Cowboy butter has become a culinary sensation, thanks in large part to Ree Drummond, better known as The Pioneer Woman. This flavorful compound butter elevates steaks and other dishes with its rich blend of herbs and spices. Cowboy butter typically combines softened butter with ingredients like parsley, chives, lemon zest, garlic, and red pepper flakes to create a savory and zesty spread.

The Pioneer Woman, who hails from Oklahoma, popularized this versatile condiment through her television shows and cookbooks. Ree Drummond’s version of cowboy butter has captured the hearts and taste buds of home cooks across America. Its popularity stems from its ability to instantly upgrade simple meals, particularly when paired with grilled meats.

Preparing cowboy butter is straightforward, involving mixing the ingredients and chilling the butter to allow the flavors to meld. The result is a luxurious accompaniment that adds depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes, from steaks to roasted vegetables. This simple yet impactful addition to meals exemplifies The Pioneer Woman’s approach to cooking – bringing elevated flavors to everyday home cooking.

What Is Cowboy Butter?

Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter that elevates simple dishes. It combines softened butter with herbs, spices, and aromatics to create a versatile condiment.

This savory butter blend typically includes garlic, parsley, chives, and lemon zest. Other common additions are paprika, mustard, thyme, and red pepper flakes for heat.

Ree Drummond, known as The Pioneer Woman on Food Network, popularized cowboy butter with her recipes. Her version often incorporates sage and chile flakes for extra flavor.

Chefs appreciate cowboy butter for its ability to instantly upgrade steaks, seafood, and vegetables. The butter melts into a rich sauce when placed atop hot foods.

To make cowboy butter, ingredients are mixed into softened butter, then shaped into a log and chilled. This allows the flavors to meld together before serving.

While recipes vary, most cowboy butters aim for a balance of herbal, citrusy, and garlicky notes. The result is a luxurious spread that adds depth to many dishes.

Key Components of Cowboy Butter

Cowboy butter combines rich, creamy butter with bold flavors from herbs, spices, and citrus. This versatile compound butter elevates steaks, vegetables, and breads with its savory-tangy profile.

Butter Base

Salted butter forms the foundation of cowboy butter. Softened to room temperature, it becomes pliable and easy to mix with other ingredients. The butter’s fat content helps carry flavors and creates a luxurious mouthfeel. Some recipes call for unsalted butter to control salt levels more precisely.

High-quality butter produces the best results. European-style butters with higher butterfat percentages offer an even richer taste and texture.

Herbs and Aromatics

Fresh herbs infuse cowboy butter with bright, aromatic flavors. Minced fresh parsley is a classic choice, adding a clean, grassy note. Other herbs like thyme, sage, or chives can be incorporated for variety.

Garlic is a key aromatic component. Finely minced or grated, it imparts a pungent, savory quality. Some recipes call for roasted garlic for a mellower, sweeter flavor profile.

These herbs and aromatics not only enhance taste but also add visual appeal with flecks of green and white throughout the butter.

Seasoning and Spices

A blend of seasonings gives cowboy butter its distinctive kick. Black pepper provides a sharp, spicy bite. Red pepper flakes or crushed red pepper add heat and a touch of color.

Salt is crucial for balancing flavors. If using unsalted butter, more salt may be needed. Some recipes include additional seasonings like paprika, onion powder, or dried herbs.

Dijon mustard is sometimes added for tangy depth and complexity. It helps emulsify the mixture and adds a subtle heat.

Acidic Component

Lemon contributes brightness and acidity to cowboy butter. Both lemon zest and juice are typically used. The zest adds intense citrus oils, while the juice provides tartness.

Lemon’s acidity cuts through the richness of the butter and complements the herbs and spices. It also helps preserve the butter’s freshness.

Some variations use other acidic ingredients like vinegar or hot sauce for added tang and complexity.

Preparation of Cowboy Butter

Cowboy butter combines rich, savory flavors with aromatic herbs and spices. This compound butter elevates dishes like steaks, potatoes, and bread with its bold taste profile.

Mixing Ingredients

Start with 1 cup of softened salted butter in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons each of finely chopped fresh parsley and chives. Mince 2-3 cloves of garlic and incorporate them into the mixture. Grate the zest of one lemon and squeeze in 1 tablespoon of its juice.

For heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly using a fork or spatula until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Shaping and Storing

Transfer the butter mixture to a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape it into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll tightly in the plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal.

Place the wrapped butter log in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up. For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, slice off medallions as needed.

To serve, place a pat of cowboy butter on hot steaks or melt it over grilled vegetables. It can also be spread on warm bread or used to finish pasta dishes.

Serving Suggestions

Cowboy butter enhances a variety of dishes with its rich, flavorful profile. This versatile compound butter pairs exceptionally well with meats, seafood, and various breads and sides.

Meats

Cowboy butter elevates steaks to new heights, especially when paired with ribeye or rib eye steaks. Melt a dollop on top of a medium-rare steak for maximum flavor. It also complements chicken beautifully, adding moisture and zest to grilled or roasted poultry.

For beef, spread cowboy butter on hot steaks just before serving. The heat melts the butter, creating a luscious sauce. With chicken, apply it under the skin before roasting or brush it on during grilling.

Try it on pork chops or lamb for a delicious twist. The butter’s herbs and spices enhance the natural flavors of the meat.

Seafood

Seafood benefits greatly from cowboy butter’s rich taste. It pairs wonderfully with grilled or baked fish, adding moisture and flavor.

Melt cowboy butter over salmon fillets in the last few minutes of cooking. For shrimp, toss them in melted cowboy butter before grilling or sautéing.

Use it as a dipping sauce for lobster or crab. The butter’s zesty notes complement shellfish perfectly. For a quick seafood pasta, toss cooked noodles with melted cowboy butter and your choice of seafood.

Breads and Sides

Cowboy butter transforms ordinary breads and sides into extraordinary dishes. Spread it on warm dinner rolls or crusty bread for an instant upgrade.

Use it to finish vegetables like grilled corn, roasted potatoes, or steamed broccoli. The butter melts beautifully, coating the sides with flavor.

For a unique twist, stir melted cowboy butter into cooked rice or quinoa. It adds depth and richness to grain dishes.

Try it on baked potatoes or sweet potatoes as an alternative to plain butter. Cowboy butter also makes an excellent base for garlic bread – simply spread on sliced bread and bake.

Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter

Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and smoother consistency. Soften it on the counter for about 30 minutes before preparing.

Choose high-quality, unsalted butter as the base. This allows better control over the final salt content.

Finely chop fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme for even distribution and maximum flavor infusion.

Incorporate minced garlic or garlic powder for a classic savory note. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the butter.

Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that complements the other ingredients.

Use a fork or small whisk to thoroughly combine all ingredients, ensuring even distribution throughout the butter.

After mixing, shape the butter into a log using plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.

For optimal flavor, prepare cowboy butter a day in advance and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight.

Serve cowboy butter at room temperature for easy spreading. Remove from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before use.

A cast-iron skillet works well for melting cowboy butter over steaks or other meats just before serving.