This Lemon Cilantro Butter recipe is a testament to the joy and simplicity of cooking with fresh ingredients. It captures the essence of summer in a spread, bringing a burst of flavor to your meals all year round. Whether you’re jazzing up a weekday dinner or crafting a thoughtful homemade gift, this butter is sure to impress with its freshness and vibrancy. Embrace the opportunity to add a homemade touch to your cooking, and let this zesty butter inspire your culinary adventures. Happy cooking, and enjoy the delightful flavors that await!

Lemon Cilantro Butter Freezer Recipe

Perfect for those who love to add a splash of citrus and the fresh kick of cilantro to their meals, this recipe is a wonderful way to preserve the summer's bounty. It's not just about enhancing the flavor of your bread; this butter is a versatile companion to various dishes, bringing them to life with its bright and herby notes. And if you're thinking of thoughtful, homemade gifts, pairing this butter with fresh bread could be your next go-to.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 16

Equipment

• Electric Beater
• freezer

Ingredients

• 1 c butter softened
• 4 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
• 2 1/2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp finely grated lime peel

Instructions

• With a small bowl, use an egg beater or an electric beater to combine ingredients until the butter is fluffy and the cilantro and lime are distributed evenly.
• On a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet, place butter in pats on the cookie sheet in the size you would like to use (ie. small pats for single servings on a side plate or divide into larger portions for butter dish). 
• Freeze, then remove butter from sheet and place into a ziploc or freezer container.

To use from freezer

• Simply thaw the lemon cilantro butter and spread.