Steak Butter

A compound butter infused with flavors such as salt, pepper, garlic, parsley, and rosemary boosts the taste of a steak, making it truly special. What’s even more exciting is that you can use the butter not only for steak but also to enhance the flavors of various other dishes. The best part? It takes just a few minutes to prepare this steak butter using readily available ingredients.

What is Steak Butter, Exactly?

Steak butter is a compound butter that combines various ingredients to enhance the flavor profile of the steak. When applied to the surface of the steak, the butter melts, becoming an integral part of the meat and enhancing its flavor. 

The Ingredients You’ll Need

The most crucial aspect of this recipe is, without a doubt, butter. We recommend using only high-quality butter with high-fat content and preferably without added salt – don’t use margarine as a substitute. Regarding the remaining ingredients, it is ideal to use fresh herbs or pepper, but dried alternatives are also acceptable. Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations as you see fit; modifying this recipe is not a problem. 

Now, let’s look at what you will need to create our delectable steak butter recipe:

  • 1/2 pound unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of parsley
  • 2 tablespoons of rosemary

The Tools You’ll Need

  • Bowl
  • Garlic press
  • Knife
  • Plastic wrap (alternatively Parchment or waxed paper)

How To Make Steak Butter

parsley, butter, garlic, butter, and salt - all ingredients for steak butter on wooden cutting board
The ingredients for steak butter

Making steak butter is a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes, depending on whether you opt for fresh or dried herbs. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Prepare all Ingredients

Take the butter out of the refrigerator and let it soften at room temperature. Meanwhile, use a garlic press to crush the garlic, finely chop the rosemary and parsley, and prepare the remaining ingredients (pepper and salt).

Finely chopped parsley and rosemary

Step 2: Mix all Ingredients in the Bowl

Combine the butter, salt, pepper, pressed garlic, chopped parsley, and rosemary in a bowl. Mix the ingredients until smooth.

Ingredients for steak butter mixed in a bowl

Step 3: Transfer the Butter onto a Plastic Wrap or Parchment

First, place the butter on the right side of the plastic wrap, as shown in the photo below. Next, spread it evenly along the lines to form a log shape.

Butter, shaped like a log on plastic foil

Step 4: Roll the Steak Butter

Shape the butter into a log, rolling it in foil or parchment paper. Then, refrigerate it for approximately one to two hours.

Butter shaped into a log, wrapped in plastic foil.

Step 5: Place the Butter on the Steak or Store it in the Fridge

If you need to use the steak butter immediately, remove it from the fridge after 1-2 hours and unroll it from a sheet of parchment paper or foil. Cut it into thicker discs or coins and place it on the freshly cooked steak.

steak butter with fresh parsley, rosemary, salt, and pepper
Ready-to-Use Steak Butter

If you want to save the butter for another day, there’s no problem. Simply store it in the refrigerator or freeze it if you don’t plan to use it within a few days.

Compound butter on a freshly cooked steak

FAQs

What kind of butter for steak?

We recommend using high-quality unsalted butter as the best option for steak. It provides greater control over seasoning than salted butter, which can result in excessive saltiness. Additionally, it is crucial to choose butter with high-fat content. Don’t use margarine, as it is not a suitable substitute for butter.

Why do cooks put butter on steak?

There are several reasons why cooks choose to use butter on steak. The primary reason is taste: butter adds a rich, buttery flavor to the steak, boosting its overall taste profile. Another crucial advantage is that butter helps create a wonderful golden brown crust on the steak. Furthermore, as the steak butter melts, it adds extra juiciness to the meat. Lastly, it’s worth noting that we eat with our eyes, and adding butter complements the steak, improving its overall presentation.

When to put compound butter on steak?

Place the compound butter on the freshly cooked steak, allowing the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. During this time, the butter will have a chance to melt and spread across the surface of the steak.

Is it possible to use this steak butter on other types of meat?

Of course, you can use steak butter for other meats. It works well with chicken, turkey, pork, or seafood.

How long is it safe to store steak butter in the fridge and freezer?

You can safely store steak butter in the refrigerator for around one week while preserving its best taste. If you prefer long-term storage, the freezer is a suitable option, allowing you to keep steak butter for up to six months.

steak butter

Steak Butter Recipe

Delicious Steak Butter: Fresh herbs, garlic, pepper, and salt – a quick and easy recipe.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Sauce or Topping
Cuisine American
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • ½ pound unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped or pressed
  • 1 teaspoon  salt
  • 1 teaspoon  pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons parsley finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons rosemary finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Ingredients: Soften butter at room temperature. Crush garlic, finely chop rosemary and parsley. Prepare salt and pepper.
  • Mix Ingredients: Combine softened butter, crushed garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
  • Shape the Butter: Transfer the butter mixture onto plastic wrap or parchment paper. Form a log shape by spreading it evenly along the lines.
  • Wrap and Chill: Roll the butter into a log using the plastic wrap or parchment paper. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
  • Serve or Store: If using immediately, cut the chilled butter log into discs and place on freshly cooked steak. To store, keep in the refrigerator or freeze for later use.
Photo of author

Written by: Adam Wojtow

Adam Wojtow, the founder of Steak Revolution, is a true steak enthusiast. His primary goal is to help others perfect their steak-cooking skills.