Get ready to savor your meal with this Cowboy Steak Butter Recipe, perfect for grilled meats (and vegetables)! This recipe combines butter with fresh herbs, spices, and zesty lemon, creating a compound butter that will improve any dish.
Whether you're serving it with a juicy Medium Rare Filet Mignon or slathering it over Air Fryer Potato Wedges, this butter adds bold flavor with minimal effort.
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Cowboy Steak Butter is a flavorful compound butter that originated as a way to add a rich, spicy touch to grilled meats and vegetables. Combining butter with fresh herbs, spices, garlic, and lemon juice, this butter is perfect for enhancing the taste of any dish.
If you love bold flavors, try our Cajun Sauce for seafood or our Chipotle Chicken Spice for a smoky, spicy kick on grilled chicken and vegetables.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: Packed with spices, garlic, and fresh herbs.
- Versatile: Perfect for meats, vegetables, bread, and more.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps for a delicious result.
- Great for Entertaining: Impress your guests with a unique, homemade condiment.
Steak Butter Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: We start with unsalted butter so we can control the seasoning.
- Paprika & Cayenne Pepper: This combo gives the butter a smoky depth and a little heat. We usually reach for smoked paprika when we want that true cowboy campfire vibe.
- Lemon Juice & Zest: A little lemon lifts the whole flavor. It cuts the richness and keeps the butter tasting bright and balanced.
- Fresh Herbs (Chives & Parsley): We finely chop both so they melt into the butter and add a pop of fresh, herby flavor.
- Garlic: Chopped fresh garlic brings in that classic steakhouse aroma.
- Dijon Mustard: We love the tangy depth this adds. It gives just enough zip without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Kosher Salt & Red Pepper Flakes: Salt pulls all the flavors together, and red pepper flakes sneak in just the right touch of heat.
- Dried Thyme: Thyme complements the fresh herbs without competing with them. We swap in dried rosemary if that’s what we have on hand.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Butter: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Fresh Herbs: Substitute with dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable.
- Dijon Mustard: Swap with whole grain mustard for a different texture.
How to Make this Steak Butter Recipe
STEP ONE: Prepare the Butter
In a medium skillet over low heat, melt the butter.
STEP TWO: Add the Flavors
Continue melting and add garlic.
Next, add paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon zest, chives, salt, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, parsley, and thyme to the melted butter. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, while stirring, until the garlic is fragrant and the ingredients are well combined.
STEP THREE: Let Cool
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Transfer the mixture to the refrigerator to solidify further.
STEP FOUR: Shape and Refrigerate
When solid, transfer onto a piece of plastic wrap. Cover and pound with a mallet, if needed, to break up the solid pieces. Shape the portion into a log or a disk and wrap tightly.
Place the wrapped butter log in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Slice as needed and serve with your favorite dishes.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Mix all ingredients well.
✔️ DO Whisk vigorously if the butter starts to separate.
Storage
Store wrapped Cowboy Butter in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Recipe FAQs
Store leftover Cowboy Butter by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze it for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Yes, you can make Cowboy Butter spicier by increasing the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. You can also add a splash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of chipotle powder for extra heat.
Cowboy Butter pairs well with grilled meats such as steak, chicken, and pork. It also complements roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, and fresh bread. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for seafood or spread on sandwiches for added flavor.
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📖 Recipe
Cowboy Steak Butter Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Plastic Wrap
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted butter softened (4 sticks,cubed)
- 3 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ lemon juice and zest
- ¼ cup fresh chives finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 whole head of garlic chopped
- 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over low heat, melt the butter and garlic.
- Add paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon zest, chives, salt, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, parsley, and thyme to the melted butter. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, while stirring, until the garlic is fragrant and the ingredients are well combined.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Transfer the mixture to the refrigerator to solidify further.
- When solid, transfer onto a piece of plastic wrap. Cover and pound with a mallet, if needed, to break up the solid pieces. Shape the portion into a log or a disk and wrap tightly.
- Place the wrapped butter log in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Slice as needed and serve with your favorite dishes.
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