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Cilantro, Shallot, Lime Compound Butter is perfect for adding to grilled steaks or seafood or spread on some toasted French bread.
This flavorful butter can be made ahead of time stored in the refrigerator or freezer and sliced as needed.
Compound Butter
When I was in college I worked in a fine-dining restaurant. It was an old house converted into a restaurant and only had 11 tables. The chef produced the most amazing food and since it was so small I was able to learn a ton from the chef.
This cilantro, shallot, lime compound butter comes from that restaurant. The chef would make up a half dozen compound butters and they were offered on different fish specials, chicken, and steak.
One of my favorites was the cilantro, shallot, lime butter.
Compound butter is simply butter with added ingredients. It's a great way to add flavor to just about anything.
Most compound butters are made by simply taking softened butter and mixing in savory herbs and seasonings. The butter can be used softened as a spread on bread, or it can be rolled up, chilled and sliced.
When added to a freshly cooked steak or other piece of meat, the butter melts over the top and adds so much flavor.
Another tasty compound butter to try is this Roasted Garlic Butter!
Key ingredients
- Butter - Use salted butter softened to room temperature
- Shallots - Finely minced
- Cilantro - Chopped
- Lime - Use the zest and juice
Steps to make
In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.
- Place softened butter in a bowl
- Add fresh herbs and other ingredients
- Stir to combine
- Use right away as a spread or form into a log and refrigerate
To shape the butter
- Place mixed butter on a piece of waxed paper or parchment paper
- Fold paper over and pull back to begin forming log
- Roll log up in paper
- Roll ends together
Tips for making
- Make certain butter is very soft, but not melted
- Use salted butter
- Use fresh herbs
Substitutions and Variations
Some other great combinations include:
- Parsley, lemon and garlic
- Roasted green chilies, lime and scallions
- Smoked paprika, garlic, and chives
- Rosemary, garlic, lemon and black pepper
If there's an ingredient you don't like or don't have on hand, just swap out for something similar - parsley for cilantro, basil for parsley or fresh thyme for rosemary.
Don't be afraid to play around with different flavors and combinations.
How to use compound butter
- Serve with crusty bread
- Spread on French bread and bake
- Add to a grilled steak
- Mix in with cooked orzo pasta
- Add to grilled chicken or fish
Another delicious compound butter is this honey butter!
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Be certain to check out all my delicious recipes!
Cilantro, Shallot, Lime Compound Butter
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Butter (softened to room temperature)
- 2 Tablespoon Shallot (minced)
- Zest from 1 Lime
- Juice from 1 Lime
- ¼ Cup Cilantro (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Place butter in a mixing bowl. Mix until smooth and soft.1 Cup Butter
- Add remaining ingredients. Mix just until all ingredients are incorporated.2 Tablespoon Shallot, Zest from 1 Lime, Juice from 1 Lime, ¼ Cup Cilantro
- Place butter mixture onto a piece of waxed paper.
- Form into a log.
- Refrigerate until firm.
- When needed, simply cut off a slice and use.
Notes
- Make certain butter is very soft, but not melted
- Use salted butter
- Use fresh herbs
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in July of 2015. The recipe and pictures have been updated.
Valentina says
Such a delicious combination of flavors, Kathy. I need this at the ready for so many things I can think of to spread or melt it on. Love it! 🙂 ~Valentina
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I love making compound butters Kathy. And I bet this flavor combination is delicious!
David @ Spiced says
Oh man, I love compound butters! The thing is I rarely make them, and I think it's because I just forget about them. This post is a perfect reminder. There are so many different fun flavors you can do with compound butter...starting with this one! The lime is a fun addition here.
Kathy says
The lime adds such a fresh pop to the butter and goes with just about everything! Enjoy!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Flavoured butters are so good! Such a great way to add more flavour to an already delicious ingredient. Love the combo you have here with the cilantro, shallot and lime. I can think of so many yummy uses 🙂
Kathy says
Well, you just can't go wrong with butter 🙂
Fred G says
Compound butter. What a great idea.
Kathy says
Thanks! It is so delicious on so many dishes.
Sanghamitra says
This looks delightful. I definitelywould like to make it.
What is the shelf life for the butter kept in the fridge ? Thank you in advance for your time. 🙂
Kathy says
Hello!
It should keep for two weeks in the fridge. The butter can be kept for longer in the freezer too!
Thanks and Enjoy! 🙂
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
How lucky that you had the opportunity to work with such a generous chef! I always forget about compound butter. Thanks for the reminder with this fantastic combo!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
i am definitely trying this, what a great way to add flavor to any dish!! thanks for sharing the recipe Kathy!
Kathy says
Great! Hope you love it!
David @ Spiced says
Wow, this looks incredible! I've made compound butters a couple of times, but it's been years...and mine never looked as good as yours. I love this idea!!
Kathy says
Time to make it again! Thanks, David!
Sam @ SugarSpunRun says
I've been wanting to make a compound butter (though I didn't know that was the name for it)! This is such a great combination of flavors!
Kathy says
These flavors are great, but you can really use whatever you have on hand, or your favorite combination.
Kait @ Our Foodie Appetite says
I've never actually tried my hand at making a compound butter. I know it's super easy, but I just haven't done it. We would love this for a morning bagel or a savory dish!
Kathy says
This would be great on a bagel!
Emanuele @ guyslovecooking says
Compound butter is the best way to make a simple steak taste scrumptious 🙂
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Wow! This butter looks so YUM! I have never tried something like this myself! Your easy recipe has motivated me to do so! Will try this soon, Kathy! 🙂
Kathy says
Great! Let me know if you give it a try!