Imagine serving up a dinner that’s as enchanting as a seaside escape, with the taste of Red Lobster’s famous herb butter sauce gracing your table.
The key to this creamy and flavorful sauce is using fresh herbs and real butter for the best taste.
One trick is to melt the butter slowly over low heat, adding garlic and lemon juice to build layers of rich flavor.
I love how it pairs perfectly not just with lobster, but with shrimp, crab, or even drizzled over grilled vegetables.
How to Make Red Lobster Herb Butter Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp Parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Melt the butter slowly in a medium saucepan over low heat.
Stir often to prevent burning.
Step 2:
Add minced garlic to the melted butter.
Cook for about a minute until you smell the fragrant garlic.
Step 3:
Mix in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Step 4:
Add the chopped parsley, cilantro, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
Step 5:
Either strain the sauce to remove herbs or leave them in for a more rustic texture.
When ready, serve the sauce warm.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Herbs
Always aim for fresh parsley and cilantro for a vibrant and zesty taste in your herb butter sauce.
Dry herbs just don’t have the same pop.
Adjust the Heat
If you like a bit more spice, add another pinch of red pepper flakes or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper.
Be careful not to overpower the sauce.
Butter Quality
Choose high-quality unsalted butter to be in control of the salt content and flavor of the dish.
Good butter makes all the difference!
Flexibility with Flavors
Feel free to tweak the amount of garlic or lemon juice based on your taste preferences for this sauce.
It’s customizable to your liking.
Keep an Eye on the Heat
Make sure to melt the butter over low heat so it doesn’t burn and ruin your sauce.
Take your time with this step for the best results.
What to Serve with Red Lobster Herb Butter Sauce
Garlic Bread
A warm slice of garlic bread pairs wonderfully with Red Lobster Herb Butter Sauce!
The crusty exterior and soft, buttery interior soak up the savory sauce, creating a delightful pairing you won’t want to miss.
This combination is a classic and sure to be a hit during your meal.
Steamed Asparagus
Steamed asparagus is a fantastic side dish that complements the richness of the herb butter sauce.
The fresh, crisp taste of asparagus blends beautifully with the buttery flavors, offering a bright and wholesome taste to your dish.
Give it a try for a light, healthy addition to your meal.
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower brings a savory, nutty flavor that stands out nicely with the herb-infused sauce.
The slight crunch from roasting adds a nice texture contrast, taking your dining experience to another level.
This is a fun and unique option if you’re looking to try something different.
Basil & Tomato Salad
Looking for something fresh and vibrant?
A basil and tomato salad offers a burst of freshness!
The sweet tomatoes and aromatic basil provide a lovely contrast to the creamy herb butter sauce, bringing a refreshing and delicious balance.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms are another great choice with Red Lobster Herb Butter Sauce.
Their earthy flavor and soft, tender texture meld effortlessly with the buttery blend, making for a savory and satisfying side.
You’ll enjoy the way the mushrooms absorb the sauce, enhancing each bite.
Variations and Substitutions
Adding Citrus Zest
You can add a zingy twist by incorporating citrus zest.
Lemon or lime zest can give your butter sauce a refreshing burst.
It’s amazing how a pinch of zest can elevate the sauce to new heights!
Different Herbs
Experiment with different herbs to change up the flavor profile.
Parsley is classic, but basil or dill can also be delightful.
These herbs can bring out different, unique flavors in your dish!
Garlic Alternatives
For a milder flavor, consider substituting garlic with shallots.
Shallots bring a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with lobster.
This tweak can make the sauce gentler on the palate.
Substituting Butter
If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap butter for olive oil.
Olive oil provides a different depth and a fruity note.
It’s a great alternative that still keeps the sauce smooth and delicious!
How to Store Leftover Herb Butter Sauce
Storing leftover herb butter sauce is easier than you might think, and I’m here to help you get it right every time!
Once your sauce has cooled completely, pour it into an airtight container to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Choosing the Right Container
Opt for a glass container with a secure lid to prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
Plastic containers work as well, but glass is usually my go-to for maintaining the best taste!
Time and Temperature
Store your container in the refrigerator for up to a week to ensure the flavors stay vibrant.
You might find that the sauce solidifies, which is completely normal and expected.
Freezing for Longer Storage
If you want to store it for longer, Pour the sauce into ice cube trays, freeze, and then transfer the cubes to a labeled freezer bag.
These little frozen gems are perfect for portion control and thaw wonderfully when you’re ready to enjoy your sauce again!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Rushed Garlic Cooking
You might be tempted to crank up the heat to speed things along, but garlic burns quickly if you’re not careful.
Gentle heat is your friend to coax out that sweet, aromatic garlic flavor without bitterness.
Overcrowding the Ingredients
When adding herbs like parsley or cilantro, make sure they have room to mingle and release their aromas.
Cramming too many ingredients in the saucepan at once could result in uneven cooking or a muted flavor.
Neglecting the Strain
If you want a smooth and silky sauce, straining is a step that shouldn’t be skipped.
Bits and chunks can sometimes distract from the sauce’s pure essence, so giving it a strain elevates your sauce to restaurant quality!

Red Lobster Herb Butter Sauce Recipe
- 1 cup Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp Parsley chopped
- 1 tsp Cilantro chopped
- 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- Melt the butter slowly in a medium saucepan over low heat.
- Stir often to prevent burning.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter.
- Cook for about a minute until you smell the fragrant garlic.
- Mix in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Add the chopped parsley, cilantro, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Either strain the sauce to remove herbs or leave them in for a more rustic texture.
- When ready, serve the sauce warm.
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