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There’s something utterly enchanting about the rich, velvety sauce that is Café de Paris butter. The moment this aromatic herb-infused compound butter meets a sizzling steak, a culinary transformation occurs: the flavors meld together, creating a luxurious coating that elevates your meal to epicurean heights. I first discovered this gem when searching for a way to jazz up my routine steak dinners, and I was instantly captivated by its simplicity and versatility. This French classic not only accentuates the natural flavors of meat but also complements seafood and vegetables beautifully, making it a staple for any home cook.

Imagine slicing through a perfectly grilled steak, and as you place a piece of this decadent butter on top, it melts instantly, creating a sauce that glistens and beckons – it’s truly a joy for the senses. Best of all, making this Café de Paris butter requires minimal effort, allowing you to impress guests or simply indulge your own cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to take your dining experience up a notch with this delightful recipe!

Why is Café de Paris butter the best steak sauce?

Irresistible Flavor: This compound butter is a flavor bomb! Infused with aromatic herbs, spices, and umami-rich anchovies, it adds a gourmet touch to any dish.

Effortless Elegance: You don’t need to be a master chef! With just a few high-quality ingredients, this recipe transforms simple meals into restaurant-worthy experiences.

Versatile Uses: While perfect for steak, this butter is equally delightful drizzled over seafood or grilled vegetables, opening a world of culinary possibilities.

Time-Saving: Whip it up ahead of time and keep it on hand, allowing for quick, delicious meals that impress guests without hours of prep time.

A Crowd Favorite: Everyone loves a touch of indulgence! Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this Café de Paris butter is sure to elevate the meal and earn rave reviews.

Café de Paris Butter Ingredients

• Here’s what you need to create this delightful compound butter!

For the Butter

Unsalted Butter – The creamy base essential for making a luscious Café de Paris butter; opt for high-quality French butter for the best results.
Eschalot – Adds a sweet, subtle onion flavor; finely chopped shallots can be a great substitute.
Garlic – Provides aromatic depth; fresh minced garlic offers a stronger flavor profile.
Anchovy Fillets – A key ingredient for that umami punch; anchovy paste (3/4 to 1 tsp) works well in a pinch.
Lemon Juice – Balances the richness and adds acidity; vinegar can serve as a substitute if needed.
Worcestershire Sauce – Brings complex savory depth; no replacements recommended for authenticity.
Dijon Mustard – Contributes a sharp tang; you can use other smooth mustards as alternatives.
Curry Powder – Enhances the flavor with a hint of spice; stick with mild curry powder to keep it subtle.
Paprika – Adds warmth and color; avoid smoked paprika to stay true to the original recipe.
Kosher Salt – Amplifies flavors; adjust to fit your salt preference.
Tarragon – Key for authentic Café de Paris flavor; dried tarragon can be used in smaller amounts (½ to 1 tsp).
Parsley – Adds a pop of fresh color; it’s optional and can be omitted if desired.

This Café de Paris butter will not only serve as an exquisite sauce for steak but can also elevate your seafood and vegetable dishes, making them just as indulgent!

How to Make Café de Paris Butter

Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, eschalot, garlic, anchovy fillets, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, curry powder, paprika, kosher salt, tarragon, and parsley. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly blended.
Shape Butter: Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of cling wrap. Roll it into a tight log, about 8 inches long, twisting the ends to secure it. This helps in achieving the perfect shape for slicing later.
Chill: Place the rolled butter in the refrigerator for about 3 hours, or until it’s firm. This chilling time is crucial for achieving a sliceable texture that melts beautifully on your steak.
Prepare Steak: While the butter chills, bring your steak to room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels and season it generously with kosher salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Cook Steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Cook the steak for about 2 minutes per side for medium rare, adjusting the time as needed depending on thickness and preference.
Rest: Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes on a cutting board. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak is tender and juicy.

Optional: Garnish your steak with a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving for an extra touch of color.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Café de Paris Butter Variations

Feel free to get creative with this flavorful butter, tailoring it to your taste and preferences!

Herb Swap: Replace tarragon with fresh thyme or chives for a completely different herbal note that complements steak wonderfully.
Mustard Change: Switch the Dijon mustard for a grainy mustard for a more robust texture, bringing an unexpected twist.
Heat It Up: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you crave extra heat that enhances the butter’s spicy profile.
Savory Additions: Incorporate finely grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy richness; it adds depth without overwhelming the dish.
Nutty Flavor: Blend in ground toasted walnuts or pecans to introduce a nutty texture that complements the creamy butter perfectly.
Sweet & Spicy: Add a teaspoon of honey to balance savory flavors with a subtle sweetness; this also helps in glazing meats beautifully.
Zesty Kick: Substitute lemon juice for fresh lime juice for a vibrant citrus twist that brightens up every bite.
Smoky Touch: Toss in a dash of smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor that elevates the overall taste.

Explore these variations, and you might just discover a new favorite way to enjoy your Café de Paris butter!

What to Serve with Café de Paris Butter?

Imagine a feast where each bite harmonizes beautifully, transforming your meal into a moment to cherish.

Crusty French Baguette: Perfect for mopping up the melted butter, adding a satisfying crunch to balance the rich, smooth flavors.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Their creamy texture provides a soothing backdrop, allowing the bold butter’s taste to shine through majestically.
Grilled Asparagus: The freshness and slight char enhance the umami notes of the butter, creating a delightful contrast.
Roasted Carrots: The natural sweetness complements the savory elements of the butter, making every bite an exquisite experience.
Red Wine: A glass of robust red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, enhances the meal’s elegance, drawing out the butter’s rich flavors.
Chocolate Lava Cake: For dessert, the decadence of a molten cake pairs beautifully with Café de Paris butter, rounding out your dining experience.
Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine combined with the buttery dressing creates a refreshing palate cleanse between bites of savory steak.
Chilled White Wine Spritzer: Its light effervescence refreshes the palate, making it a perfect companion to the rich steak and compound butter.

How to Store and Freeze Café de Paris Butter

Fridge: Keep your Café de Paris butter wrapped in cling film or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This ensures it maintains its fresh flavor and smooth texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the butter log for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in cling wrap and place it in a resealable freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To use frozen butter, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before slicing to make it easier to apply on your steak.
Pro Tip: Make multiple batches and stock up in the freezer so you have Café de Paris butter ready whenever you want to elevate a meal!

Make Ahead Options

You can easily prepare your Café de Paris butter ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights! Simply follow the initial steps of mixing ingredients and shaping the butter into a log. You can store the prepared butter in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to maintain quality. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply take it out of the fridge or freezer, slice it, and allow it to come to room temperature before serving on hot, cooked steak. This way, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy sauce at your fingertips, saving you precious time without sacrificing flavor!

Expert Tips for Café de Paris Butter

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the unsalted butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing. Cold butter can lead to a lumpy texture that won’t blend well.
Searing Tips: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking steak; this ensures a proper sear and locks in flavor. If necessary, cook in batches.
Salt Control: Always use unsalted butter to manage the saltiness of your dish effectively. The anchovies and Worcestershire sauce contribute enough seasoning without overpowering the butter.
Serving Temperature: Let the Café de Paris butter come to room temperature before serving. This will allow it to melt beautifully on your hot steak, creating a luxurious sauce.
Storage Reminder: Keep any leftover butter refrigerated and use within 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, freeze it for up to 2 months.
Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to experiment! Adjust the type of mustard or herbs based on your taste preferences to make the perfect Café de Paris butter for your steak.

Café de Paris Butter Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right ingredients for Café de Paris butter?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose high-quality unsalted butter as your base; French butter will give a richer flavor. When it comes to the eschalots, opt for fresh ones that are firm and free of dark spots. Fresh garlic is ideal for a robust aroma, while make sure your anchovy fillets are intact and not overly salty. Always taste your ingredients to ensure they will harmonize well together in the final product!

What’s the best way to store my leftover Café de Paris butter?
Very important! Wrap your butter tightly in cling film or place it in an airtight container for storage in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Simply roll it tightly in cling film, pop it into a resealable freezer bag, and it can last for up to 2 months! Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it soften for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature before slicing for easy serving.

Can I freeze Café de Paris butter?
Absolutely! Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of your compound butter. After shaping it into a log and wrapping it tightly in cling film, place it in a resealable freezer bag to keep it protected. When you’re ready to use it, just grab the amount you need and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For easier slicing, let it sit at room temperature for a bit to soften.

What if my butter doesn’t come together smoothly?
No worries! If you find your butter mixture isn’t smoothing out, it could be that your butter was too cold or you didn’t mix everything thoroughly. Try letting the butter sit at room temperature longer to soften, and then mix again until well combined. If all else fails, you can blend the mixture in a food processor for a smooth texture, which makes combining the ingredients super easy!

Is Café de Paris butter suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Definitely! This recipe contains common allergens like dairy and fish from the anchovies, so it’s not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or fish allergies. However, you can substitute unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative to make it lactose-free. If you need an anchovy replacement, using a little bit of nutritional yeast can still give you that umami flavor without the fish. Just be mindful of your guests’ dietary preferences when serving.

What are some ideas for serving Café de Paris butter aside from steak?
The more the merrier! This versatile compound butter can elevate numerous dishes. Try it on grilled seafood like shrimp or salmon, or spread it on roasted vegetables like asparagus or corn on the cob for an incredible flavor boost. It also makes a delightful topping for a toasted slice of bread or a baked potato – the options are endless!