Ree Drummond, known as The Pioneer Woman, has popularized a flavorful condiment that elevates steak dishes to new heights. Cowboy Butter combines herbs, spices, and rich butter to create a mouthwatering topping that enhances the taste of grilled meats. This versatile compound butter adds a zesty kick and creamy texture to steaks, transforming ordinary meals into memorable dining experiences.

Drummond’s Cowboy Butter recipe typically includes ingredients like garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest mixed into softened butter. The mixture is then chilled and served alongside seared steaks or other grilled meats. Its popularity stems from its ability to complement the savory flavors of beef while adding a touch of indulgence to the meal.

The Pioneer Woman’s influence has brought Cowboy Butter into many home kitchens, inspiring cooks to experiment with their own variations. This simple yet effective addition to steak dinners has become a staple for those looking to impress guests or elevate weeknight meals with minimal effort.

The Origins of Cowboy Butter

Cowboy butter emerged as a flavorful compound butter popularized by Food Network star Ree Drummond. This savory concoction quickly gained traction among home cooks and food enthusiasts.

Ree Drummond’s Influence

Ree Drummond, known as The Pioneer Woman, introduced cowboy butter to her audience through her cooking show and blog. Hailing from Oklahoma, Drummond drew inspiration from her ranch lifestyle to create this robust butter blend. The recipe typically includes ingredients like parsley, lemon, garlic, and red pepper flakes mixed into softened butter.

Drummond’s rustic approach to cooking resonated with viewers, making cowboy butter a staple in many kitchens. Her accessible style and relatable persona helped demystify compound butters for home cooks.

Popularity on Food Network

Food Network played a crucial role in elevating cowboy butter’s status. Drummond’s appearances on various shows and her own program, “The Pioneer Woman,” showcased the versatility of this flavored butter.

The network’s wide reach exposed millions of viewers to cowboy butter, often featuring it as a topping for steaks or as a spread for bread. Food Network’s website and social media platforms further amplified its popularity, sharing recipes and cooking tips.

Chefs and hosts on other Food Network shows began incorporating cowboy butter into their recipes, solidifying its place in contemporary American cuisine.

Cowboy Butter Ingredients

Cowboy butter combines rich dairy with vibrant herbs and zesty seasonings to create a flavorful compound butter. This versatile condiment elevates steaks, vegetables, and other dishes with its bold taste profile.

Butter Varieties for Cowboy Butter

The foundation of cowboy butter is high-quality butter. Unsalted butter is often preferred as it allows for better control of the final salt content. However, salted butter can be used with adjustments to added salt. European-style butter, with its higher fat content, creates an extra luxurious texture.

For a richer flavor, cultured butter adds a tangy note. Grass-fed butter contributes a deeper yellow color and subtle grassy undertones. Room temperature butter is essential for easy mixing with other ingredients.

Herb Selection and Preparation

Fresh herbs are key to cowboy butter’s bright flavor. Parsley is a staple, providing a clean, mild taste. Chives offer a gentle onion-like flavor. Thyme adds an earthy, slightly minty note.

Finely chop herbs just before mixing to preserve their oils and flavors. For optimal freshness, use herbs immediately after washing and drying. A mix of 2-3 tablespoons of chopped herbs per stick of butter is typical.

Dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch, using about 1/3 the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers

Garlic is crucial, providing a pungent kick. Use 1-2 minced cloves per stick of butter. Lemon zest and juice add brightness and acidity, balancing the rich butter. A teaspoon of each per stick is common.

Salt and black pepper are essential. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper per stick, adjusting to taste. Red pepper flakes contribute heat – use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon depending on desired spiciness.

Optional additions include:

• Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon)
• Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon)
• Worcestershire sauce (1/2 teaspoon)

These ingredients combine to create Ree Drummond’s signature cowboy butter, perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes.

Preparation of Cowboy Butter

Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter that enhances steaks and other dishes. The preparation involves blending ingredients and shaping the mixture for easy use.

Blending the Ingredients

Start with softened butter at room temperature. In a bowl, mix the butter with minced fresh parsley, chives, and lemon zest. Add lemon juice and Dijon mustard for tanginess. Incorporate minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors. Use a fork to mash and combine all ingredients thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Shaping and Chilling the Butter

Transfer the butter mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Form the butter into a log shape, about 3 inches long. Wrap tightly, twisting the ends to seal. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm. This allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier. For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. Before serving, slice the chilled butter into rounds. Place on hot steaks or other dishes to melt and infuse flavor.

Cooking with Cowboy Butter

Cowboy butter elevates various dishes with its rich, flavorful profile. This versatile compound butter enhances meats, poultry, and seafood with a blend of herbs and spices.

Beef Dishes and Cowboy Butter

Ribeye steaks shine when paired with cowboy butter. Sear the steak in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 45 seconds per side. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven to finish cooking, about 3 minutes for medium-rare.

For a pot roast, rub the meat with cowboy butter before cooking. The herbs and spices infuse the beef as it slow-cooks, creating a flavorful crust.

Filet mignon benefits from a dollop of cowboy butter melted on top just before serving. The butter’s richness complements the lean cut, adding moisture and flavor.

Poultry Pairings

Grilled chicken gains depth when basted with cowboy butter. Brush the butter on during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

Roasted turkey breast becomes more succulent with cowboy butter spread under the skin before cooking. This technique allows the flavors to permeate the meat.

For a quick weeknight meal, pan-sear chicken breasts and top with a pat of cowboy butter. The residual heat melts the butter, creating an instant sauce.

Enhancing Seafood Flavors

Grilled salmon fillets topped with cowboy butter offer a delicious contrast of flavors. The butter’s herbs complement the fish’s natural taste without overpowering it.

Cowboy butter adds zest to shrimp scampi. Toss cooked shrimp in melted cowboy butter for a twist on the classic dish.

For a simple yet elegant meal, bake white fish fillets and serve with a side of melted cowboy butter for dipping. The butter’s richness enhances the delicate fish flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Cowboy Butter

Cowboy butter enhances a variety of dishes with its rich, savory flavors. This versatile compound butter pairs well with proteins, starches, and breads, adding a delicious kick to meals.

Accompaniments and Sides

Cowboy butter elevates steaks, grilled chicken, and seafood. Place a pat on top of a hot steak to melt and infuse the meat with flavor. Toss roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or asparagus with melted cowboy butter for added zest.

For a luxurious side, stir cowboy butter into hot mashed potatoes. The herbs and spices complement the creamy texture perfectly. Rice dishes also benefit from a dollop of this flavorful butter, especially wild rice or pilaf.

Pasta becomes more indulgent when tossed with cowboy butter. It works well with fettuccine, linguine, or even as a finishing touch for mac and cheese.

Spreading on Breads

Cowboy butter transforms ordinary bread into a mouth-watering treat. Spread it on warm, crusty French bread for an easy appetizer or side dish. The butter melts into the bread, infusing it with garlic and herb flavors.

For a twist on garlic bread, slather cowboy butter between slices of a French baguette before warming in the oven. The result is a fragrant, flavorful bread perfect for accompanying pasta dishes or soups.

Dinner rolls, biscuits, and cornbread also pair wonderfully with cowboy butter. A small pat on top of these warm breads enhances their taste and texture.

Storing Cowboy Butter

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the freshness and flavor of cowboy butter. Refrigeration and freezing are two effective methods to preserve this flavorful compound butter.

Refrigeration Tips

Store cowboy butter in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent absorption of other flavors. Place it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back of the bottom shelf. Properly stored, cowboy butter will last 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.

For easy portioning, shape the butter into a log before refrigerating. This allows you to slice off only what you need. Consider using a butter dish with a lid for easy access and protection from odors.

Keep cowboy butter away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavors. The butter may harden in the refrigerator, so remove it 15-30 minutes before use to soften.

Freezing for Long-Term Use

Freezing extends the shelf life of cowboy butter up to 6 months. Wrap the butter tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

For convenience, portion the butter into small amounts before freezing. Use an ice cube tray or form small pats on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for easy access.

Label the container with the date to track freshness. Thaw frozen cowboy butter in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid refreezing thawed butter as it can affect quality and safety.