Cowboy Butter Sauce (Print View)

Creamy lemon and garlic butter infused with spices, perfect for enhancing steak, seafood, or veggies.

# Components:

→ Dairy

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter

→ Fresh

02 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

→ Pantry

06 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
08 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
11 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter until just foamy.
02 - Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
03 - Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper if using.
04 - Simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
05 - Remove from heat and fold in fresh parsley, chives, and thyme.
06 - Serve immediately warm as a sauce or dipping accompaniment for steak, seafood, vegetables, or bread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms simple grilled meat into something restaurant-worthy with barely any effort.
  • The brightness of lemon and mustard cuts through rich butter in the most satisfying way.
  • You can make it while your grill is heating, so there's no extra work on cooking day.
02 -
  • Don't let the butter get to a brown color or it'll taste burnt and the whole sauce is ruined—low heat is your friend here.
  • Fresh herbs make an enormous difference; dried ones won't give you that garden-fresh pop that makes this special.
03 -
  • Make the whole recipe while your grill is preheating so the sauce is ready the moment your protein is done.
  • If you're feeding a crowd, double the batch—people will want more, and cold sauce is sadder than any other kitchen failure.
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