Description
Creamy Zesty Cowboy Butter is a luxurious, flavor-packed sauce that enhances grilled meats, vegetables, seafood, and breads. With a smooth texture from butter and cream, plus bright notes of lemon and Dijon, it’s a quick, versatile condiment you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
2. Reduce heat to low and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Whisk in lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture bubble gently to blend flavors.
4. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth and emulsified.
5. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm in a ramekin or bowl.
Notes
Use fresh lemon zest—not bottled juice—for the best flavor clarity.
Whisk constantly while adding cream to avoid splitting.
For extra flavor, infuse the butter with a sprig of thyme or rosemary while melting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauces & Dips
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0.5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg