If you’re looking for a way to take your grilled steaks to the next level, look no further than this roasted garlic and herb compound butter. The rich, mellow flavor of roasted garlic combines with the brightness of fresh herbs to create a butter that’s both luxurious and perfectly balanced. As it melts over a hot steak, it forms a silky sauce that enhances the meat’s natural flavors without overpowering them.
Why This Butter Is a Game-Changer
Compound butters are a simple, yet effective way to add flavor and richness to any dish, and this roasted garlic and herb version is no exception. The butter is packed with savory, aromatic ingredients that complement the taste of a well-cooked steak.
- Roasted garlic adds a deep, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor that’s more mellow and less pungent than raw garlic
- A mix of fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, and thyme brings a bright, fresh flavor and aroma to the butter
- The butter’s richness helps keep the steak moist and tender, while also providing a luxurious mouthfeel
- As the butter melts over the steak, it creates a self-saucing effect that enhances the meat’s flavor without the need for additional condiments
Ingredients
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, place on a piece of foil, and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap the foil around the garlic to form a tight packet and roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Let cool, then squeeze the cloves out of their skins and mash with a fork.
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, mashed roasted garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Transfer the butter mixture to a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Roll into a log shape, twist the ends to seal, and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours (or up to 1 week).
- When ready to serve, slice the butter log into 1/2-inch rounds. Place a round on top of each hot steak just before serving, allowing it to melt and form a flavorful sauce.
Tips for Butter Success
- Roast the garlic ahead of time to make the butter preparation quick and easy. You can store roasted garlic cloves in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Adjust the amount of herbs to your liking. If you prefer a more subtle herb flavor, reduce the amount of each herb by half.
- For a prettier presentation, roll your butter log in chopped fresh parsley or a mix of dried herbs before slicing.
- Compound butter can be frozen for up to 3 months. Slice the log into rounds before freezing for easy portioning later.
Variations to Try
- Lemon-Pepper: Omit the roasted garlic and herbs. Mix in 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest and 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper.
- Chipotle-Lime: Omit the roasted garlic and herbs. Mix in 1-2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1 teaspoon grated lime zest.
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil: Omit the roasted garlic. Mix in 1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil.
- Roasted Shallot and Tarragon: Substitute roasted shallots for the garlic and use 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon in place of the other herbs.
This roasted garlic and herb steak butter is a simple, yet impressive addition to your steak night repertoire. It’s a great way to add restaurant-quality flavor to your home-cooked steaks without much extra effort. Plus, the leftover butter can be used to elevate other dishes like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even spread on a warm baguette.
So next time you’re firing up the grill or breaking out the cast-iron skillet, don’t forget to whip up a batch of this flavor-packed butter. Your steaks (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Pro Tip: If you’re serving a crowd, try making a compound butter bar with a variety of flavors. Prepare a few different butters, slice them into rounds, and arrange them on a platter with labels. Your guests will love the opportunity to mix and match flavors to their liking!
