This Steak Sauce Dip (or Cowboy Butter) is a rich and flavorful sauce made with butter infused with zesty lemon, garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes.
It’s seasoned with Dijon mustard and fresh parsley for a burst of savory and herbaceous notes. It’s so quick and easy to make, and explodes with flavor!
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Steak Sauce Dip
I love to use cowboy butter as a dipping sauce for grilled or pan-seared steaks.
It’s also great as a dip for crusty bread or drizzled over roasted vegetables for added zest and richness.
But my favorite way to enjoy this cowboy sauce, is with seafood boils or bbq chicken – yum!
More Sauces To Try
Honey Sriracha Sauce
White Garlic Sauce
Chinese Garlic Sauce
Boiling Crab Sauce
Ranch Sauce (Without Buttermilk)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Butter: Use unsalted butter for this recipe, as it allows you to control the saltiness. Substitute with salted butter, but adjust the added salt accordingly.
Lemon zest and juice: Replace with bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons are not available, but I always recommend fresh for the best flavor.
Garlic powder: Use minced fresh garlic cloves as a substitute, with 1 clove roughly equivalent to 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Red pepper flakes: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness. You can use cayenne pepper instead for more heat or omit it for a milder sauce.
Dijon mustard: Yellow mustard or grainy mustard work well in this recipe too.
Worcestershire sauce (optional): Worcestershire sauce adds complexity. If you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, the sauce will still taste great without it.
Fresh parsley: You can substitute with fresh chives, cilantro, or tarragon for variation.
Salt and black pepper: I like to use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Add cayenne pepper for extra heat if you like spicy dips.
How to make Cowboy Butter Steak Sauce: Step-by-step
This steak dip is ridiculously easy to whip together, and it’s ready to use in under 5 minutes!
Step 1: Soften Butter
In a bowl, allow the butter to soften to room temperature or microwave it for a few seconds until soft but not melted.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and chopped parsley.
Step 3: Season & Mix Thoroughly
Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
Stir all ingredients until well combined, ensuring that the butter is infused with the flavors.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Fresh citrus: Whenever possible, use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
Adjust heat level: Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper. Taste as you go and add more if you want it spicier.
Balancing flavors: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, black pepper, and other seasonings to achieve a well-balanced flavor profile that isn’t too salty.
Herb variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as chives, cilantro, or tarragon, to personalize your sauce.
Storage
Store Cowboy Butter Steak Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
To extend its shelf life, wrap it tightly and freeze for several months. When freezing, consider portioning it for easy use in the future.
Steak Sauce Dip FAQs
Absolutely! Cowboy butter can be frozen for several months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor, but it’s optional. You can omit it if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it.
Cowboy butter works well with grilled chicken, seafood, roasted vegetables, and even as a spread for bread or corn on the cob.
Cowboy butter is typically used as a condiment rather than a marinade. You can, however, brush it on grilled or cooked steak for extra flavor just before serving.
If you decide to try this easy steak sauce recipe, let me know your favorite way to use it. It’s so easy to make, with a rich buttery flavor that’s perfect with any cut of steak!
Steak Sauce Dip (Cowboy Butter)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Allow the butter to soften to room temperature or microwave it for a few seconds until soft but not melted.
- In a bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and chopped parsley.
- Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste. Start with recommended amounts and adjust as desired.
- Stir all ingredients until well combined, ensuring that the butter is infused with the flavors.
