Cowboy Butter Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Butter is a flavorful, buttery sauce packed with garlic, herbs, and spices. It’s perfect for adding a rich, zesty kick to grilled meats, vegetables, or bread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or chives), chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat until fully liquid but not browned.
- Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped herbs, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and let the flavors meld for a few minutes before serving or using as a sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use clarified butter for a clearer, longer-lasting sauce that won’t separate as easily.
- Add finely chopped shallots or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Try swapping lemon juice for a splash of apple cider vinegar for a different tangy note.
Storage
Store cowboy butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently over low heat or microwave briefly until softened before using. You can also freeze it in portions for longer storage and thaw as needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make cowboy butter ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving.
What dishes pair well with cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is excellent on grilled steak, chicken, seafood, roasted vegetables, and fresh bread.
PrintCowboy Butter Recipe
Cowboy Butter is a rich and flavorful compound butter made by blending melted butter with garlic, fresh herbs, zesty lemon juice, and a blend of spices. Perfect for enhancing grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, or simply spreading on warm bread to add a savory, buttery kick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (8 servings, 2 tablespoons each) 1x
- Category: Sauce/Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the unsalted butter until fully liquid but not browned. Be careful to melt it slowly to preserve flavor.
- Prepare the Seasonings: While the butter is melting, mince the garlic and finely chop the fresh herbs—parsley, chives, and thyme. Measure out the lemon juice and spices to have them ready.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the melted butter from heat and stir in the minced garlic, chopped herbs, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cowboy butter to cool slightly, then transfer it to a container or mold. Refrigerate until it firms up. This butter can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or frozen for longer storage.
- Serve: Use Cowboy Butter to top grilled steaks, seafood, roasted vegetables, or spread it on warm bread for a rich, flavorful addition.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level.
- For smoother texture, you can blend all ingredients in a food processor instead of mixing by hand.
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt content precisely.
- Can be frozen in portions using plastic wrap or silicone molds for easy use later.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, but use about one-third the amount.
Keywords: cowboy butter, compound butter, garlic butter, herb butter, grilled steak butter, savory butter sauce
