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Compound Butter for Steak

Compound Butter for Steak

Elevate your steak experience with this easy and customizable Compound Butter for Steak recipe. Combining creamy unsalted butter with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and seasoning, this luxurious butter topper melts perfectly over hot steaks, adding rich flavor and a gourmet touch. Perfect for steaks, grilled fish, roasted vegetables, and more, it can be prepared ahead for convenience and tailored with endless flavor variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Extras

  • 1 teaspoon minced shallots
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne or chili flakes (for spicy kick)
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (for creamy blue cheese variation)
  • 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast (for vegan option)
  • Pinch of chipotle powder (for smoky infusion)

Instructions

  1. Soften the Butter: Let the unsalted butter sit at room temperature until soft but not melted, ensuring it’s easy to mix evenly with other ingredients.
  2. Prepare Fresh Ingredients: Finely chop fresh herbs, mince the garlic, and zest the lemon. Smaller pieces blend better and release more flavor into the butter.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, gently mix softened butter with herbs, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until fully combined and evenly distributed throughout.
  4. Shape and Chill: Transfer the butter mixture onto parchment paper or plastic wrap. Form into a log or block shape, wrap tightly, and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour until firm.
  5. Slice and Serve: When ready to serve, slice the butter into rounds and place atop hot, cooked steak so it melts deliciously over the top.

Notes

  • Use high-quality unsalted butter with a creamy texture for the best flavor and consistency.
  • Always use fresh herbs and garlic to maximize aromatic flavor.
  • Allow compound butter to chill thoroughly to maintain shape and allow for neat slicing.
  • Adjust garlic and salt amounts carefully to complement without overpowering the steak.
  • Softened butter ensures smooth mixing without overworking, keeping the final texture light.
  • Compound butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for up to three months.

Nutrition

Keywords: compound butter, steak butter, herb butter, garlic butter, steak topping, gourmet butter, homemade compound butter