Recreate the iconic steakhouse experience at home with this easy, flavor-packed Steak Butter Recipe. Inspired by the legendary Ruth's Chris version, this compound butter adds bold, savory flavor to steak, chicken, pork, or vegetables with just a few simple ingredients.
It's the perfect addition to an air fryer round steak!
Recipe Essentials
- 🍽️ Course: Condiment
- ⏱️ Cooking Time: 5 minutes to mix and an hour in the freezer
- 🍴 Servings: 10
- 🧄 Flavor Profile: Savory, buttery, and herb-forward with a hint of umami.
- 🍚 Best Served With: Steak, chicken, pork, potatoes, veggies, or bread.
- 🧊 Make Ahead?: Yes! It keeps 2 weeks in the fridge or 3 months frozen.
From Our Kitchen to Yours
I love how effortless this recipe is-just six ingredients and five minutes of prep, and you've got a creamy, sliceable butter that melts beautifully over steak (or try it on a smoked tuna steak) and sides. Inspired by the Ruth Chris butter recipe, it's my go-to for dinner parties and family meals when I want something that feels special without the extra cost.
Looking for other ways to add flavor to a Denver steak or other favorite cut? Try this homemade steak sauce next!
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Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted butter to have a bit more control over the salty flavor but any will work. Choose a high-quality butter for the best flavor and remove it from the fridge in advance so it can soften up a bit. If using salted butter you may want to slightly reduce the salt you add.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers deep, savory umami and a touch of saltiness-it's the secret behind that unmistakable steakhouse flavor.
- Garlic, Thyme, and Parsley: Fresh garlic is essential for bold flavor, while dried thyme keeps it simple without sacrificing aroma. I like to finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Want to use fresh thyme instead? Go for it-just swap in about two tablespoons of fresh leaves.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
Variations
- Herb Lovers' Butter: Add finely chopped rosemary, chives, or tarragon for an extra layer of garden-fresh flavor. I love these flavors with grilled chicken or oven baked salmon, too.
- Spicy Steak Butter: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes, jalapeno powder, or a dash of hot sauce to add subtle heat. This version pairs beautifully with ribeye or roasted potatoes.
- Blue Cheese Butter: Fold in a tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese for a bold, steakhouse-style finish. It's especially good on thick-cut steaks like T-bone or porterhouse.
- Smoky Chipotle Butter: Blend in a teaspoon of chipotle in adobo for a smoky, spicy twist. You can also try it with chipotle chili powder too! Try it on slow-cooked corn on the cob.
Love bacon? Try our homemade bacon butter as another option for adding flavor to grilled steak.
How to Make Steak Butter
Step 1: Combine. Add all the ingredients to a medium mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix. Use a fork to mash the butter and mix all the ingredients until well blended.
Step 3: Shape. Place the butter on a piece of plastic wrap, and use your hands to shape the mixture into a round, log shape, no more than 2" round.
Step 4: Wrap and Chill. Wrap the mixture tightly in plastic wrap so that it is pressed firmly and smoothly against the butter mixture. Chill in the refrigerator for an hour.
Step 5: Slice and Serve. Slice the butter into ½ inch pieces using a butter knife. Serve it on a freshly cooked steak while hot so that it melts over the steak. Try this steakhouse butter recipe with an air-fried ribeye steak or our best t-bone steak recipe cooked in a skillet.
Recipe Tips
- Start with softened butter: Let your butter come to room temperature before mixing-it makes for a smoother, more even blend.
- Chill before slicing: After shaping into a log, refrigerate the butter for at least an hour. This helps it firm up and slice cleanly into ½-inch rounds that melt evenly over hot food.
- Wrap it tight: Use plastic wrap to form and secure the butter log. Tightly wrapping ensures it holds its shape while chilling and slicing.
- Storage Tip: Store the butter in an airtight container-keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Serving Suggestions
This finishing butter for steak is a simple way to add restaurant-style flavor to all kinds of dishes.
- Steak: Place a slice on top of grilled or roasted steak just after cooking, like our air fryer porterhouse steak. The heat will melt the butter into a rich, savory finish.
- Chicken & Pork: Spoon over baked chicken breasts or broiled pork chops for an instant flavor boost.
- Vegetables & Sides: Melt over air fryer baby potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus.
- Sandwiches & Burgers: Spread on toasted homemade hot dog buns, sandwich rolls, or melt it into hot sandwiches for added richness.
Steak Butter Recipe FAQs
Yes! Seasoned butter for steak freezes very well. Wrap the butter tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. For convenience, slice it into individual rounds before freezing so you can use just what you need.
Absolutely! This butter is perfect for prepping ahead. Make a batch and keep it on hand to slice and serve whenever needed.
Steak butter works beautifully with nearly any cut, but it shines brightest on richly marbled steaks like a slow-cooked ribeye, New York strip, T-bone, and filet mignon. The butter melts into the meat's juices for a luxurious, steakhouse-style finish.
Homemade Steak Butter Video
More Easy Sauce Recipes to Add Quick Flavor
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Best Steak Butter Recipe (Just Like a Steakhouse)
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature or 2 sticks
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium mixing bowl.
- Using a fork, mix all ingredients until well blended. Use your hands to mix if needed.
- Add butter mixture to a flat sheet of plastic wrap. Using your hands, shape the mixture into a round, log shape, about the size of a silver dollar (no more than 2" round).
- Wrap the mixture tightly in plastic wrap, ensure the edges and pressed firm and smooth against the butter mixture.
- Place mixture inside the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour to firm.
- When ready to serve, slice the mixture into ½ inch pieces using a butter knife.
Video
Notes
- Start with softened butter: Let your butter come to room temperature before mixing-it blends more smoothly and evenly with the other ingredients.
- Chill before slicing: After shaping the butter into a log, refrigerate it for at least one hour. This allows it to firm up so you can slice clean, even ½-inch rounds that melt beautifully over hot food.
- Wrap it tightly: Use plastic wrap to shape and secure the butter log. Wrapping it well helps it hold its form during chilling and makes slicing easier later.
Shay says
I’m so glad I found your recipe. Now I don’t have to go to Ruth’s Chris at all! This butter tastes great on everything including steak. Thank you for another keeper. I’m loving your recipes!
Karin and Ken says
I’m so glad you’re enjoying this butter recipe. We love it and keep some in our freezer at all times. It’s so handy to have and tastes great on everything. Thank you for taking the time to command let me know. All the best. Karin