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As a seasoned home cook, I know how to make a simple steak taste amazing. I’m excited to share my secret: homemade herb butter. This compound butter brings out the best in your steak, adding an irresistible burst of flavour.
Picture this: a perfectly grilled steak with a dollop of rich, creamy herb butter on top. It’s a mix of garlic, herbs, and a hint of citrus that makes every bite special. It’s like a trip to a fancy steakhouse in your kitchen.
What is Compound Butter?
Compound butter, also known as herb butter or flavoured butter, is a versatile condiment. It can make many dishes taste better. Mixing softened butter with herbs, spices, and other ingredients gives you a spread perfect for hot steaks, grilled meats, veggies, and bread.
The Art of Compound Butter
Making compound butter is easy, but the results are impressive. Start with good, unsalted butter. Then, mix in herbs, spices, and other ingredients. This mix of flavours turns simple dishes into something special.
Compound butter is a tasty twist on regular butter. It’s made by adding herbs and seasonings to the butter and chilling it. This spread is great for topping steaks, grilled meats, veggies, and bread.
“Compound butter is a versatile condiment that can be used to elevate the flavor of a wide range of dishes, from steak to vegetables and even bread.”
Compound butter is very versatile. You can make different flavours by mixing herbs, spices, and ingredients. Some favourites include garlic and herb, lemon and dill, or spicy chipotle. You can try many different flavours!
Compound butter is perfect for adding flavour to steak, veggies, or even toast. It’s easy to make and keeps well in the fridge. It’s a great way to make your dishes more exciting and impress your guests.
Why Make Herb Butter for Steak?
Adding a pat of herb butter to your steak is a simple way to boost the steak flavour. As the butter melts, it fills the meat with aromatic herbs, garlic, and richness. This turns a basic cut into something truly special.
Herb butter, or compound butter, is a simple yet versatile steak enhancement. It combines savoury butter, fragrant herbs, and umami-rich ingredients like garlic and lemon zest. This creates a delightful steak taste that feels like a high-end steakhouse meal.
- Herb butter adds flavour and moisture to your steak, making it tender and juicy.
- The butter melts into the hot steak, basting it with a delicious, herb-infused sauce.
- You can customize the herb blend to suit your taste preferences or the steak you’re cooking.
Making your herb butter is a simple process requiring just a few minutes of hands-on time. With a batch of this flavorful compound butter, you can transform any steak into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.
Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or broiling your steak, a generous pat of herb butter is the perfect finishing touch. It elevates the steak experience and makes your meal truly memorable.
Key Ingredients
To make a delicious herb butter, you need a few key ingredients. You’ll need unsalted butter, fresh garlic, and herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives. Don’t forget lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper too.
Unsalted butter is the base, letting other flavours stand out. Fresh garlic adds a strong, savoury taste. The herbs give a fresh, herbaceous flavour. Lemon zest adds a hint of citrus, and olive oil holds it all together.
Finally, a bit of salt and pepper balances everything. This makes your steak butter perfectly seasoned.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 2 cups |
| Garlic, minced | 12-15 cloves |
| Parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Chives, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried Rosemary | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried Thyme | 2 teaspoons |
| Lemon Zest | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Kosher Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
With these ingredients, you can make a compound butter that will make your steak even better.
Preparation Steps
Making herb butter for steak is easy and can make your steak taste amazing. First, soften the butter so it’s easy to spread. This helps mix in the tasty ingredients better.
Then, chop the fresh garlic and herbs finely. Use parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives for a classic taste. Add these to the butter and lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s all combined.
- Soften the unsalted butter to a spreadable consistency.
- Mince the fresh garlic and herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary, chives).
- Add the minced garlic and herbs to the softened butter.
- Mix in the lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Stir the ingredients together until the herb butter is well combined.
After making the herb butter:
- Shape it into a log.
- Wrap it in parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- Chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour.
This makes it firm and easy to slice for your steak.
You can make a tasty herb butter for your steak with a few simple steps. Try different herbs or spices to match your taste. It’s a great way to make your steak taste like it’s from a fancy restaurant.
steak butter
The secret to making a basic steak amazing is compound butter. Also known as flavoured butter or herb butter, it mixes softened butter, fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus. This magical mix can elevate your steak.
When the compound butter for steak melts, it covers the steak. It seeps into the meat, adding flavour to every bite. The herb butter topping for steak makes the beef even more special.
Herb-Infused Compound Butter Recipe
To make the perfect flavoured butter for steak, you need:
- Four tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- Two cloves of minced garlic
- One tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- One teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until they’re well combined. Chill the compound butter for the steak for 30 minutes. This lets the fla
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 213 |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 284mg |
| Potassium | 68mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Vitamin A | 747IU |
| Vitamin C | 4mg |
| Calcium | 21mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
This herb butter topping for steak can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. It’s a tasty and easy way to enhance your steak.
“The secret to a truly exceptional steak lies in the art of compound butter. It’s a game-changer that takes your dining experience to new heights.”
Serving Suggestions
Herb butter for steak is super versatile. You can use it in many ways to make your meals better. Try it on cooked steak, baste the meat while it cooks, or melt it over veggies. You can even spread it on bread for garlic bread.
One great way to enjoy steak with herb butter is to put it on top of the steak right after it’s cooked. As it melts, it makes the steak shiny and adds flavour.
For more flavour, baste the steak with herb butter while cooking. Just melt the butter and brush it on the steak. This way, the butter’s flavour gets all over the meat.
- Melt the herb butter and use it to baste the steak as it cooks
- Serve the steak topped with a pat or slice of the compound butter
- Spread the herb butter on crusty bread for an indulgent garlic bread
- Toss roasted or grilled vegetables with the flavorful butter
There are so many ways to use this tasty butter in your cooking. It’s perfect for making a steak dinner fancy or improving your everyday meals.
| Serving Suggestion | Description |
|---|---|
| Topping Cooked Steak | Top the hot, freshly cooked steak with a generous pat or slice of the flavorful compound butter. As the butter melts, it will create a rich, glossy coating that infuses the meat with an incredible burst of herbal and garlicky goodness. |
| Basting During Cooking | Melt the herb butter in a small saucepan or microwave, and use a basting brush to coat the steak with the mixture as it sears or roasts. This technique ensures the butter flavors permeate the entire surface of the meat. |
| Garlic Bread | Spread the herb butter on crusty bread for an indulgent garlic bread experience. |
| Vegetables | Toss roasted or grilled vegetables with the flavorful butter to enhance their flavor and texture. |
“The possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating this flavorful compound butter into your meals.”
Variations and Customization
The classic herb butter recipe is tasty, but you can make it your own. Try adding oregano or basil for a Mediterranean twist. Or, add smoked paprika or cayenne for a spicy kick. You can even mix in blue cheese or horseradish for a rich flavour.
Creating your personalized steak butter lets you match flavours to your taste. It’s perfect for any dish you’re serving.
Here are some tasty variations to try:
- Garlic Herb: Minced garlic, fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary
- Lemon Dill: Lemon zest, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice
- Chipotle Lime: Minced chipotle peppers, lime zest, and a hint of honey
- Roasted Garlic and Parmesan: Roasted garlic cloves and grated Parmesan cheese
- Truffle Butter: Minced garlic, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of truffle oil
With endless options, you can create your steak butter flavours. Have fun mixing ingredients to find your favourite personalized butter for steak recipe.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 4 Tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 Tablespoon |
| Fresh thyme leaves | 1 teaspoon (or 1/2 teaspoon dried) |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Storage and Freezing
Keeping your homemade herb butter fresh is key. It can stay good for up to two weeks in the fridge or months in the freezer.
To keep the butter for the steak fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic or parchment paper. Then, put it in an airtight container or bag. This stops air from getting in and ruining the butter.
For longer storage, freeze the butter in small portions. This way, you can thaw only what you need for a recipe. Frozen herb butter stays good for up to six months.
To use frozen herb butter, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Or melt it in the microwave, watching it closely to avoid burning.
With these easy storage tips, your homemade herb butter will stay delicious for a long time.
Grass-fed beef and Marbling
Choosing the right beef is key when making steak with herb butter. Grass-fed beef is a great pick because of its marbling and rich taste. The tender steak and fresh herb butter mix makes for a luxurious meal.
Grass-fed steaks are leaner and cook faster than grain-fed ones. Thawing them in the fridge for up to 5 days enhances flavour and tenderness. Cook them to 125°F for rare to 160°F for well-done, aiming for 135-143°F for the perfect medium-rare to medium.
| Cut | Average Price per Pound | Average Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Ribeye & New York Strip Chipped Steak | $39.99 | – |
| Ribeye Steak – Heavily Marbled | $49.99 | – |
| Filet Mignon | $69.99 | – |
| Ranch Steak | – | 9.6 oz |
| Bavette Steak | – | 1 lb |
| Tri-Tip Steak | – | 1.8 lb |
| London Broil Steak | – | 2 lb |
| Merlot Steak | – | 12 oz |
| Bistro Filet (Petite Tender) | – | 8 oz |
| Picanha Steak | – | 10.4 oz |
| Skirt Steak | – | 1.25 lb |
| Chuck Eye Steak | – | 1 lb |
| Hanger Steak | – | 14.4 oz |
| Flat Iron Steak | – | 8 oz |
The Red Angus cattle are 100% grass-fed and have grazed for up to 3 years. This results in premium steak quality and prime cuts. Their sustainable farming ensures the full flavour and texture of the grass-fed beef when paired with herb butter.
Dry Aging and Umami Flavors
Want to take your steak-and-herb-butter pairing to the next level? Try dry ageing. This method boosts the umami flavours of the beef and makes it tender. The result is a rich aged beef perfect for the bold flavours of your compound butter.
Dry ageing steaks for about 30 days is common, but home cooks can do it in just three or four days. For the best taste, ageing steaks for 60 days at home. Make sure to use a dedicated fridge for consistent results.
- Unlike aged cheeses, Mould outside dry-aged beef can add to its flavour.
- Choose prime-grade meat with lots of marbling for dry ageing. High-quality USDA Prime cuts are best for dry-aged steaks.
- Using very fresh, non-aged meat is key for successful dry ageing.
Dry ageing is expensive, but the benefits in steak texture and umami flavours are worth it. The longer it ages, the richer the steak’s taste. This pairs well with the fresh, herbaceous compound butter.
| Dry Aging Duration | Flavor Intensity | Recommended Cuts |
|---|---|---|
| 28-45 days | Intensified natural flavors, earthy richness | USDA Prime, grass-fed, well-marbled |
| 60 days (home aging) | Deeply concentrated umami, profound taste | USDA Prime, Southern range rib-eye, New Yorker on the bone |
“The AGED program at The Meat & Wine Co. infuses various flavors into the butter used in the process such as rich umami profile of porcini mushrooms, bold bitterness of coffee, sweet, spicy and tangy punch of hot harissa honey, and hints of caramelized onion, miso, and truffle for an extra kick.”
Basting and Pan Searing
Preparing the perfect steak involves using the right techniques. Basting and pan searing are key methods. They add flavour and texture, making your steak experience better.
Basting: The Art of Infusing Flavor
Basting your steak with melted herb butter is a game-changer. As it cooks, the butter adds a rich, aromatic flavour. This step keeps the steak moist and flavorful.
By spooning butter over the steak, you get a glossy finish. This finish is sure to impress anyone.
Pan Searing: Achieving the Perfect Crust
Pan searing is essential for a standout steak. It creates a caramelized crust that’s perfect for herb butter. The high heat sears the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
The crust and melted butter make the steak exceptional. It’s a true culinary masterpiece.
| Steak Doneness | Internal Temperature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F to 130°F | The steak will be bright red in the center with a cool, soft texture. |
| Medium-Rare | 135°F to 140°F | The steak will have a warm, red center with a slightly firmer texture. |
| Medium | 145°F to 150°F | The steak will have a pink center with a firm, juicy texture. |
For an exceptional steak, use high-quality ingredients and precise techniques. Basting and pan searing are key. They help create a meal fit for a five-star restaurant.
Conclusion
Making homemade herb butter for steak can take your meals to the next level. Mix high-quality butter with fresh garlic, herbs, and other tasty ingredients. This creates a butter that melts over your steak, adding flavour.
Whether you’re enjoying grass-fed beef or dry-aged steak, herb butter makes it special. It turns a simple steak into a gourmet treat.
Using butter for steak can improve your meals. It keeps well in the fridge for two weeks or in the freezer for months. This makes adding flavour to many dishes, like grilled meats, seafood, roasted veggies, and bread, easy.
Adding herb butter recipes can improve your steak and other dishes. This simple technique can make a big difference. Enjoy the delicious results and share them with your loved ones.
FAQ
What is compound butter?
Compound butter, also known as herb butter or flavoured butter, is a mix of softened butter and ingredients like herbs and spices. It adds flavour to steaks, grilled meats, vegetables, and bread.
Why should I make herb butter for my steak?
Herb butter adds flavour and richness to your steak. As it melts, it infuses the meat with herbs and garlic. This makes your steak taste like it’s from a restaurant.
What ingredients are needed to make herb butter for steak?
You’ll need high-quality unsalted butter, fresh garlic, and herbs like parsley and thyme. Also, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper are essential.
How do I make herb butter for steak?
Soften the butter first. Then, mince garlic and herbs. Mix them with lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Shape into a log, wrap, and chill until firm.
How can I use herb butter for steak?
You can top your steak with or use it to baste the meat. It’s also great on grilled or roasted vegetables or crusty bread.
Can I customize the herb butter recipe?
Yes, you can customize the recipe. Add different herbs, spices, or ingredients like blue cheese for a unique flavour.
How long can I store herb butter?
You can store it in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze it for months. Divide it into portions before freezing for easy use.
Does the quality of the steak matter when using herb butter?
Yes, the quality of the beef is important. Grass-fed and dry-aged beef are great choices to pair with the compound butter.
What cooking techniques can I use to maximize the impact of the herb butter?
Baste the steak with melted butter for flavour. Pan-searing creates a crust that’s perfect for the butter.