Sautéed Leeks with Smoked Butter Glaze
Tender leeks cooked in smoked butter until caramelized, finished with a smoky-sweet glaze. This irish-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium leeks, smoked butter, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 medium leeks
- 3 tbsp smoked butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chives
Instructions
- Step 1: Trim dark green tops from 4 medium leeks, slice white and light green parts thinly, and rinse under cold water to remove grit.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 tbsp smoked butter in a skillet over medium heat until butter foams.
- Step 3: Add sliced leeks, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until leeks are tender and golden. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped chives before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Leeks with Smoked Butter Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Leeks with Smoked Butter Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium leeks from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Leeks with Smoked Butter Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Leeks with Smoked Butter Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sautéed Leeks with Smoked Butter Glaze?
Irish vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple but elegant. The smoked butter added a wonderful depth. Made for a special weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So easy and flavorful. The perfect side for my vegetarian meal.
- ★★★★★
The leeks were perfectly tender and the smoked butter glaze was divine. Served with roasted chicken for dinner, everyone loved it!
