Cowboy Butter Sauce (Printable Version)

Bold, creamy sauce with fresh herbs, citrus zest, and a kick of spices for enhancing any dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Place butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Melt until just foamy, watching carefully to prevent burning.
02 - Add minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
03 - Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using.
04 - Let the mixture simmer gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to combine flavors.
05 - Remove from heat immediately. Stir in parsley, chives, and thyme until evenly distributed.
06 - Serve warm as a finishing sauce for steak, seafood, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms absolutely everything from simple grilled chicken to roasted vegetables into something restaurant-worthy
  • The sauce comes together in about 15 minutes but tastes like it simmered for hours
  • You can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge for whenever you need a flavor boost
02 -
  • The key is timing—garlic burns faster than you think, so stay right there at the stove once it hits the pan
  • If you're making this ahead, gently reheat it over the lowest possible setting to keep the butter from separating
  • This sauce tastes best warm rather than hot, which lets all the subtle flavors shine through
03 -
  • Room temperature butter melts more evenly and prevents the sauce from separating
  • Microplane your lemon zest—it releases more oils and gives you brighter flavor
  • Grill your butter brushed steaks during the last minute of cooking for an incredible crust
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