An accidental avocado-green kitchen wall, check. A flared jeans phase that will never make a return, check. Sometimes life has a way of serving trendy fashion and interior design choices that we later reminisce with equal parts nostalgia and cringe. But hey, who am I to throw shade? It’s all part of our journey, right?
Elements from the world of fashion and design occasionally creep into my day-to-day life, even influencing the way I cook up a storm in my kitchen. I’ve recently found myself pondering how versatile some things can be – one day, they are used to create a chic living room, and the next, they inspire me to craft a saucy masterpiece.
Speaking of versatile saucy masterpieces, have I got the perfect recipe for you: Cowboy Butter! This flavorful steak sauce not only pumps up the taste of your favorite cut of meat but also has its own unique way of turning the mundane into something wildly delicious. By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll know the secret to transforming an otherwise simple meal into a stunning, mouth-watering experience. Wield the power of Cowboy Butter, my friends, and relish in the deliciousness that awaits! Oh, and don’t judge me for my avocado-green kitchen. Just trust the process.
Ingredients
- Salted butter – The backbone of the sauce, it adds a rich creaminess that pairs perfectly with steak.
- Lemon zest – A must-have for a bright burst of citrus flavor.
- Lemon juice – A refreshing tang to enhance the flavors.
- Garlic powder – A classic ingredient that adds a mild pungent aroma.
- Red pepper flakes – A tiny pinch to add some heat, can be omitted for those who are spice sensitive.
- Dijon mustard – A tangy kick that adds depth to the flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce – A secret ingredient that enhances the flavor without being tasted.
- Fresh parsley – A touch of freshness to the sauce, can be substituted with dried parsley or cilantro.
- Sea salt – A must-have ingredient that enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper – A classic ingredient that needs no introduction, freshly ground pepper works best.
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients, including your butter.
- Melt the butter in a small pot on the stove, over low heat.
- While the butter is melting, zest one lemon and squeeze out its juice, measuring out 1 tablespoon of each.
- Add the lemon zest and juice, along with the garlic powder, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, fresh parsley, sea salt, and black pepper to the melted butter.
- Using a small whisk or a fork, fully mix all the ingredients together in the pot until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a small mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Now that the sauce has cooled, it’s ready to be served. It’s perfect for dipping your steak, chicken, pork, seafood, and more.
- You can even add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary for added flavor
Notes:
- For those who don’t like butter, you can use olive oil or vegan butter as well.
- If you’re looking for a little less heat, you can also adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Cowboy Butter
This 5-minute Cowboy Butter sauce is the perfect addition to any meal! Made with simple ingredients like salted butter, lemon zest, garlic powder, and fresh parsley, this sauce is sure to elevate your steak, chicken, pork, or seafood. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a great way to add a little extra flavor to your dinner. Here’s a few fun serving suggestions to try:
Dip it, baby! Serve the Cowboy Butter as a dipping sauce for some oven-baked sweet potato fries. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Go for a spin on the grill. Brush the sauce on your steak or chicken while grilling for an extra zesty kick.
Add some zing to your seafood. Mix the Cowboy Butter with a little bit of white wine, lemon juice, and garlic for a delicious seafood sauce.
Pork it up! Spoon the sauce over a juicy pork chop for a mouth-watering meal that’s sure to impress your dinner guests.
Get creative! Add some to your mashed potatoes, spread it on your toast, or even use it as a base for a creamy pasta sauce. The possibilities are endless with this versatile Cowboy Butter!
FAQ’s
How can I make this sauce vegan?
You can substitute the butter for a vegan butter alternative and instead of Worcestershire sauce which typically contains anchovies, you can use a vegan Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce as a replacement.
What are some other meats or foods I can use this sauce on besides steak?
The options are endless! This sauce goes great with chicken, pork, seafood, and even on a grilled vegetable! Get creative and see what you like best.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make this sauce a day or two in advance, just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick re-whisk before serving to make sure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
How spicy is this sauce?
With only 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes, it adds a nice subtle kick of heat, but it’s definitely not too spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can always adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Definitely! Instead of 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, you can use 1-2 cloves of fresh minced garlic. It’ll give the sauce a fresher taste and boost of flavor.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley?
Sure, if fresh parsley is not available, you can use dried parsley but keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent so you’ll need to use less. A good rule of thumb is to use 1/3 the amount called for in the recipe if using dried herbs instead of fresh.

Cowboy Butter
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 Tbsp. lemon zest
- 1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately with steak, chicken, pork, seafood, or vegetables for dipping.
Notes
For a smoother texture, you can use a hand blender to blend the sauce until smooth.