Description
This Lemon Sauce is a tangy, zesty, and versatile addition to a variety of dishes. With the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, it’s ideal for drizzling over desserts like cheesecake, pound cake, or ice cream. You can also use it to enhance savory dishes like grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables. This simple, yet flavorful sauce is sure to brighten up any meal!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Pinch of salt (optional, to balance the sweetness)
Instructions
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Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice, sugar, and water. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
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Cook the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. While simmering, stir occasionally to ensure the sugar fully dissolves.
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Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering lemon mixture.
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Simmer Until Thickened: Continue to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
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Add Butter and Flavoring: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the butter (if using) for a smooth, velvety finish. You can also add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to round out the flavors.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes before serving. The sauce can be used warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch (increase by 1/2 teaspoon at a time).
- For a smoother texture, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp or zest before serving.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if desired or using honey or agave syrup as an alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, European
Keywords: lemon sauce, lemon glaze, lemon syrup, citrus sauce, tangy sauce, dessert sauce, sweet and sour sauce, lemon topping