| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 325 | 30g | 19g | 2g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 0g | 1g | 0.4g |
As a tribute to the melting pot that I call home – New York City – I am so enamored with the Pennyroyal Infused Garlic Butter for Seafood. This isn’t your standard fruit-based recipe. It’s an extraordinary blend of rich flavors, enhanced by the unusual yet delightful incorporation of pennyroyal, a member of the mint family. Almost reminiscent of classic herb butter but with a citrus twist and a dash of sea, creating a symphony of flavors not soon forgotten.
An Ode to the Sea
One of the reasons I’m so enthralled with this fruit-infused butter for seafood is the salubrious subtlety it imparts to seafood. A staple in our culinary culture, seafood offers lean proteins, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and an abundance of essential nutrients, but can sometimes be lost amidst heavy sauces or overdone spices. But not with this softly fragrant butter; it adorns without overpowering, highlighting the seafood’s natural briny delicacies.
A Touch of Herbsecution
The surprise star ingredient, of course, is the pennyroyal. Part of the robust mint family, pennyroyal has been traditionally used for centuries for its medicinal properties, including aiding digestive issues and countering upset stomachs. Its distinct flavor, both minty and earthy, compliments the robustness of garlic and lemon, tantalizing your taste buds in a truly invigorating way.
The Pennyroyal Infused Garlic Butter for Seafood is also versatile, serving as a fantastic complement to a variety of seafood dishes. Imagine a rich lobster tail basted with this butter, or succulent scallops receiving a light brush before hitting the griddle. It brings to mind recipes like the classic Moules Marinière or a beautifully grilled Red Snapper.
In my actor’s life, every character is instilled with layers to captivate and bring to life a genuine experience for the audience. The same principle applies here. We’re taking seafood, a culinary character so to speak, and adding layers of sophistication with this infused butter, putting a new spin on simple ingredients with the final encore being the satisfied smiles after that first enchanting bite.
Try the Pennyroyal Infused Garlic Butter for Seafood for yourself and experience the chorus of flavors. Your dinner guests will be lining up for a second serving!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh pennyroyal
- 5 large cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Assorted seafood for serving (e.g., shrimp, lobster, scallops, crab)
Method
Step One
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Once the butter has fully melted, reduce the heat to low to keep it warm.
Step Two
In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This process should take about 1-2 minutes.
Step Three
Add the chopped fresh pennyroyal to the pan with the garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the pennyroyal becomes aromatic. Take care not to burn the herbs.
Step Four
Now, add the garlic-herb mixture to the melted butter in the saucepan. Recover and let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the butter thoroughly.
Step Five
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2-3 minutes. At this point, the garlic butter should have a rich, complex flavor profile.
Step Six
The pennyroyal infused garlic butter is now ready. Serve it as a dipping sauce alongside your assorted seafood of choice (e.g., shrimp, lobster, scallops, crab). Ensure the seafood is cooked to perfection, and enjoy the enhanced flavor offered by the butter dip!
