Cowboy Butter: A Flavorful Spiced Butter Perfect for Steak and More Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter is a flavorful, versatile compound butter that enhances steak and many other dishes. With a blend of garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of heat, it adds a rich, savory kick to your meals.

Ingredients

• 100g / 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened and divided
• 1 large garlic clove, finely minced (about 1 tsp)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (regular paprika can be substituted)
• 1 tsp chilli flakes or red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt (halve for table salt)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small frying pan, melt 1 tablespoon (15g) of butter over medium heat until it starts foaming. Add the finely minced garlic and cook while stirring for about 30 seconds until it turns very light golden. Remove from heat and let it cool for 3 minutes, allowing the garlic to deepen in color.
2. Step 2: In a small mixing bowl, combine the remaining softened butter, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chilli flakes, and salt. Pour the cooled garlic butter over this mixture and stir until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Serve immediately atop hot steak for a melty, flavorful finish. Cowboy Butter also pairs wonderfully with other cooked meats, seafood, and vegetables.
4. Step 4: For easy use, keep Cowboy Butter softened to melt nicely over steak, or gently melt it for dipping bites of steak. Alternatively, roll the butter mixture into a log with cling wrap, refrigerate, and slice off pieces as needed. Place slices on steak to let them melt gradually.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked paprika for a smoky depth, but regular paprika works fine if unavailable.
• Adjust chilli flakes to your preferred spice level, or omit for a milder butter.
• Try adding fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.
• Roll into individual portions for convenient freezer storage and use.

Storage

Store Cowboy Butter in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in cling wrap in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before use. Reheat gently or place slices directly on hot food to melt.

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 additional salt to avoid over-seasoning.

Is Cowboy Butter only good for steak?

Not at all! It’s delicious on seafood, grilled vegetables, roasted meats, and even as a flavorful spread on bread.

Cowboy Butter: A Flavorful Spiced Butter Perfect for Steak and More Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 86 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 100g (7 tbsp) of Cowboy Butter 1x

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Description

Cowboy Butter is a flavorful compound butter perfect for enhancing the taste of steak and a variety of other dishes. Made with garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and seasoning, this versatile butter adds a rich, smoky, and mildly spicy kick to meats, seafood, and vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Butter Base

• 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened, divided

Seasoning

• 1 large garlic clove, finely minced (about 1 tsp)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (can substitute regular paprika)
• 1 tsp chili flakes or red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt (halve amount if using table salt)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Garlic: In a small frying pan, melt 1 tablespoon (15g) of the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam. Add the finely minced garlic and cook, stirring continuously, for about 30 seconds until the garlic turns very light golden. Remove the pan from heat and let the garlic butter cool for 3 minutes to deepen the garlic’s color and flavor.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, combine the remaining softened butter, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and salt. Pour the cooled garlic butter into the bowl and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Serve: Use the cowboy butter softened to enjoy its thicker melt over hot steak. It can also be melted gently for dipping steak bites or rolled into a log using cling wrap, refrigerated, and sliced into coins to place on top of meat for a luscious finish.
4. Versatility Tip: Cowboy butter is excellent not only with steak but also enhances other cooked meats, seafood, and even vegetables, bringing a smoky, garlicky, and mildly spicy flavor boost.

Notes

• Finely mincing the garlic using a knife instead of a press preserves a better texture and flavor.
• For table salt, reduce the salt amount by half to avoid over-seasoning.
• The butter can be stored rolled and sliced as a convenient flavor enhancer ready for use.
• Adjust chili flakes quantity to taste for milder or spicier versions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Sauce & Condiment
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cowboy butter, compound butter, steak butter, garlic butter, smoky butter, spicy butter, condiment for meat, steak topping, easy butter sauce