First, measure out all your ingredients. This can feel somewhat like a cooking show moment—everything laid out and ready to go. Having everything prepped saves time and reduces the chaos in your kitchen.

Next, take your garlic cloves and mince them finely. The aroma is intoxicating! If you have a garlic press, this can speed up the process. If not, a good knife and a cutting board will do just fine. Make sure to chop your garlic well; you want it to infuse into the butter completely.

In a small saucepan, gently melt the butter over low heat. You can use softened butter if you prefer. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t brown. We want a lovely golden hue, not a dark one!

Once your butter is melted and bubbling, it’s time to add the minced garlic. Let it cook on low heat for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Add the crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and squeeze in the lemon juice. This brightens up the flavors beautifully. Toss in the finely chopped parsley as well. Let everything simmer for about another minute. The fragrance will fill your kitchen, making you want to dig in right away.

This is the fun part! Take a tiny taste, and if needed, adjust the seasonings. Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes! Prefer it a bit tangier? Add more lemon juice. Play until it’s perfect for you.

Once you’re happy with the flavor, remove the sauce from heat. You can serve it right away or let it cool and store it for later use. If you plan to store it, you’ll see it thicken as it cools.