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Easy Cowboy Butter Dipping Sauce Recipe

Easy Cowboy Butter Dipping Sauce

A warm, buttery dipping sauce flavored with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, paprika, and red pepper flakes. It is an excellent companion for grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, potatoes, and bread.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup (226 g) Unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves Garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked or sweet paprika
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon, optional Cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Keep the pan gentle and do not let the butter brown unless you specifically want a browned-butter flavor.
  2. Step 2: Add the finely minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently, until it becomes fragrant. Watch closely because garlic can turn bitter if it browns.
  3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat, then whisk in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper if using, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the chopped parsley and chives after the pan has left the burner. Adding the herbs at this stage helps keep their fresh color and flavor.
  5. Step 5: Serve the cowboy butter immediately while warm, or let it cool slightly so the flavors can meld. Stir before serving because the butter and seasonings may separate.

Notes

For a thicker, scoopable dip, refrigerate the sauce for 20-30 minutes and stir once or twice as it cools. Rewarm gently before serving if desired. Salted butter may be used, but reduce or omit the added salt until the sauce has been tasted. Optional prepared horseradish or Worcestershire sauce can be added for extra savory flavor.