Print

Compound Butter for Steak

Compound Butter for Steak

Master the art of making compound butter for steak at home to elevate your steak dinners with a rich, buttery topping infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and spices. This easy-to-make compound butter melts perfectly over any steak, enhancing flavor and adding depth without extra cooking steps. Customizable and quick to prepare, it’s the perfect finishing touch to impress at any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

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

Optional Additions

  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese or grated parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon minced shallots (alternative to garlic)
  • ½ teaspoon chipotle powder or cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger + splash of soy sauce (for Asian-inspired variation)

Instructions

  1. Soften the Butter: Let the unsalted butter sit at room temperature until it is soft and easily spreadable but not completely melted. This allows for easy mixing of the flavors without lumps.
  2. Prepare the Flavorings: Finely chop your choice of fresh herbs, mince the garlic (or shallots if using), and carefully zest the lemon to gather all the fresh ingredients needed for the butter.
  3. Mix All Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the prepared herbs, garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and any optional extras you desire. Use a fork or spatula to thoroughly blend everything until evenly distributed.
  4. Shape the Butter: Transfer the butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Roll it into a log shape, wrapping tightly and twisting the ends to seal securely, forming a firm cylinder that is easy to slice.
  5. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the wrapped butter log for at least one hour or until firm. This step allows the flavors to meld and the butter to harden, making it ready to slice and serve atop your steak.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs and garlic for the best flavor and aroma.
  • Don’t over-season; start light on salt and spices since butter already adds richness.
  • Finely chop herbs and garlic to ensure a smooth texture without rough chunks.
  • Try making a small batch first to test flavor combinations before larger quantities.
  • Consider using unsalted European-style butter for a creamier texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: compound butter, steak butter, herb butter, garlic butter, steak topping, homemade compound butter, steak recipe, easy steak sauce