If you are looking to elevate your steak game to something truly spectacular, the Compound Herb Butter for Steak Recipe is your new best friend. This luscious, flavor-packed butter combines fresh herbs and roasted garlic with creamy butter, creating a perfect topping that melts into every juicy bite of your steak. It’s simple to prepare but transforms an ordinary steak dinner into an unforgettable feast with layers of herbaceous, garlicky richness. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed steak without it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with whipped yellow butter mixed with green herbs, showing many layers and swirls created by a fork resting inside the bowl. The butter has a creamy and soft texture with visible specks of herbs throughout. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface with some wooden patterns faintly visible beneath. The photo is taken from above, focusing on the thick, textured layers of the flavored butter. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in bringing out the buttery, savory goodness of this compound butter. From the aromatic fresh herbs to the roasted garlic’s mellow depth, everything works together beautifully to complement your steak.

Salted butter (1/2 cup, softened): This is the creamy base that melts into luxurious richness; make sure it’s soft but not melted for easy mixing.
Roasted garlic (1 head, mashed): Roasting garlic softens its sharpness and adds a wonderful sweetness that pairs perfectly with steak.
Parsley (1 tablespoon, fresh, chopped): Adds a bright, fresh note and vibrant green color to the butter.
Thyme (1 teaspoon, fresh, chopped): Offers a subtle earthiness that enhances the flavor complexity.
Rosemary (1 teaspoon, fresh, chopped): Brings a piney, fragrant punch that’s iconic with grilled meats.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and depth to balance the butter’s richness.

How to Make Compound Herb Butter for Steak Recipe

Step 1: Soften the Butter

Begin by leaving your salted butter out at room temperature for about 30 to 60 minutes. The butter should be soft enough to easily mash and mix but absolutely not melted. This texture is key to blending the herbs and garlic evenly without the butter becoming greasy.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter along with your mashed roasted garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Each element infuses the butter with distinct layers of flavor, so don’t skimp on the fresh herbs if you want the best results.

Step 3: Mash and Mix

Use a fork or spoon to mash and blend everything together thoroughly. The goal is to distribute the herbs and garlic evenly throughout the butter. This ensures every bite of steak gets a consistent burst of flavor. Take a moment here to appreciate that beautiful green flecked butter coming together.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Now the fun part—taste your creation! If you want the compound butter a little bolder, add a pinch of salt or a dash more herbs. This step lets you tailor the seasoning perfectly to your liking, making it truly your own.

Step 5: Shape the Butter

Spoon the herb butter onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Roll it into a neat log shape and twist the ends tightly. This snag makes slicing simple later on. Pop the roll into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so it firms up and becomes easier to handle.

Step 6: Slice into Pats

Once cold and firm, unwrap the butter log and slice it into eight equal-sized pats. These pats are the perfect individual servings to melt on steaks right after cooking.

Step 7: Cook Your Steak

Grill or pan-sear your favorite cut of steak to your preferred temperature. Whether you like it rare, medium, or well-done, this butter will elevate it to a new level of deliciousness.

Step 8: Melt the Butter on Steak

Immediately after cooking, place a pat or two of the compound herb butter on each hot steak. The heat will melt the butter, creating a glossy, flavorful glaze. Serve right away for maximum enjoyment—you won’t want to share this delightful topping!

How to Serve Compound Herb Butter for Steak Recipe

A thick, cooked steak sits in the middle of a black frying pan, showing a shiny, dark brown color with a seared texture and small bits of green herbs on top. On the center of the steak, there is a round pat of pale herb butter, slightly melted. To the left of the steak, fresh green sprigs of rosemary and thyme lay flat inside the pan. The pan is on a white marbled surface with some green chopped herbs scattered around the background. A round wooden bowl with coarse salt and a small clear glass container are near the bottom left corner, next to a cloth with thin gray stripes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance the visual appeal and flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the steaks just before serving. A little extra cracked black pepper on top can also add a nice touch of sharpness that complements the soft herb butter perfectly.

Side Dishes

This compound herb butter pairs beautifully with classic steak accompaniments. Think perfectly roasted potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad. For a touch of indulgence, grilled asparagus or sautéed mushrooms are fantastic sides that soak up the melted butter beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve the butter pats on a small wooden board alongside the steaks, letting everyone add their own pats. Or, pipe the butter into cute rosettes using a piping bag with a star tip for an elegant touch that looks as fabulous as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any compound herb butter leftover, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to one week, ready to add to your next steak night or grilled veggies.

Freezing

Compound butter freezes beautifully. Just wrap it well and place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and slice as usual.

Reheating

You don’t need to reheat this butter separately. It’s designed to melt quickly on hot steaks. Simply slice a pat and place it directly onto your cooked meat while it’s resting to let it melt luxuriously over the surface.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Absolutely! Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness better. Just add a pinch more salt during the mixing step to compensate. It’s a great option if you are watching your sodium intake or want precise seasoning.

Can I make this compound butter without roasted garlic?

You can, but roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow depth that raw garlic can’t match. If you want a quicker version, finely minced raw garlic works but be careful since it’s much sharper and more pungent.

How long does the Compound Herb Butter for Steak Recipe hold its flavor?

When properly stored in the refrigerator, the butter maintains excellent flavor for about a week. The fresh herbs will start to lose their vibrancy after that, so it’s best to enjoy the compound butter within seven days for peak taste.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Fresh herbs are definitely preferred because they provide bright colors and vibrant flavors. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount by half as they are more concentrated, but keep in mind the flavor and appearance won’t be quite as lively.

Is this butter only good for steak?

While it’s tailor-made for steak, this compound herb butter also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even warm bread. Its herbal richness makes it a versatile addition to almost any savory dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about melting a pat of this Compound Herb Butter for Steak Recipe over a sizzling hot steak. It’s simple, yet transforms your meal into something extraordinary with minimal effort. I encourage you to give this recipe a try at your next dinner—you might just discover your new favorite flavor secret that keeps friends and family asking for more!

Compound Herb Butter for Steak Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

Author: Sara
Total Time: 37 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This flavorful compound butter is the perfect accompaniment to elevate your steak, combining the richness of salted butter with aromatic roasted garlic and fresh herbs. Easy to prepare and versatile, it melts beautifully over hot steaks to add a burst of herbaceous and garlicky goodness.

Ingredients

Compound Butter

1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick, softened)
1 head roasted garlic (mashed)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (chopped)
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Soften Butter: Leave the butter out at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until it’s soft but not melted, ensuring it’s easy to mix.
Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with mashed roasted garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper until fully integrated.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture and add a pinch of salt or additional herbs if desired to enhance the flavor.
Shape the Butter: Spoon the butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap, roll it into a log shape, twist the ends securely, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Slice Butter Pats: Remove the butter log from the refrigerator, unwrap, and slice it into 8 even pats.
Cook Steak: Grill or cook steaks on the stovetop to your preferred doneness. If grilling, remove steaks to a plate; if stovetop cooking, keep them in the pan.
Serve with Compound Butter: Immediately place a pat of the compound butter on each steak so it melts over the hot meat, adding rich flavor. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For a more intense garlic flavor, roast the garlic head in foil at 400°F for about 40 minutes before mashing.
You can prepare the compound butter ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like chives or tarragon to customize the flavor.
Use unsalted butter if you prefer to control the salt content more precisely.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 27 minutes (including roasting garlic if prepared fresh)
Category: Sauce/Condiment
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American