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Cowboy Butter for Steak Recipe

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3.9 from 38 reviews

This Cowboy Butter for Steak recipe is a flavorful herb and spice butter blend designed to enhance grilled ribeye steaks. Perfectly seared and basted, the steaks achieve a juicy, medium-rare doneness with a rich, garlicky, and slightly spicy butter topping that elevates any steak dinner.

  • Total Time: 50-52 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Steak

  • 2 ribeye steaks (at least 1-inch thick)

Cowboy Butter

  • 1/2 cup salted butter (very soft, but not melted)
  • 2 cloves garlic (grated)
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoon finely diced chives
  • 2 Tablespoon finely chopped parsley
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steaks: Remove the ribeye steaks from the fridge and let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps them cook evenly by reducing chill. Pat the steaks dry thoroughly with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Let them sit as you prepare the butter.
  2. Make the Cowboy Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened salted butter with grated garlic, lemon zest, paprika, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, diced chives, chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to blend all flavors. Taste the butter and adjust salt if needed. Keep it at room temperature until ready to use.
  3. Prepare the Grill: Clean the grill grates thoroughly and oil them well using avocado oil or another high smoke point oil. Preheat the grill to high heat, targeting 450-500°F to ensure a good sear.
  4. Grill the Steaks: Once the grill is hot, place the steaks on the grates and immediately close the lid. Sear the steaks for 4-5 minutes without moving them. Flip the steaks, then generously baste the cooked side with the prepared cowboy butter. Close the lid again and continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare doneness.
  5. Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the grill and place them on a clean cutting board or plate. Tent loosely with foil and rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for better flavor and moisture retention.
  6. Serve: Slice the steaks if desired, then serve with the remaining cowboy butter on the side for spreading or dipping, enhancing every bite with complementary creamy, spicy flavors.

Notes

  • Allowing steaks to rest at room temperature before grilling ensures even cooking throughout.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature for perfect doneness; 130°F is medium-rare.
  • Softened butter is essential for easy mixing and proper basting consistency.
  • The cowboy butter can be made ahead and stored refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level according to preference.
  • For best grilling results, clean and oil grates well to prevent sticking.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding steak resting time)
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American