Description

Cowboy Butter is a rich, zesty, and savory butter blend that enhances the flavor of steaks, grilled chicken, seafood, roasted vegetables, and bread. This versatile and easy-to-make spread combines unsalted butter with garlic, fresh herbs, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a bold flavor profile perfect for entertaining or everyday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Variations (Optional)

Herb substitutions: cilantro, chives, or thyme in place of parsley
Spice: Extra red pepper flakes or 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder for smoky heat
Dairy alternative: Use vegan butter to make it plant-based
Citrus swaps: Replace lemon juice with lime or orange juice

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Instructions

Soften the Butter: Let your unsalted butter sit at room temperature until it’s soft enough to mix easily but not melted. This ensures smooth incorporation of the other ingredients.
Minced Herbs and Garlic: Finely mince fresh parsley and garlic cloves to provide maximum flavor without any overpowering chunks in the final spread.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and parsley. Add smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
Taste and Adjust: Sample your cowboy butter and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
Chill or Serve: Use the cowboy butter immediately or refrigerate for about an hour to let the flavors meld. Chilling also firms the butter for easier slicing or dolloping on hot dishes.

Notes

Use softened butter for better blending and a smooth texture.
Fresh garlic offers a sharper, cleaner flavor than pre-minced or powdered garlic.
Control the heat by starting with a small amount of red pepper flakes and increasing gradually.
Letting the butter rest after mixing intensifies the combined flavors.
Store cowboy butter in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent fridge odor absorption.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 100
Sugar: 0.1g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 0.1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 30mg