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Grilled steak topped with melting cowboy butter recipe compound butter and fresh herbs

The Ultimate Cowboy Butter Recipe


  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This cowboy butter recipe combines garlic, mustard, herbs, and spices into a bold, flavorful compound butter that transforms grilled meats and vegetables into restaurant-quality dishes in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Let butter sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes until softened but not melted.
  2. Mince garlic, chop herbs, and zest lemon to prepare ingredients.
  3. In a bowl, combine butter with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest.
  4. Add smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and red pepper flakes to the mixture.
  5. Fold in parsley, chives, and thyme until well combined and evenly speckled.
  6. For compound butter logs, roll in plastic wrap or parchment, chill for 2 hours.
  7. For immediate use, serve at room temperature or microwave in 10-second bursts to soften.

Notes

Use European-style butter for a richer base, and always let the butter soften naturally to prevent separation. Store airtight and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 4 months.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 142
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 182mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cowboy butter, compound butter, steak butter, garlic herb butter, grilling