If you’re searching for a flavor-packed, easy-to-make accompaniment that will elevate your grilled or pan-seared steaks to legendary status, look no further than this Cowboy Butter for Steak Recipe. This rich, herb-infused butter sauce brings layers of garlicky warmth, a hint of citrus brightness, and just the right amount of spice to every bite, turning simple cuts like ribeye or tenderloin into a steakhouse-quality feast. Whether you prefer cooking on the grill or using a cast iron skillet, this cowboy butter will become your secret weapon for impressing family and friends at your next meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cowboy Butter lies in its simplicity—each ingredient carries its own weight, perfectly balancing richness, zest, and spice. Together, they create a sauce that’s creamy, aromatic, and vibrant without any fuss.
- High quality steak (2 – 2.5 pounds): Ribeye or tenderloin filet is ideal, but top sirloin works too—just expect a bit less tenderness.
- Avocado oil (2-3 tbsp): Perfect for searing steaks in a cast iron skillet due to its high smoke point.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors and helps create a delicious crust on the steak.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.
- Butter (1 stick, mostly melted): The creamy base that makes this butter so luscious and spreads beautifully over steaks.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Provides fragrant, savory notes that are essential for any great steak sauce.
- Lemon zest + juice (1/2 lemon zest + 1 tbsp juice): Brings brightness that cuts through the butter’s richness.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Gives smoky undertones and invites vibrant color.
- Cayenne or red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp each): Adds a gentle kick for spice lovers.
- Dried thyme (1/2 tsp): Earthy herbal hints that complement the buttery sauce.
- Chives or green onions (1 tbsp, sliced): Fresh, mild onion flavor for balance.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, minced): Bright, grassy notes and a lovely green color.
- Optional rosemary sprig and smashed garlic: For an aromatic touch when cooking in a cast iron skillet.
How to Make Cowboy Butter for Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cowboy Butter
Start by combining 6 tablespoons of softened butter with minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon zest and juice, paprika, cayenne or red pepper flakes, dried thyme, chives, and parsley in a bowl. Give it a quick stir and pop it in the microwave for about 7 to 10 seconds—just enough to melt the butter slightly so everything melds together harmoniously.
Step 2: Prep Your Steaks
Take your steaks out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking; allowing them to come to room temperature is a crucial step for even cooking. Pat them dry to ensure a good sear, then season well with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, or use your favorite steak seasoning blend.
Step 3: Grill Method
Preheat your grill to medium-high but set up an indirect heat zone, which will help you control the cooking and avoid charring. Start by searing steaks on direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing the Cowboy Butter generously as they cook. If flames flare up, move the steaks to indirect heat until the flames die down. After about 5 to 6 minutes total sear time, transfer the steaks to indirect heat to finish cooking to your preferred doneness. Rest the steaks for 10 minutes with foil tented over them before slicing and serving with a generous spoonful of Cowboy Butter on top or on the side.
Step 4: Cast Iron Method
Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a cast iron skillet until shimmering. Sear steaks without crowding the pan—4 minutes per side is a great starting point. After flipping, reduce the heat to medium-low and add several spoonfuls of Cowboy Butter along with optional rosemary and smashed garlic for extra aroma. As the butter foams, tilt the pan and spoon it continuously over the steaks, basting them in this rich, flavorful sauce until they reach your preferred doneness. Once done, remove the steaks and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving with the melted butter from the pan.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter for Steak Recipe
Garnishes
The key to perfect presentation is a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving. Their vivid green color and fresh bite add a vibrant contrast against the golden cowboy butter and juicy, earthy steak. A wedge of lemon on the side also brightens every bite if guests want a little extra zest.
Side Dishes
Steak and Cowboy Butter deserve sides that complement their richness without overshadowing it. Classic roasted or grilled vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette make excellent companions. For a little indulgence, creamy mac and cheese or smoked baked beans also pair beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra touch, serve the steaks sliced on a wooden cutting board with rustic bread on the side to soak up the leftover cowboy butter. Or, try dolloping a quenelle of the butter on top of each steak slice at the table for a fun, interactive experience that always gets compliments. Wrapping up leftovers into steak sandwiches with a smear of leftover cowboy butter is another delicious idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keep it chilled and let it soften slightly before using again to maintain that creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
This butter compound freezes beautifully. Portion it into small logs using parchment paper or silicone molds and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw in the fridge overnight for a quick way to add instant flavor to steaks or even roasted veggies.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the butter in the microwave in short bursts or over low heat in a small saucepan to prevent separating. Stir gently and do not overheat—just enough to melt and become pourable again.
FAQs
Can I use this Cowboy Butter for other meats besides steak?
Absolutely! This flavorful butter works beautifully on grilled chicken, and even seafood like shrimp or scallops. Its versatility makes it a great sauce to keep handy.
Is it necessary to use fresh herbs in the Cowboy Butter?
Fresh herbs add the best brightness and color, but if you only have dried herbs available, you can use those—simply reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I prepare the Cowboy Butter completely ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix it up a day or two in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate so the flavors have time to meld. Bring it to room temperature before using.
What if I don’t have a grill or cast iron pan?
No problem at all! You can cook steaks in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat or broil them in the oven. Just make sure to baste frequently with the Cowboy Butter to infuse that wonderful flavor.
How spicy is the Cowboy Butter with cayenne or red pepper flakes?
The spice is gentle and adds warmth without overwhelming heat. If you prefer it milder, reduce or omit the cayenne, or adjust to your own taste.
Final Thoughts
Making and enjoying this Cowboy Butter for Steak Recipe is like inviting a little bit of steakhouse magic into your kitchen. Each step is simple, but the flavors come together to create unforgettable, buttery, zesty, and slightly spicy goodness that perfectly complements every steak. So go ahead, give it a try and watch this butter become your go-to for elevating not just steaks, but your entire meal experience.
PrintCowboy Butter for Steak Recipe
This Cowboy Butter for Steak recipe creates a rich and flavorful compound butter perfect for enhancing high quality steaks like ribeye or tenderloin. The butter is infused with garlic, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne, and fresh herbs, imparting bold, savory, and slightly spicy notes. You can cook your steak either on a grill or in a cast iron skillet, finishing by generously basting or serving with the cowboy butter for an indulgent steakhouse experience at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 2 – 2.5 pounds high quality steak (ribeye, tenderloin filet, or top sirloin)
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Cowboy Butter
- 1 stick butter (mostly melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 lemon zested + 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon chives or green onions (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional for Cast Iron Method
- 2–3 tablespoons avocado oil
- Rosemary sprig
- Smashed garlic cloves
Instructions
- Prepare the Cowboy Butter: In a bowl, combine 6 tablespoons softened butter with minced garlic cloves, Dijon mustard, lemon zest and juice, paprika, cayenne or red pepper flakes, dried thyme, chives or green onions, parsley, salt, and pepper. Heat gently in the microwave for 7-10 seconds until just barely melted and combined.
- Prepare the Steaks: Remove steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper or your preferred steak seasoning.
- Grill Steaks: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and set up an indirect heat zone. Sear the steaks over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side, watching carefully to avoid charring. If flare-ups occur, move the steak to the indirect heat zone until the flames subside. Brush both sides of the steak with cowboy butter while cooking. After 5-6 minutes of searing, transfer the steaks to indirect heat and continue cooking until your desired doneness is reached.
- Rest the Steaks (Grill Method): Remove steaks from the grill and allow them to rest on a plate tented with foil for 10 minutes. Serve with additional cowboy butter melted on top or alongside for dipping.
- Cast Iron Skillet Method: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steaks cook for 4 minutes undisturbed on one side, then flip and cook for 4 more minutes on the other side.
- Baste with Cowboy Butter in Skillet: Reduce heat to medium-low, add several spoonfuls of cowboy butter into the skillet along with the rosemary sprig and smashed garlic if using. As the butter sizzles, tilt the skillet and spoon the melted butter continuously over the steaks to baste and flavor them while they cook to your desired doneness.
- Rest the Steaks (Skillet Method): Transfer the steaks to a plate or cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with the melted butter, garlic, and rosemary from the skillet spooned over the top.
Notes
- Use a high-quality steak like ribeye or tenderloin filet for best results, although top sirloin can also be used.
- Removing steaks from the fridge 30 minutes prior to cooking ensures even cooking and better texture.
- Be careful with flare-ups on the grill; move steaks to indirect heat as needed.
- The cast iron skillet method allows for basting with flavorful butter and aromatics directly in the pan.
- Allowing the steaks to rest after cooking redistributes juices and enhances tenderness.
