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Cowboy Butter Steak Recipe

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4 from 89 reviews

Cowboy Butter Steak is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring high-quality ribeye or tenderloin steaks cooked to perfection, then topped with a rich, garlicky butter infused with lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and a blend of spices. You can prepare it using a grill or cast iron skillet, making it a versatile and delicious meal ideal for steak lovers.

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Steak and Seasoning

  • 2 – 2.5 pounds high quality steak such as ribeye or tenderloin filet (top sirloin optional, less tender)
  • 2-3 tbsp avocado oil (for cast iron method)
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Cowboy Butter

  • 1 stick butter, mostly melted (6 tablespoons softened butter for mixing)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 lemon, zested and 1 tablespoon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne powder
  • 1 tablespoon chives or green onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: rosemary sprig and smashed garlic (for cast iron preparation)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cowboy Butter: In a bowl, combine 6 tablespoons softened butter with 4 minced garlic cloves, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne/red pepper flakes, dried thyme, chives or green onions, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Heat in the microwave for about 7-10 seconds until the mixture is barely melted but well combined.
  2. Prepare Steaks: Remove steaks from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, or your favorite steak seasoning.
  3. Grill Method – Preheat and Setup: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and establish an indirect heat zone to manage cooking temperature. This setup allows searing over direct heat and finishing over indirect heat for perfect doneness.
  4. Grill Steaks: Place steaks directly over the direct heat zone and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, avoiding charring. If flare-ups occur due to flames, move steaks to the indirect heat zone until flames subside. While cooking, brush both sides of the steaks with the prepared cowboy butter to infuse flavor.
  5. Finish on Indirect Heat: After approximately 5-6 minutes total over direct heat, move steaks to the indirect heat area of the grill and continue cooking until they reach your desired internal temperature (use a meat thermometer to check doneness).
  6. Rest Steaks (Grilled): Remove the steaks from the grill and place them on a plate. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  7. Cast Iron Method – Heat Skillet: Heat 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot.
  8. Cook Steaks in Skillet: Add steaks to the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for about 4 minutes on one side without moving to develop a crust.
  9. Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip steaks using tongs and cook another 4 minutes on the other side for initial sear.
  10. Add Cowboy Butter and Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add several spoonfuls of cowboy butter along with optional rosemary sprig and smashed garlic to the pan. As the butter melts and sizzles, tilt the skillet and continuously spoon the buttery mixture over the steaks repeatedly, basting them until desired doneness is reached.
  11. Rest Steaks (Cast Iron): Transfer steaks to a plate or cutting board and allow to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked inside.
  12. Serve: Slice steaks and serve with additional cowboy butter either spooned on top or on the side for dipping. If prepared in cast iron, serve with the melted butter, garlic, and rosemary from the pan for maximum flavor.

Notes

  • Removing the steaks from the fridge in advance ensures even cooking and better searing.
  • Patting steaks dry helps achieve a flavorful crust when cooked.
  • Adjust cayenne and red pepper flakes in cowboy butter according to your desired spiciness level.
  • Using a meat thermometer can help achieve the perfect steak doneness: 125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium.
  • Resting steaks after cooking is crucial to keep them juicy and tender.
  • The recipe works great with ribeye, tenderloin filet, or top sirloin; ribeye offers the best tenderness and flavor.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/cowboy-butter-steak-recipe/