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Cowboy Butter: Garlic Herb Dipping Sauce for Steak Recipe

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3.8 from 20 reviews

This Steak Dipping Sauce, also known as Cowboy Butter, is a rich and flavorful garlic-infused butter sauce perfect for enhancing the taste of grilled or pan-seared steaks. It features a blend of fresh herbs, tangy lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, with a hint of smoked paprika and red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Easy to prepare and versatile, this sauce adds a gourmet touch to any steak dinner.

  • Total Time: 11 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 cup, serves 4

Ingredients

Butter Mixture

  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 Garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 Shallot, small, finely minced

Flavor Enhancers

  • 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Lemon, juiced

Herbs & Spices

  • 2 tbsp Parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp Thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Melt the Butter: Place 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments until completely melted. This creates the base for infusing your flavors.
  2. Add Minced Garlic and Shallot: Finely mince 4 garlic cloves and 1 small shallot, then stir them into the warm melted butter to allow the aromatic flavors to meld together.
  3. Whisk in Mustard, Lemon Juice, and Worcestershire Sauce: Incorporate 1 1/2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, juice of one lemon, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce into the butter mixture. Whisk thoroughly to combine and build a tangy and savory foundation.
  4. Incorporate Herbs and Spices: Finely chop fresh parsley, thyme, and chives (totaling about 4 tablespoons combined) and add to the mixture. Follow with 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
  5. Serve the Sauce: Pour the completed sauce into ramekins for dipping, or spoon it directly over cooked steak to enhance its richness and flavor. Serve immediately alongside your grilled or pan-seared steak.

Notes

  • This sauce tastes best when served warm; reheat gently if needed before serving.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control spiciness according to your preference.
  • Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch (reduce quantity accordingly).
  • Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before use.
  • Perfect accompaniment for grilled, pan-seared, or broiled steak, but also delicious with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 minute
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American