Garlic Parmesan Herb Butter for Steaks Recipe

This Garlic Parmesan Herb Butter is the ultimate finishing touch for a perfectly cooked steak. Rich, creamy, and loaded with fresh herbs, savory garlic, and nutty Parmesan cheese, this compound butter melts beautifully over hot steak, enhancing every bite with bold, luxurious flavor. It’s quick to make and adds a restaurant-quality finish to any cut of meat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors
• Melts perfectly over hot steaks for an elevated dining experience
• Quick and easy—ready in just 10 minutes
• Customizable with your favorite herbs and seasonings
• Also great on vegetables, bread, or seafood

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (for sautéing garlic)

Directions

1. Sauté the garlic:
   • In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Mix the butter:
   • In a bowl, combine softened butter, Parmesan cheese, sautéed garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Shape the butter:
   • Transfer the butter mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Roll it into a log and twist the ends to seal.
4. Chill:
   • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. You can also freeze it for 20 minutes if you’re short on time.
5. Serve:
   • Slice a round of butter and place it on top of hot, freshly cooked steak. Let it melt over the steak for extra richness and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 8 servings (1 tablespoon each)
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Chill time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Butter: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Truffle Butter: Add 1 teaspoon of truffle oil for a luxurious upgrade.
• Lemon-Herb Butter: Increase the lemon zest and add a tablespoon of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
• Blue Cheese Herb Butter: Replace Parmesan with crumbled blue cheese for a bold, tangy flavor.

Storage

• Store: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, tightly wrapped.
• Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Slice off portions as needed and let thaw before serving.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, but use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

What’s the best steak cut for this butter?

Ribeye, filet mignon, New York strip, and sirloin all pair beautifully with this butter.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce the added salt to taste.

How do I soften butter quickly?

Cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, or microwave it for 5-10 seconds (watch carefully to avoid melting).

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available, but fresh garlic provides the best flavor.

Can I use this butter for other dishes?

Absolutely! It’s great on grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, garlic bread, or seafood like shrimp and lobster.

Should I let the butter melt naturally on the steak?

Yes, place the butter on the hot steak just before serving and let the heat from the steak melt the butter naturally for the best results.

Can I make this butter vegan?

Yes, use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.

How much butter should I use per steak?

A tablespoon or two per steak is typically enough, but you can adjust based on personal preference.

Do I need to refrigerate the butter after using it?

Yes, any unused butter should be tightly wrapped and stored in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Herb Butter is the perfect way to take your steaks to the next level. The combination of rich butter, fresh herbs, nutty Parmesan, and garlic creates a luxurious, restaurant-worthy finish that’s incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or oven-roasting your steak, this flavorful butter will transform your dish into something unforgettable!

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