Grilled T-Bone Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Grilled T-Bone steaks with cowboy butter is one of those meals that feels indulgent yet rustic at the same time. I love the smoky char of the steaks paired with the rich, zesty, and herb-packed butter that melts beautifully over the top. It’s a recipe that brings a steakhouse experience right to my backyard grill.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe takes a classic grilled steak and turns it into something special with just a simple butter. The cowboy butter adds layers of flavor garlic, mustard, herbs, and a touch of spice that make each bite exciting. I also enjoy how easy it is to whip up; I can prepare the butter while the steaks are grilling. It’s versatile too, because the butter works on other grilled meats, chicken, or even vegetables.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

▢½ Cup unsalted butter melted
▢1 Tablespoon lemon juice fresh, about ½ lemon
▢1 Tablespoon garlic minced, about 2 small cloves
▢2 tablespoons shallot minced
▢1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
▢½ Tablespoon prepared horseradish
▢1 Pinch red chile powder
▢¼ teaspoon paprika
▢1 tablespoon Parsley fresh and chopped
▢2 Tablespoons chives fresh and chopped
▢½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 ½ teaspoon fresh thyme
▢½ teaspoon hot sauce your favorite brand
▢kosher salt
▢Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. I start by preheating my grill to high heat.
2. I season the T-Bone steaks generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
3. While the grill heats, I prepare the cowboy butter by whisking together the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, shallot, Dijon mustard, horseradish, red chile powder, paprika, parsley, chives, thyme, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
4. I place the steaks on the hot grill and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the time for my preferred doneness.
5. Once the steaks are done, I remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
6. I spoon the cowboy butter generously over the hot steaks just before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. The preparation takes about 10 minutes, and the grilling plus resting time takes around 15 minutes, making the total time about 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I like to swap the chives for green onions for a slightly sharper bite. If I want a smokier flavor, I add a touch of smoked paprika to the butter. For extra heat, I stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or more hot sauce. I’ve also tried making the butter ahead of time, letting it firm up in the fridge, and slicing it into rounds to place on top of hot steaks—it melts beautifully.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftover cowboy butter, I store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. I can reheat leftover steak gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at a low temperature, then add more of the cowboy butter to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

How do I know when my T-Bone steak is done?

I like to use an instant-read thermometer. For medium-rare, I aim for 130–135°F before resting.

Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a day in advance and refrigerate it. The flavors get even better overnight.

What’s the best way to season the steak before grilling?

I keep it simple with kosher salt and black pepper, which lets the butter shine.

Can I use ribeye or another cut instead of T-Bone?

Yes, ribeye, strip steak, or even filet mignon work great with cowboy butter.

Can I cook the steak indoors?

When I can’t grill, I use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan on the stovetop and finish in the oven.

How spicy is cowboy butter?

It has a mild kick, but I can adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce and chile powder.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, but I prefer fresh for brightness. If I use dried, I reduce the amount since they’re more concentrated.

How long should I rest the steak after grilling?

I rest it for at least 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute.

Can I freeze cowboy butter?

Yes, I roll it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic, and freeze it for up to 2 months.

What sides go best with this dish?

I like serving it with grilled corn, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

Grilled T-Bone steaks with cowboy butter is one of my favorite ways to elevate a simple steak dinner. The butter brings zest, richness, and a touch of spice that makes every bite irresistible. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for entertaining. Once I tried it, it became a go-to recipe in my kitchen.

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