Cowboy Butter Sauce Bold Creamy (Print)

Creamy butter sauce bursting with lemon, garlic, Dijon, and spices, perfect for enhancing meats and vegetables.

# Components:

→ 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 (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

→ 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 (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter until it becomes just foamy.
02 - Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
03 - Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper if desired.
04 - Simmer gently for one to two minutes, stirring continuously to combine flavors.
05 - Remove the pan from heat and fold in fresh parsley, chives, and thyme leaves.
06 - Serve immediately as a warm accompaniment or dipping sauce for steak, seafood, vegetables, or bread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes but tastes like you've been working on it all day.
  • Works as a glamorous finishing sauce for steaks, seafood, or vegetables without any pretension.
  • The combination of spice, citrus, and fresh herbs feels bold but balanced rather than overwhelming.
02 -
  • Don't let the butter brown or the sauce will taste bitter no matter what else you add—medium-low heat is your friend.
  • Fresh herbs go in last, after heat, so they stay vibrant; dried herbs can go in earlier since they need time to bloom.
03 -
  • Make a double batch and freeze pats of it wrapped in parchment for nights when you want a restaurant-quality finish without any fuss.
  • The lemon zest matters more than you think—it carries flavor that fresh juice alone can't deliver, so don't skip it even if it feels like a tiny amount.
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