Last summer, while hosting one of our infamous backyard barbecues, I found myself in a playful “steak-off” with my neighbor, Frank. Known for his legendary grilling skills, Frank was the self-proclaimed “King of the Grill” in our neighborhood. Not one to back down from a friendly challenge, I decided to bring a secret weapon to the table—my easy and delightful steak butter. As the savory aromas intertwined and danced through the evening air, everyone awaited the final verdict. When the butter melted and pooled over the steaks, creating a glossy, flavorful sheen, even Frank had to admit defeat. This simple yet transformative recipe turned an ordinary grilling night into a gourmet event that still gets mentioned every time we fire up the grills.

Perfect Steak Butter (Compound Butter)

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, use a fork to mash together the softened butter, crushed garlic, minced parsley, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon zest until well combined.
2. Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper and form into a log. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour, or until needed.
3. Preheat your grill. While the grill heats, take the steaks out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring your meat cooks evenly.
4. Clean the grill grate thoroughly, then lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Heat one side of your grill to high for searing.
5. Place your steaks on the hot part of the grill. Sear them without moving them until they are golden brown and slightly crispy at the edges, about 3-4 minutes each side.
6. Once seared, move the steaks to a cooler part of the grill (indirect heat) and continue cooking to your desired doneness. Use tongs to turn the steaks—avoid piercing them with a fork to keep all those precious juices inside.
7. Remove the steaks from the grill and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Let them rest for about 10 minutes; this helps the juices redistribute throughout the steak, ensuring a moist and tender bite.
8. Slice the chilled butter into rounds and place a round on each steak just before serving, allowing it to melt sumptuously over the hot, grilled meat.

Serving Suggestions: Serve these luxuriously buttered steaks with a side of crisp, green salad and some roasted potatoes or a creamy garlic mashed potato for a complete dining experience. A glass of your favorite red wine complements the flavors beautifully, elevating your meal to restaurant-quality sophistication.

Tips:

• For an extra kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few drops of Worcestershire sauce to the butter mixture.
• If you prefer, you can add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Variations:

• Blue Cheese Steak Butter: Mix in 2 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese to the butter mixture for a tangy twist.
• Spicy Chipotle Steak Butter: Add 1 teaspoon of chipotle in adobo sauce, finely chopped, for a smoky and spicy flavor.

FAQs:

1. Can I make steak butter ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! Compound butter can be made up to a week in advance and kept wrapped in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
2. What other meats can I use this butter on?
   • This butter goes wonderfully with almost any grilled meats, including chicken, pork chops, and even seafood like grilled salmon.
3. How do I know when my steak is cooked to my liking?
   • The best way to know is to use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 135°F, medium 145°F, and well-done 160°F.
4. Is there a dairy-free alternative I can use?
   • Yes, you can use plant-based butter alternatives that are suitable for cooking to make a dairy-free version of this recipe.

The charm of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in its ability to elevate a simple meal to an extraordinary experience. This perfect steak butter will surely make you the uncontested ruler of your next barbecue!