Compound Butter

Compound butter is a simple yet flavorful mixture of butter and various ingredients, ranging from herbs and spices to fruits or condiments like lemon, mustard, or soy sauce. This versatile butter is best used as a finishing ingredient in sauces, as well as on grilled or broiled meats and vegetables.

To make compound butter, combine butter and your chosen ingredient(s) in any ratio you prefer. However, it is recommended to use good-quality unsalted butter and avoid margarine. If you prefer to avoid butter, you can refer to the Flavored Oil recipe on page 26.

Compound butter can be refrigerated for several days or frozen for up to a month. To freeze, roll the compound butter into a log and wrap it with two or three layers of plastic. When needed, simply slice off a piece and return the rest to the freezer for future use.

Makes: 4 to 8 servings

Time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, chervil, cilantro, chives, dill, or sage, or smaller amounts of tarragon, rosemary, or thyme leaves, or a combination
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Use a fork to cream the herbs with the butter.
2. Add salt as needed and pepper and lemon juice if desired.
3. Use the compound butter immediately or wrap and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

15 EASY FLAVORINGS FOR COMPOUND BUTTER: 

These flavorings can be used in conjunction with the herbs or on their own. Adjust the amounts based on taste.

• 2 tablespoons chopped scallion
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• For a sweet butter: 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or minced crystallized ginger
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon or lime zest, along with 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
• 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and mashed, with 1 teaspoon minced lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, with 1 tablespoon minced shallot if desired
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or horseradish or 1 teaspoon wasabi powder
• 2 teaspoons Spanish paprika
• 2 tablespoons minced pitted green or black olives
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Mashed flesh of 1/2 peach, plum, or pear
• 1 or 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 or 2 (or more if desired) mashed anchovies
• 2 or 3 tablespoons finely chopped dried shrimp
• 1 or 2 tablespoons minced fresh or dried chiles, or to taste

ROLLING COMPOUND BUTTER INTO A LOG:

• For an elegant presentation, you can roll compond butter into a log; using wax or parchment paper is the easiest, though foil works in a pinch. A rubber spatula can help form smooth sides, though rolling with your hands is fine, too. Once the butter is firm, remove the wrapper and cut crosswise into pats as thick or thin as you like.

USES:

Compound butter can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the flavors of dishes. Here are some common uses for compound butter:

• Spread: Compound butter can be spread on bread, rolls, or toast to add a burst of flavor. It’s perfect for serving alongside a meal or as a delicious snack.
• Grilled or Roasted Meats: Use compound butter to baste grilled or roasted meats, such as steak, chicken, or fish. As the butter melts, it infuses the meat with its flavors, creating a rich and delicious coating.
• Vegetables: Toss cooked vegetables with compound butter to add a tasty finishing touch. It adds depth and richness to steamed, sautéed, or roasted vegetables, elevating their flavors.
• Pasta and Rice: Melt a dollop of compound butter into hot cooked pasta or rice to create a flavorful sauce. The butter melts and coats the grains, adding a savory element to the dish.
• Sauces and Gravies: Incorporate compound butter into sauces and gravies for an extra layer of flavor. Simply stir it in at the end of cooking to enrich the sauce with its aromatic qualities.
• Seafood: Top grilled or broiled seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, or lobster, with a pat of compound butter. As it melts, it imparts a delicious taste that complements the natural sweetness of the seafood.
• Baked Potatoes: Slice open a baked potato and add a pat of compound butter. As it melts, it seeps into the fluffy potato, imparting a delicious taste and creamy texture.
• Corn on the Cob: Spread compound butter over hot, cooked corn on the cob. The buttery flavors blend with the sweetness of the corn, creating a mouthwatering combination.
• Flavored Bread: Incorporate compound butter into homemade bread dough for a flavorful twist. The butter melts as the bread bakes, infusing the loaf with its delicious taste.
• Topping for Steaks or Burgers: Place a slice or two of compound butter on top of a hot steak or burger, allowing it to melt over the meat and enhance its flavors.

Remember, the uses for compound butter are only limited by your creativity and taste preferences. Feel free to experiment and discover new and exciting ways to incorporate this versatile ingredient into your cooking.

Note: Feel free to experiment with different combinations and quantities of flavorings to create your own unique compound butter variations. Enjoy the delicious versatility of compound butter in enhancing the flavors of your dishes.