Description
This flavorful compound butter recipe elevates any steak with a rich blend of fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and spices. Easy to prepare ahead of time, this butter adds a luscious, aromatic finish that melts perfectly over hot steaks, enhancing their taste with herbal and citrus notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Compound Butter
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary or thyme
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
Instructions
- Soften Butter: Let the unsalted butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it becomes pliable and easy to mix.
- Prepare Herbs and Flavorings: Finely chop the fresh parsley and any optional herbs like rosemary or thyme. Mince the garlic cloves and zest one lemon carefully to release fresh citrus flavor.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with parsley, garlic, lemon zest, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and any optional herbs or smoked paprika. Mash everything together thoroughly with a fork until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Butter: Transfer the compound butter mixture onto plastic wrap or parchment paper. Shape it into a log and twist the ends securely to seal the butter inside, ensuring it maintains its form.
- Chill to Firm: Refrigerate the wrapped butter log for at least 1 hour until firm enough to slice. For extended storage, the butter can be frozen.
- Serve on Steak: When ready to serve, slice a round of compound butter and place it on top of a hot cooked steak. Allow it to melt, infusing the steak with delicious herbaceous and citrus flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best mixing consistency.
- Feel free to customize herbs according to your taste preference like adding chives or tarragon.
- Compound butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Slice just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent drying.
- Adjust salt and pepper amounts to suit dietary needs or flavor intensity.
