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 and stored in the refrigerator or freezer and sliced as needed.
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
Compound butters are simply butters 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.
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.
Steps to make
- 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
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!
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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.
- Add remaining ingredients. Mix just until all ingredients are incorporated.
- 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
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!