Cilantro Lime Compound Butter

5 from 1 vote

Cilantro Lime Compound Butter is a flavored butter recipe with 10-minute preparation and make-ahead convenience for seafood, chicken, and vegetables. Fresh cilantro, lime, and garlic are mixed into softened butter for an easy finishing touch.

Prep Time10

Chill Time1

Total Time10

Course: Spread

Cuisine: American, Tex Mex

Servings: servings

Calories: 102kcal

Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

Small bowl
Fork or spatula
Fine grater
Cutting board
Measuring Spoons
Parchment paper or plastic wrap

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter softened but not melted
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro washed and patted dry
1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
½ teaspoon finely grated garlic about ½ small clove
⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste

Instructions

Place the softened butter in a small bowl. Mash with a fork or spatula until smooth and spreadable.
Add the cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, and salt. Stir thoroughly, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed, until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the lime juice is fully incorporated.
Taste a small amount on plain bread and add more salt, if needed.
Use immediately as a softened butter, or spoon onto parchment paper and shape into a log approximately 1½ inches in diameter. Roll the parchment tightly around the butter and twist the ends to seal.
Refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice.

Video

Notes

Cooking Notes

Start with butter that is soft enough to mash but still holds its shape. Dry the cilantro thoroughly and measure the lime juice rather than squeezing it directly into the bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and no separate droplets remain.

Tips for Best Results

Mash the butter smooth before adding the flavorings.
Chop the cilantro finely for even distribution.
Use only the green outer lime peel when zesting.
Refrigerate until firm before slicing a shaped log.

How to Know It’s Ready

The butter should be smooth and spreadable, with cilantro evenly mixed throughout and no separate lime juice. A chilled log is ready when it slices cleanly without flattening.

Nutrition