Cowboy Butter: Flavored Garlic Butter Perfect for Steak and More Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Butter is a rich, flavorful compound butter that elevates steak to a new level. With smoky paprika, a hint of chili, and garlic, it’s perfect for adding a bold, savory kick to grilled meats and more.
Ingredients
- 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened, divided
- 1 large garlic clove, finely minced (about 1 tsp)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (substitute regular paprika if needed)
- 1 tsp chili flakes or red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt (halve if using table salt)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small frying pan, melt 1 tbsp (15g) of butter over medium heat until it begins to foam. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds until it turns very light golden. Remove from heat and let the garlic cool for 3 minutes; it will deepen in color as it cools.
- Step 2: In a small mixing bowl, combine the remaining butter, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and salt. Pour the cooled garlic butter into the bowl and mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Step 3: Serve the Cowboy Butter on top of steaks for an irresistible finish. It’s also fantastic with other cooked meats, seafood, or even vegetables.
- Step 4: For different serving options, use the butter softened so it melts thicker over hot steak, melt it gently for dipping, or roll it into a log using cling wrap. Refrigerate the log, then slice off rounds as needed to place on hot food and let it melt.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper, more authentic smoky flavor; regular paprika works if that’s all you have.
- Adjust chili flakes to taste, adding more for extra heat or less for a milder butter.
- Try adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives to brighten the flavor.
- For an even richer butter, incorporate a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Storage
Store Cowboy Butter wrapped tightly in cling wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months—slice off rounds as needed. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before spreading or melting.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Butter ahead of time?
Yes, this butter can be prepared in advance and kept refrigerated or frozen. It actually benefits from sitting overnight to let the flavors meld together.
Is Cowboy Butter only good with steak?
While it’s fantastic on steak, Cowboy Butter also pairs wonderfully with other cooked meats, grilled seafood, roasted vegetables, or even spread on warm bread.
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Cowboy Butter: Flavored Garlic Butter Perfect for Steak and More Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 100 grams (serves 4–6 as a condiment) 1x
Description
Cowboy Butter is a flavorful, versatile compound butter made with a base of unsalted butter, infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and a touch of salt. Perfect for enhancing the taste of steak, seafood, meats, and vegetables, this quick and easy butter adds a smoky, spicy kick and creamy richness to any dish.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened, divided
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika as substitute)
- 1 tsp chili flakes / red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt (halve if using table salt)
Garlic
- 1 large garlic clove, finely minced (about 1 tsp)
Instructions
- Sauté garlic: In a small frying pan, melt 1 tbsp (15g) of butter over medium heat until it begins to foam. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds while stirring continuously until the garlic turns a very light golden color. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the garlic to cool for 3 minutes; the garlic will darken slightly during this time.
- Mix ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, add the remaining butter and all other ingredients including Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and salt. Pour the sautéed garlic with the melted butter over the mixture and stir thoroughly until all components are fully combined and smooth.
- Serve: Spoon the Cowboy Butter over hot steak immediately to enhance the flavor. It pairs excellently with other cooked meats, seafood, and even vegetables, imparting a rich, smoky, and mildly spicy taste.
- Usage tips: For best texture, use the butter softened so it melts nicely over steak. Alternatively, gently melt the butter for dipping steak bites, or form the butter into a log using cling wrap, refrigerate, then slice off coins as needed. Place these butter slices onto hot steak to allow them to melt gradually.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to finely mince the garlic for best flavor distribution.
- Smoked paprika adds a distinctive smoky flavor; regular paprika can be substituted if preferred.
- Adjust chili flakes based on your desired heat level.
- When using table salt instead of kosher salt, reduce the quantity to avoid over-salting.
- This butter can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
- For a softer spread, bring refrigerated butter to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cowboy Butter, compound butter, steak butter, garlic butter, smoky butter, spicy butter, steak sauce, butter for steak, meat butter, savory butter
