Juicy Cowboy Butter Steak seared to perfection, topped with zesty garlic herb butter—an irresistible recipe for grilling nights or easy dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a few handpicked ingredients come together in this recipe to create such an explosion of flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role in turning classic steak into a truly memorable Cowboy Butter Steak.
- Ribeye or New York strip steak: Choose well-marbled steaks, about one inch thick, for the juiciest and most flavorful results.
- Olive oil: Just a drizzle helps achieve that beautiful, sizzling crust on your steak while keeping it tender inside.
- Salt: Bring out the beef’s natural flavor with a generous sprinkle.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds a wonderful, subtle heat.
- Smoked paprika: This ingredient infuses both steak and butter with a deep, smoky warmth that truly sets this dish apart.
- Unsalted butter: The creamy base of cowboy butter, soaking up all the zesty, savory flavors.
- Garlic: Fresh minced cloves give the butter its signature punch and mouthwatering aroma.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tang and a little spicy zip to balance the richness of the butter.
- Lemon juice: A splash of acidity that brightens every bite.
- Fresh parsley and chives: These herbs bring freshness and grassy notes to the cowboy butter, cutting through the richness.
- Red pepper flakes and cayenne: Adjust according to your spice tolerance for a big Texas kick!
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both steak and butter to perfection.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Steak
Step 1: Season and Rest the Steaks
Begin by patting your steaks thoroughly dry with paper towels – this is the secret to achieving a wickedly good crust. Rub them all over with olive oil, making sure every surface is slick and ready for seasoning. Now, liberally sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Let those seasoned beauties rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. This not only helps the flavors meld but also ensures your Cowboy Butter Steak cooks more evenly.
Step 2: Sear to Perfection
Heat your cast-iron skillet over high heat until it is fiercely hot (think: sizzling on contact). Carefully lay your steaks in the pan and resist the urge to move them around. Sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes for a perfect medium-rare, or a bit longer if you like your steak more done. That deep brown crust? Pure steak magic. Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to keep those precious juices locked in.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cowboy Butter
While the steaks are resting, it’s time to make the hero of the dish: that cowboy butter. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, chives, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne if you want some extra heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mash and blend until everything is wildly aromatic and well combined. Try not to eat it by the spoonful (yet).
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Slice your beautifully rested steaks and arrange them on plates or a serving platter. Now comes the fun part: drop generous spoonfuls of cowboy butter over the warm steak. Watch as it slowly melts into the meat, creating a saucy, irresistible finish. This is the iconic Cowboy Butter Steak moment everyone waits for.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Steak
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving keeps everything looking vibrant and inviting. If you love that extra bit of flair, a light dusting of smoked paprika adds a pop of color and an aromatic hit. Fresh lemon wedges on the side also bring out the zingy notes in the cowboy butter.
Side Dishes
Cowboy Butter Steak pairs beautifully with all sorts of sides. Think golden roasted potatoes, a simple green salad, or a pile of charred vegetables. Crusty bread is a must for mopping up every drop of that outrageously tasty cowboy butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Wow your guests by serving the steak pre-sliced and fanned out on a cutting board, with a bowl of extra cowboy butter on the side. Or pile thinly sliced steak on toasted baguette rounds for jaw-dropping steak crostini at your next party. Leftovers (if any!) make a fantastic filling for steak sandwiches or wraps.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover steak or cowboy butter, wrap them up tightly and pop them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. The beef will stay tender and the butter will keep its punchy flavor for up to three days. Store them separately for maximum freshness.
Freezing
Both the steak and cowboy butter freeze surprisingly well! Slice the leftover steak and wrap in foil or an airtight bag, then freeze for up to two months. Cowboy butter can be spooned into a log, wrapped in plastic wrap, and popped in the freezer for the same amount of time. Just thaw before using.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat the steak in a skillet over low heat, adding a dab of cowboy butter for moisture. You can also microwave in short bursts, but be mindful not to overcook. Warm the cowboy butter at room temperature or briefly in the microwave until just spreadable.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for Cowboy Butter Steak?
Absolutely! Ribeye and New York strip are favorites for their tenderness and fat content, but sirloin, filet mignon, or even flank steak can work beautifully. Adjust cooking times depending on thickness and cut.
Is it possible to make cowboy butter in advance?
Yes, and it’s actually a fantastic idea! Prepare your cowboy butter up to several days ahead and store it in the fridge. Let it soften at room temperature before using so it spreads and melts easily.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
No worries! Any heavy-bottomed pan will do, though cast iron gives the best crust. Just be sure your pan is very hot before searing the steaks to lock in all those precious juices.
How spicy is Cowboy Butter Steak?
You control the heat! The red pepper flakes and cayenne bring some fire, but you can pull back or amp it up to your liking. For a milder butter, simply omit the cayenne.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh parsley and chives shine brightest here, but in a pinch, you can substitute dried – just use about half as much, since dried herbs are more potent.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dinner that blows away the weeknight routine and feels like a treat every single time, give Cowboy Butter Steak a try. Few things beat the joy of a great steak, elevated by buttery, zesty goodness that you’ll want to slather on everything. I can’t wait for you to taste just how special and satisfying this dish can be!
More Steak & Garlic-Lover Favorites
If you’re fired up about our Cowboy Butter Steak, you’ll definitely want to explore these sizzling and savory dishes next. Add creamy comfort to your table with the One Skillet Garlic Butter Steak Cheese Ravioli Recipe, or keep things zesty with the crowd-pleasing Garlic Parmesan Steak with Roasted Veggies. For a fusion twist, try the Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Cheese Casserole. Steak for dinner? Pair it perfectly with Savory Garlic Butter Rice. And if you’re craving even more comfort, don’t skip the creamy, cheesy Creamy Boursin Garlic Herb Chicken.
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Cowboy Butter Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy Cowboy Butter Steak seared to perfection, topped with zesty garlic herb butter—an irresistible recipe for grilling nights or easy dinners.
Ingredients
For the Steaks
- 2 ribeye or New York strip steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Cowboy Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry thoroughly with paper towels. Rub olive oil on all sides, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Allow the steaks to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to help them cook evenly.
- Sear the Steaks: Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until it’s very hot. Place the steaks in the skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or cook a little longer if you prefer a higher doneness. Adjust the time according to steak thickness. Remove from the skillet and let the steaks rest for at least 5 minutes to lock in their juices.
- Make the Cowboy Butter: While the steaks rest, combine softened butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped chives, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using) in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix until the butter is smooth and evenly blended.
- Serve: Slice the rested steaks and place them on plates or a platter. Top each steak generously with a scoop of cowboy butter, letting it melt over the warm meat.
- Suggested Sides: Serve immediately with roasted vegetables, potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the melting cowboy butter sauce.
Notes
- Letting the butter come to room temperature ensures it’s easy to mix and spread atop the hot steak.
- Resting the steaks after cooking helps redistribute juices and ensures tender, flavorful meat.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne and red pepper flakes to your spice preference for a more or less fiery finish.
- Leftover cowboy butter is fantastic on grilled vegetables, seafood, or as a flavorful bread spread.
- For the best crust, avoid moving the steaks during searing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with cowboy butter
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg