Easy Lemon Garlic Sauce (Gluten-Free)

Busy evenings meet their match with this easy Gluten-Free Lemon Garlic Sauce! A speedy solution for a burst of flavor on your plate. Ideal for jazzing up weeknight dinners without compromising on taste or dietary preferences.

This is a tasty lemon sauce

This easy gluten-free lemon sauce has a refreshing tangy flavor. I use plant-based butter, lemon juice, and chopped garlic to give this sauce a light and creamy texture, yet it’s tangy and full of flavor. Especially when poured over crispy turkey meatballs.

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Here are the supplies:

Before you make this gluten-free lemon garlic sauce, gather these supplies to make the process a breeze.

• A saucepan – to melt the butter, make the roux then cook and thicken the sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons – these are essentials in every kitchen.
• Small prep bowls – I use these to measure everything out before I start as the sauce comes together quite quickly so you won’t have time to measure while cooking.
• Silicone whisk – I prefer using silicone whisks for making sauces but metal ones will work just as well.

What you’ll need to make this recipe:

Here’s your checklist of ingredients combining lightness, tanginess, and creamy goodness.

Makes approximately 1 cup sauce.

• Plant-based Butter Alternative – I’m dairy-free so I use a non-dairy butter but you can use regular butter if you don’t have any dietary preferences.
• Garlic – chopped garlic will add texture and flavor to this sauce but you can also use garlic powder.
• Lemon juice – for tanginess and a light fresh flavor.
• Broth – I use chicken broth but vegetable broth works as well.
• Pepper – enhances flavor and creates balance.
• White Rice flour – I like using white rice flour to thicken my sauces but you can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour.

When it comes to thickening sauces for weeknight dinners, a lot of people look for resources like this guide to gluten-free flour and starches. I’ve tried many thickeners and have even cooked up gravy using gluten-free flour blends.

How to make lemon garlic sauce:

Follow these easy steps to make this sticky sauce.

Step 1 – Melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds while whisking.

Step 2 – Add the flour and pepper. Whisk to combine.

Step 3 – Add broth and lemon juice a little at a time while whisking.

Step 4 – Simmer for a couple of minutes until thick.

Step 5 – Serve over fish, or with these crispy lemon dill turkey meatballs!

Success tips:

These tips will help you make the best gluten-free sticky lemon garlic sauce.

• The best lemon sauces are tangy and creamy, so it’s important to taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients as necessary.
• It’s also important to whisk the sauce as it thickens to prevent clumping and sticking.
• If you have a whisk – use it! It’s a great way to blend your ingredients quickly.
• If the sauce is too thick – add extra broth until you reach the desired consistency.
• Make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it.

What to use lemon garlic sauce with?

Chicken or these turkey meatballs are perfectly served with this sticky lemon garlic sauce. Especially with a starchy side dish like rice, pasta, or potatoes.

It would also work well as a salad dressing or a drizzle over vegetables. I’ve even used it as a topping for fish.

Storing, freezing, and reheating tips

I always like to make food ahead of time and get a jump on meal prep. I’d recommend storing it in the fridge for up to a week. All you have to do is let the dressing cool to room temperature before refrigerating it.

Variations:

• I didn’t add any herbs to this sauce but you could add dill or tarragon for a nice flavor.
• I made this sauce over turkey meatballs for a weeknight dinner but you can make the sauce and serve it with brunch or appetizers instead.
• If you don’t want to use a plant-based butter alternative, you can use regular butter.

Frequently asked questions

Does garlic contain gluten?

Garlic is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with Celiac disease.

What is lemon garlic sauce made of?

Sauces are typically made by combining different ingredients and then simmering them over low heat until the flavors blend. They can be thick or thin, creamy or not creamy, depending on your preference. This lemon garlic sauce combines a non-dairy alternative butter, lemon juice, garlic, broth, and rice flour as a gluten-free thickener. You can leave out the rice flour if you want a thinner sauce.

What sauces can celiacs eat?

Sauces add flavor to foods but when you can’t eat gluten, you have to be careful. The best thing to do is check all the ingredients!

What does adding lemon to a sauce do?

Lemon juice is acidic so adding it to your sauce will enhance the flavor.