Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce Recipe

If you’re a fan of quick, flavorful sauces, you’re going to love this brown butter sage sauce inspired by Ina Garten!

Brown butter adds a nutty and rich depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the earthy notes of fresh sage.

Make sure to watch the butter carefully as it melts to achieve that perfect golden brown color without burning it.

One tip I love to share is to use a light-colored pan so you can easily monitor the butter as it browns.

This versatile sauce works wonders on pasta, gnocchi, or even grilled vegetables.

How to Make Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsalted Butter
• 1 clove Garlic (minced)
• 10 leaves Fresh Sage (chopped)
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 2:

Once the butter begins to melt, add the minced garlic and stir for about a minute until it becomes fragrant.

Step 3:

Add the freshly chopped sage leaves to the pan.

Step 4:

Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2-4 minutes until the butter turns a light golden brown and has a nutty aroma.

Step 5:

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice to stop the browning process.

Step 6:

Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Watch the Butter Closely

Brown butter can quickly turn burnt, so keep a close eye and stir frequently during the cooking process.

Use Fresh Sage

Fresh sage leaves offer the best flavor. Dry them well before chopping to avoid splattering in the butter.

Adjust the Garlic

Feel free to add more garlic if you love a stronger garlic flavor! Just be sure not to let it burn.

Finish with Lemon Juice

Immediately adding lemon juice after cooking helps stop the browning and balances the richness of the butter.

Pairing Suggestions

This sauce pairs wonderfully with pasta, roasted vegetables, or drizzled over grilled meats or fish.

What to Serve with Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce Recipe

Traditional Potato Gnocchi

Potato gnocchi is a classic choice that pairs beautifully with the nutty richness of brown butter sage sauce.

The pillowy softness of gnocchi complements the creamy texture of the sauce.

You can boil the gnocchi until they float, then toss them directly in the sauce for perfect flavor absorption.

Savory Butternut Squash Ravioli

Butternut squash ravioli offers a sweet contrast to the earthy notes of the sage butter sauce.

The sweetness of the squash pairs well with the slightly nutty flavor of the browned butter.

This combination creates a delightful balance that will have you coming back for seconds.

Simple Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken is a versatile protein that soaks up the buttery sage sauce perfectly.

Season the chicken simply with salt and pepper to let the sauce shine.

Grill until the chicken is fully cooked, and then drizzle the sauce over for an extra layer of flavor.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts add a crunchy element to your meal while pairing well with the sauce.

Season the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting them until golden brown.

Drizzle the brown butter sage sauce over the top for a scrumptious finish.

Polenta Cakes

Polenta cakes are an unconventional choice that can be incredibly tasty with this sauce.

You can grill or fry the polenta until crispy on the outside but soft inside.

The rich, nutty flavors of the brown butter sage sauce enhance the creamy texture of the polenta.

Sautéed Spinach

Sautéed spinach offers a light and healthy side option that pairs well with the richness of the sauce.

Quickly sauté the spinach in a bit of olive oil until wilted.

Drizzle just a small amount of sauce over the top for a nutritious and flavorful side dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Dairy-Free Option

You can make this sauce dairy-free by using vegan butter instead of regular butter.

The flavor will still be rich and delicious!

Adding a Nutty Twist

Try adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts to the sauce for an extra layer of texture and taste.

Just sprinkle them in towards the end of cooking.

Citrus Zest for Brightness

For a fresh twist, add a bit of lemon or orange zest to the sauce.

This will brighten the flavors and add a nice contrast to the richness of the butter.

Garlic Lovers

If you love garlic, stir in some minced garlic when the butter is just starting to brown.

Cook it until fragrant, and then follow the rest of the basic steps.

Herb Variations

While sage is the traditional herb for this sauce, you can experiment with others like thyme or rosemary.

Each herb brings its own unique flavor to the table.

How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Store leftover Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce for later use to avoid waste!

Cool it Down

Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before storing.

Avoid placing hot sauce directly in the fridge as it can affect the overall temperature inside.

Use Airtight Containers

Transfer the cooled sauce into airtight containers.

Mason jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work great.

This keeps the sauce fresh and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

Refrigerate

Place the airtight container in the refrigerator.

Make sure the container is securely closed to maintain freshness.

Use the sauce within 4 to 5 days for the best flavor and quality.

Freeze for Long-Term Storage

For longer storage, freeze the sauce in ice cube trays.

Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag.

Label the bag with the date and use within 3 months.

Defrosting Tips

When ready to use, defrost the sauce by transferring it to the fridge overnight.

Avoid microwaving to prevent altering the texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Burning the Butter

You want that perfect golden brown color and nutty aroma, so keep a close eye on the butter as it melts.

Set the heat to medium-low and stir frequently to prevent burning.

Overcooking the Garlic

Garlic cooks quickly and can easily turn bitter if overdone.

Add the minced garlic as soon as the butter is melted and cook for just about a minute until it’s fragrant.

Not Timing the Sage

Fresh sage leaves add incredible flavor, but timing is everything.

Add them after the garlic and cook for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the butter is golden brown and aromatic.