If you’re into bold flavors, then you’re going to love Cowboy Butter—a rich, garlicky, and slightly spicy butter that’s perfect for dipping, basting, and spreading. cowboy butter has become a favorite among grillers and steak lovers, but trust me, it goes with just about anything.
About this recipe.
I first came across this when traveling through the southern U.S., where cowboy-style cooking is all about big flavors, simple ingredients, and cooking over fire. Traditionally, Cowboy Butter is served alongside grilled steak, but I’ve found it’s just as good drizzled over seafood, chicken, or even vegetables.
The recipe is a simplified version of cowboy butter. All the same ingredients are used but there is not need to simmer them together. It's perfect for rubbing under the skin of turkey or chicken before roasting and also poaching fish and shrimp. It's amazing used instead of plain butter in these perfect mashed potatoes. See notes and how to prepare it for other uses in the recipe card below.
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Ingredients
Get all of your ingredients together before starting. The ingredients can easily be adjusted to taste and how spicy you want it.
- unsalted soft butter
- garlic
- Dijon mustard
- fresh lime juice
- Zest of one lime
- smoked paprika
- chili flakes
- cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- chopped fresh parsley
- chopped fresh chives
- chopped fresh thyme
See recipe card for quantities.
Cowboy Butter Step by Step
As you will see from the photos below, there isn't much to this delicious butter.
- Step 1: Mix all of the ingredients together well in a bowl or food processor.
- Step 2: You can form the butter into logs as above for storing and easy slicing but it is optional.
- Step 3: Use your cowboy butter as needed.
- Step 4: This time I rubbed it under the skin of our Christmas turkey and it was out of this world amazing.
Variations
Giving the visitor ideas on how they can change this recipe to better suit their dinner guests, or their cultural cuisine, is a great way to increase the chances they make the recipe
- Spiciness - Add more or less chili powder and/or chili flakes to taste.
- Vinegar- The lime juice and lime zest in this recipe are there to add a mild, sour flavour. You could add a little vinegar instead.
- Dairy Free or Vegan - Swap the butter for a high-quality plant-based butter or olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be rich and delicious. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning slightly, as plant-based butter can have a different salt level.
Equipment
Making cowboy butter this way is really simple and all your really need is a good mixing bowl though you might prefer a food processor.
If using the butter in other ways, such as to top a steak or to melt over vegetables, you need a frying pan or skillet. Simmer the butter and garlic over a medium heat for a few minutes to take out the strong garlic flavour. Then when the butter is still soft, whisk in the other ingredients.
Storage
You can store the cowboy butter in your fridge for up to a week, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Then use it as it is or melt it over a medium heat. It's so good spooned over vegetables and pasta.
Top Tip
If using to spread under the skin of a whole turkey or chicken, let it come to a soft, room temperature before doing so.
FAQ
Cowboy Butter is a versatile dipping sauce that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, and even bread. Traditionally, it’s served with steak, but you can drizzle it over shrimp, chicken, or roasted veggies. It also works great as a basting sauce for grilling or a flavorful spread for sandwiches.
Yes! You can make Cowboy Butter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just let it soften for using as a rub for turkey or chicken or gently heat it in a saucepan or microwave before serving. If you want a spreadable version, let it cool and solidify in a container—it’s delicious on toast or steak!
Yes! If, like me, you like a good spicy kick to your food, you can add more chili powder or chili flakes. You could also add a splash of your favorite hot sauce for a different kind of heat or add finely chopped fresh chilies for a fresher heat.
Pairing
Cowboy butter would go really well with any of these. It might add a rather different flavour but if you like a good spicy butter, you'll love it:
Recipe
Cowboy Butter Recipe
This version of cowboy butter is great used to spread between the skin and meat of a whole turkey or chicken. If you are using it as a dip or to top a steak, you can gently simmer all the ingredients in a small pot which will give you a milder version. Then just let them solidify. See note for instructions.
Ingredients
- 250g unsalted soft butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Zest of one lime
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, finely chopped
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl or food processor and mix the well to combine.
- Taste it and adjust the flavour as you wish. Add more chili powder, lime juice and/or salt for example.
- Place covered in the fridge until ready to use. It keeps for up to a week.
Notes
Cooked Version of Cowboy Butter
- Melt the butter over low heat in a small pan.
- Stir in the garlic, Dijon mustard, lime juice, lime zest, smoked paprika, chili flakes, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix well so everything is evenly distributed.
- Add the fresh herbs and stirring to combine.
- Taste and adjust—want it tangier? Add more lime juice. Need more heat? Throw in extra chili flakes.
- Serve warm as a dip for steak, grilled shrimp, chicken, or even crusty bread. You can also let it harden and keep in the fridge until needed. Take a slice or two and top your next steak with it, You'll thank me for that.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 184Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 277mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g