If you want your steaks, chicken, or seafood to taste like they came from a high-end steakhouse, this is one of the simplest tricks in the book: compound butter.
This Lemon Butter Garlic Compound Butter is rich, bright, and insanely versatile. It melts beautifully over hot steaks, roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, or even vegetables — and it takes less than 5 minutes to make.
Once you try it, you’ll want a log of this in your fridge or freezer at all times.
Why Compound Butter Is a Secret Weapon
Compound butter is simply butter mixed with flavor boosters like garlic, herbs, citrus, or spices. When it melts over hot meat, it creates an instant sauce with zero effort.
This version adds:
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Garlic for depth
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Lemon for brightness
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Parsley for freshness
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Salt for perfect balance
It’s especially amazing on:
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Ribeye, New York Strip, Filet
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Grilled or pan-seared chicken
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Shrimp, scallops, salmon, or lobster
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Roasted vegetables or baked potatoes
Ingredients
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
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Zest of 1 lemon
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
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½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
How to Make Lemon Butter Garlic Compound Butter
Step 1: Soften the butter
Leave butter out at room temperature until soft but not melted.
Step 2: Mix everything together
In a bowl, combine:
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Butter
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Garlic
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Lemon zest
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Lemon juice
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Parsley
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Salt and pepper
Mix until completely smooth and evenly combined.
Step 3: Shape it
Spoon the butter onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap and roll it into a log shape.
Step 4: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
Step 5: Slice and use
Cut into coins and place directly on hot steaks, chicken, or seafood and let it melt into perfection.
How to Use It (Steakhouse Style)
For steaks:
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Grill or pan-sear your steak
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Let it rest 5 minutes
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Top with a thick slice of compound butter
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Watch it melt and baste the steak automatically
For seafood:
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Add a slice on hot shrimp, scallops, or fish
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Or melt it and brush over grilled seafood
For chicken:
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Add a slice on hot grilled or roasted chicken breast or thighs
Storage Tips
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Fridge: Keeps up to 7 days
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Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 6 months
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Pro tip: Slice into coins before freezing so you can grab one anytime.
Flavor Variations
Want to switch it up?
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Add thyme or rosemary for a more savory profile
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Add red pepper flakes for a little heat
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Add Parmesan for an extra rich steak butter
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Swap parsley for chives or cilantro
Why This Is Perfect for a Stocked Freezer
When you keep high-quality steaks and proteins on hand, something like this compound butter turns every meal into a restaurant-quality experience with almost no extra work.
It’s a small touch that makes a huge difference.