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Keto Cowboy Butter Sauce - Bold, Zesty, and Perfect for Steak

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped (optional, for briny bite)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional; check label for sugar content)

Method
 

  1. Prep your ingredients: Mince the garlic, chop the herbs, and measure your spices so everything is ready to go. This sauce comes together fast.
  2. Melt the butter gently: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Keep the heat low to avoid browning unless you want a nutty flavor.
  3. Sweat the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring, until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.
  4. Whisk in the flavor builders: Add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, parsley, chives, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
  5. Finish with extras: Stir in capers and Worcestershire if you’re using them. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat.
  6. Serve warm: Pour over grilled steak, salmon, shrimp, chicken, or roasted veggies. It’s also great as a dip for skewers or artichokes.
  7. Optional compound butter: Let the sauce cool until soft but spreadable, then spoon onto plastic wrap and roll into a log. Chill and slice for easy use later.