Cowboy Butter – Perfect for Steak and More! Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Butter is a flavorful, buttery sauce that elevates steak and many other dishes. Bursting with garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of heat, it’s a versatile companion for meats, seafood, and vegetables. This easy recipe will become your go-to for adding rich, smoky flavor in minutes.
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 chilli flakes (red pepper flakes)
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt (halve amount if using table salt)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small frying pan, melt 1 tablespoon (15g) of butter over medium heat until it starts to foam. Add the finely minced garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds until it turns very light golden. Remove from heat and let it cool for 3 minutes; the garlic will deepen in color as it rests.
- Step 2: In a small mixing bowl, combine the remaining softened butter with Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chilli flakes, and salt. Pour the garlic butter mixture over these ingredients and stir thoroughly until well combined.
- Step 3: Serve Cowboy Butter immediately on hot steak to melt over the meat, or use it with other cooked meats, seafood, and vegetables.
- Step 4: For different uses, keep the butter softened for a thicker melt, melt gently to use as a dip for steak bites, or roll it into a log with cling wrap, refrigerate, and slice off coins as needed to melt on food.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavor, but regular paprika works well if that’s what you have.
- Adjust chilli flakes to your preferred heat level or substitute with cayenne pepper for a sharper kick.
- Try adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for a fresh twist.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the mixture briefly to combine.
Storage
Store Cowboy Butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you roll it into a log, wrap tightly in cling wrap before refrigerating. To use, let it soften at room temperature or gently warm to melt. Avoid overheating as the butter can separate.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the butter too salty.
Is Cowboy Butter suitable for seafood?
Absolutely! It pairs wonderfully with grilled shrimp, scallops, or fish, adding rich flavor and a bit of heat.
PrintCowboy Butter – Perfect for Steak and More! Recipe
This Cowboy Butter recipe is a flavorful, buttery condiment perfect for enhancing the taste of steak and various other cooked meats, seafood, and vegetables. Made with garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and a touch of salt, this versatile butter adds a rich, smoky, and spicy kick that complements a wide range of dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 100g / 7 servings (about 1 tablespoon per serving) 1x
- Category: Condiment / Sauce
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Butter Base
- 100g / 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened, divided
Flavorings
- 1 large garlic clove, finely minced (about 1 tsp)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika as a substitute)
- 1 tsp chili flakes / red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (halve if using table salt)
Instructions
- Sauté garlic: In a small frying pan, melt 1 tbsp (15g) of the butter over medium heat until it starts to foam. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic turns very light golden. Remove the pan from the stove and let the garlic butter cool for 3 minutes, allowing the garlic to deepen in color.
- Mix ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, combine the remaining softened butter with the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and cooking salt. Pour the cooled garlic butter over the mix and stir well until fully combined and smooth.
- Serve: Use the Cowboy Butter immediately by spreading it over hot steak so it melts and envelops the meat in flavor. It’s also excellent when paired with other cooked meats, seafood, or even grilled or roasted vegetables.
- Storage and usage tips: For optimal texture, use the butter softened so it melts thicker on hot steak. Alternatively, gently melt the butter for dipping bites of steak or shape it into a log with cling wrap, refrigerate, and cut slices as needed to place on steak for melting.
Notes
- Use a knife rather than a garlic press to finely mince the garlic for better texture.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili flakes to taste.
- Halve the salt amount if using table salt instead of kosher or cooking salt.
- This butter pairs wonderfully not only with steak but also with seafood, chicken, and roasted vegetables.
- Refrigerate leftover butter and bring to room temperature before serving for best spreadability.
Keywords: Cowboy Butter, garlic butter, steak butter, flavored butter, steak condiment, spicy butter, smoked paprika butter
