Steak Dipping Sauce

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If you are looking for a dynamite steak dipping sauce, then you need to try my cowboy butter recipe. This garlic infused butter is loaded with shallots, lots of fresh herbs, lemon juice, dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce.

It's insanely flavorful and so easy to make.

Grilled steak with steak dipping sauce on top.

This steak dipping sauce makes everything taste so much better. This butter based sauce is packed with incredible garlic flavor, fresh chives, parsley and thyme. I add a little dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice to help cut back on some of the heaviness from the butter.

The best part about this sauce is there is no cooking involved. Just melt some butter, whisk in the ingredients and you are set to go!

Love the flavor of garlic, make sure to try my Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles and Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp.

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What Is Cowboy Butter
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredient Notes
Step By Step Ingredients
Expert Tips
FAQ
Storing and Freezing
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What Is Cowboy Butter

Cowboy butter is a mash-up of flavors that can be served as a dipping sauce or as a spread, also known as compound butter. The butter, which is the base for the sauce, is infused with garlic, shallots, fresh herbs, dijon mustard, lemon juice and spices. It goes perfect with a grilled piece of steak, chicken or even seafood.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

No cooking required- All you need to do is melt the butter in the microwave, add the ingredients and whisk away. It's that simple.
Make ahead- You can prep all the ingredients and make this recipe hours ahead or even a day or two before you plan to use it. This will allow all the flavors to meld together.
Versatile- This sauce tastes good on EVERYTHING! Meat, poultry, seafood and even veggies.
Packed with flavor- This infused butter couldn't get anymore flavorful. It has garlic, shallots, a bunch of fresh herbs, dijon, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.

Ingredient Notes

Butter- I use unsalted butter in this recipe to help control the amount of salt. However, if you decide to use salted butter, adjust the salt once you finish mixing in the ingredients.
Worcestershire sauce- Really adds an extra depth of flavor. Don't skip this ingredient.
Lemon juice- Fresh is best. I do not suggest using bottled lemon juice.
Dijon mustard- You can substitute ground mustard powder if you do not have dijon mustard on hand. I do not recommend yellow mustard for this recipe.
Garlic- Use fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor and skip the jarred stuff.
Herbs- I use fresh Italian parsley, chives and thyme.
Shallot- Make sure to finely mince the shallot so you do not have big chunks inside the sauce.
Seasonings- I used crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt and fresh ground black pepper.

Step By Step Ingredients

STEP 1: Melt butter. In a medium bowl, add butter. Place the butter inside the microwave and heat in 30 second increments until completely melted.

STEP 2: Add aromatics. Finely mince garlic and shallots. Add to melted butter. Then, stir to combine. I add this first to infuse the flavors into the warm butter.

STEP 3: Stir in liquids. Whisk in dijon mustard, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce.

Melted butter, garlic, shallots, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and dijon.

STEP 4: Add fresh herbs and seasonings. Finely chop the herbs. Add to the butter mixture, followed by the smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt and pepper. Then whisk the sauce together until combined.

Melted butter, herbs, smoked paprika, garlic, shallots, pepper, salt dijon, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce.

STEP 5: Serve with your favorite steak. Pour the sauce into ramekins and serve alongside grilled steak. Or, spoon the sauce directly over your meat.

Expert Tips

Use fresh ingredients. Since this sauce isn't cooked, the ingredients really need to be fresh for the best tasting flavor.

Since butter is the main ingredient, as it sits it will solidify. To fix this, just pop it back inside the microwave for a few seconds until it becomes liquid again.

Don't like beef? No problem! This sauce tastes good with fish, chicken, shrimp, roasted potatoes or even veggies.

Steak dipping sauce with fresh herbs, garlic, butter, lemon juice, spices and dijon mustard.

FAQ

Can I make Cowboy Butter ahead of time?

You absolutely can! You can prepare this seasoned sauce hours or even days in advance. Just reheat inside the microwave when you're ready to serve.

Can I use different ingredients in this sauce?

Yes, you can. This sauce is super versatile and you can easily swap out ingredients to your preference. You can use other fresh herbs like cilantro or rosemary. Add some hot sauce for a little heat or add a small amount of horseradish to really jazz up your sauce.

What types of steaks can I use?

I used boneless Ribeye steaks for my recipe but feel free to use others cuts of beef. New York strip, filet or beef tenderloin, and flank steak are all great options.

Storing and Freezing

Store this steak dipping sauce inside an airtight container or glass mason jar with a tight fitting lid. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the sauce inside a heat proof bowl and microwave until the butter is melted and warmed through. The sauce may separate but just keep whisking until it comes together.

Freezing

You can pour the cooled sauce into a silicone ice cube tray. Once frozen, wrap the tray in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. This way you can pop it out whenever you need it and have the perfect amount of sauce.

Sliced ribeye steak topped with cowboy butter steak dipping sauce.

More Recipes To Try

If you decide to try this recipe, please make sure to leave a STAR RATING on the recipe card and leave a comment below. I hope you enjoy this recipe!

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