This deceptively simple sauce – born from the test kitchens of America’s Test Kitchen – is a quick, flavorful upgrade for everything from roasted chicken to simple vegetables. It’s a testament to how powerful a few well-chosen ingredients can be when combined thoughtfully.
Why This Sauce Works
The magic lies in the balance. Browned butter provides a rich, nutty base, while soy sauce delivers umami depth. Crucially, lemon juice cuts through the richness, adding brightness and preventing the sauce from feeling heavy. It’s a flavor combination that’s surprisingly versatile and addictive enough to drink straight from the bowl.
The sauce’s appeal isn’t just about taste. It’s about speed. Most dinner sauces require simmering, reducing, or complex ingredient lists. This one is ready in minutes – making it ideal for weeknight meals when time is short.
How to Make It
The process is straightforward:
- Brown the butter: Melt 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook until golden brown and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add soy sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce. The mixture will bubble – use a larger skillet to prevent overflow.
- Finish with lemon: Transfer to a bowl, scrape up the browned solids, and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
The result is a golden, savory-tart drizzle that transforms ordinary dishes into something special. It’s best served immediately, though leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips for Perfection
- Control salt: Using unsalted butter and low-sodium soy sauce prevents the sauce from becoming overly salty. You can always add a pinch of kosher salt to taste.
- Experiment: While excellent as-is, the sauce welcomes customization. Try adding crushed red pepper for heat, a dash of miso paste for extra umami, or a touch of honey for subtle sweetness.
- Serve liberally: This sauce pairs exceptionally well with simply prepared proteins like fish or chicken thighs, and it brightens up roasted vegetables beautifully.
The simplicity of “Infinite Sauce” is its greatest strength. It proves that incredible flavor doesn’t always require hours of work or a long list of ingredients. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most satisfying meals are the ones that come together quickly and effortlessly.
