Cowboy Butter is a bold and flavorful steak sauce made with rich butter, fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of spice. This buttery, tangy, and slightly smoky sauce is the perfect accompaniment to a juicy steak, enhancing its flavor with every bite. Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or serving steak with sides, this cowboy butter will take your meal to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: A perfect balance of herbs, spices, and tangy Worcestershire sauce.
- Easy to Make: Ready in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with steak, grilled chicken, seafood, or vegetables.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be stored and used later for quick, delicious meals.
- Restaurant-Quality Taste: Turns an ordinary steak into an indulgent, buttery masterpiece.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cowboy Butter:
- Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons / 120g, softened)
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, very finely diced)
- Fresh chives (1 tablespoon, very finely diced)
- Fresh thyme leaves (½ teaspoon, finely diced)
- Garlic (1 clove, finely minced or grated)
- Lemon juice (2 teaspoons)
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon)
- Smoked paprika (¾ teaspoon)
- Worcestershire sauce (½ teaspoon)
- Chili flakes (½ teaspoon, adjust to spice preference)
- Salt (½ teaspoon, or to taste)
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon, or to taste)
For the Steaks:
- Sirloin steaks (2 x 220g / 8oz, at room temperature)
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon)
- Salt & black pepper (as needed)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cowboy Butter
- In a small mixing bowl, combine softened butter, parsley, chives, thyme, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. Set aside at room temperature.
Step 2: Cook the Steaks
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels, then generously season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat a large cast-iron or heavy-based pan over high heat until very hot.
- Add vegetable oil and wait 5-10 seconds until shimmering.
- Place the steaks in the pan and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes for medium-rare.
- Flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
- Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
Step 3: Serve with Cowboy Butter
- Spoon a generous amount of cowboy butter over the warm steaks.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as oven fries, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Enjoy your perfectly cooked steak with a rich, flavorful butter topping!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 (for the butter, makes more than needed for 2 steaks)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Garlic-Lovers’ Version: Add an extra clove of garlic for a stronger kick.
- Herb Variations: Swap thyme for rosemary or tarragon for a unique twist.
- Citrus Boost: Add extra lemon zest for a more vibrant, tangy flavor.
- Smoky Flavor: Use chipotle powder or smoked sea salt for an extra smoky finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cowboy butter in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Slice off portions as needed.
- Reheating: Let the butter soften at room temperature before serving or microwave in 5-second bursts until spreadable.
FAQs
What is cowboy butter used for?
Cowboy butter is perfect for steaks, grilled chicken, seafood, roasted vegetables, and even bread.
Can I make this butter ahead of time?
Yes! Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
What’s the best way to cook steak for cowboy butter?
A cast-iron skillet or grill works best to get a nice crust. Cook to your preferred doneness.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon.
What can I serve with cowboy butter steak?
Pair it with roasted potatoes, asparagus, grilled corn, or garlic bread.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use ⅓ of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I keep my steak from being overcooked?
Use a meat thermometer:
- Rare: 120-130°F
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 135-145°F
- Well-done: 155°F+
How do I get the best crust on my steak?
Make sure the pan is very hot before adding the steak and avoid moving it around while searing.
Can I use this butter on other meats?
Absolutely! It’s delicious on grilled shrimp, pork chops, or even burgers.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use vegan butter as a substitute.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter is a game-changer for steak lovers. With its rich, garlicky, and slightly spicy flavor, it enhances the natural juiciness of the meat while adding a buttery, herby finish. Whether you’re hosting a steak night or simply want to elevate your dinner, this easy cowboy butter recipe will bring bold, mouthwatering flavor to your table. Try it today and take your steak to the next level!
Print
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings (butter) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cowboy Butter is a rich, flavorful steak sauce made with butter, fresh herbs, garlic, Dijon mustard, and spices. It’s the ultimate buttery topping for steak, adding a bold, slightly smoky, and tangy kick. Perfect for grilled or pan-seared steaks, this easy sauce is a must-try!
Ingredients
For the Cowboy Butter:
- 8 tbsp (120g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely diced)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives (finely diced)
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (finely diced)
- 1 clove garlic (finely grated/minced)
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
For the Steaks:
- 2x 8oz (220g) sirloin steaks (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cowboy Butter
- In a small bowl, mix together butter, parsley, chives, thyme, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until fully combined and smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Steaks
- Pat steaks dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large cast-iron or heavy-based pan over high heat.
- Once the pan is very hot, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and let it heat for 5-10 seconds.
- Place the steaks in the pan and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes for medium-rare.
- Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy
- Spoon cowboy butter over the steaks while warm.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- Butter Consistency: The butter should be soft and creamy but not fully melted. If needed, microwave in 5-second bursts until smooth.
- Storage: Store extra cowboy butter in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Steak Cooking Times: Adjust cooking time based on steak thickness and baked preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce, Steak Topping
- Method: Mixing, Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
