Café de Paris Butter is a rich and decadent accompaniment that elevates any steak dish to new gourmet heights. Infused with fresh herbs like tarragon, parsley, and thyme, and flavored with capers, gherkins, and a hint of curry powder, this butter melts over your steak, creating an incredible fusion of flavors with each bite.
This butter, originally popularized in French cuisine, adds a luxurious finish to steak dinners. It’s incredibly versatile – while perfect for steak, it can also be used on grilled chicken, fish, or even roasted vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a special meal, Café de Paris Butter will undoubtedly impress your guests and taste buds alike.
Full Recipe:
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon capers, chopped
- 1 tablespoon gherkins, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon tarragon, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon thyme, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine the softened butter with the finely chopped shallot, garlic, capers, gherkins, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the lemon juice, parsley, tarragon, chives, thyme, curry powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the mixture onto a sheet of cling film or parchment paper and roll it into a log shape. Twist the ends to seal.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- To serve, slice rounds of the butter and place them on top of a freshly cooked steak, allowing the butter to melt over the warm meat.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes + 2 hours chilling
Kcal: 150 kcal (per tablespoon) | Servings: Makes about 20 servings
The Origins and History of Café de Paris Butter
Café de Paris Butter is a timeless culinary creation originating from France. The name itself comes from a famous Parisian restaurant called “Café de Paris,” which popularized this flavored butter as a topping for grilled meats, particularly steak. The butter is a rich blend of herbs, spices, and condiments, combining the best of French flavors to enhance the natural taste of the meat.
A Staple of French Cuisine
Flavored butter, or “beurre composé” in French, is a common technique in French cooking. It involves softening butter and mixing it with various herbs, spices, and aromatics to create a sauce that melts over hot dishes. This method has been a cornerstone of French culinary tradition for centuries. Café de Paris Butter takes this concept to the next level by incorporating an extensive list of ingredients, each carefully selected to complement the savory richness of a well-cooked steak.
The Famous Café de Paris Sauce
Many people mistakenly believe that Café de Paris Butter is the same as Café de Paris sauce, but the two are slightly different. The original sauce was developed at the “Café de Paris” restaurant in Geneva, Switzerland, in the 1940s. It included a complex blend of butter, herbs, spices, and condiments, often served with steak frites (steak with French fries). Over time, the butter version became more popular due to its simplicity and versatility.
Why Café de Paris Butter is Perfect for Steak
There are many reasons why Café de Paris Butter has become a go-to topping for steak lovers. Here are some key points that explain its popularity:
- Richness and Flavor: The combination of creamy butter with aromatic herbs like tarragon, parsley, and thyme, and bold flavors from Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and capers, creates a rich, flavorful topping that elevates the taste of any steak.
- Versatility: While traditionally served with steak, Café de Paris Butter pairs well with a wide variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, lamb, pork, and even roasted vegetables. Its versatility makes it a great staple to keep in your kitchen.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite its complex flavor profile, this butter is surprisingly easy to prepare. Once you’ve made the butter, it can be stored in the fridge or freezer, ready to be sliced and placed on top of a freshly cooked steak or other dishes.
- Gourmet Presentation: Serving a pat of Café de Paris Butter on top of a sizzling steak instantly elevates the dish to restaurant-quality. As the butter melts, it forms a sauce that blends with the steak juices, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Variations of Café de Paris Butter
While the traditional recipe for Café de Paris Butter is delicious on its own, there are numerous ways to customize and tweak the recipe to suit your personal preferences or to try new flavor profiles. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Blue Cheese: For a richer and bolder flavor, you can incorporate crumbled blue cheese into the butter mixture. This will give the butter an extra layer of umami and pairs especially well with strong, gamey meats like lamb.
- Citrus Zest: Add some lemon or orange zest to the butter for a refreshing, tangy note that cuts through the richness of the steak.
- Herb Adjustments: While parsley, tarragon, and thyme are classic herbs in this recipe, you can experiment with others like rosemary, oregano, or chervil. Fresh herbs bring a bright, vibrant flavor, while dried herbs offer a more concentrated taste.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This will add an unexpected twist and balance the creamy texture of the butter.
- Truffle Infusion: Truffle oil or finely chopped truffles can be added for a luxurious and earthy taste. Truffle-infused Café de Paris Butter is ideal for a special occasion and adds a gourmet flair to any meal.
How to Serve Café de Paris Butter
Café de Paris Butter is traditionally used to top steak, but its uses go far beyond that. Here are a few creative ways to incorporate it into your meals:
- Grilled Fish: This butter works beautifully with grilled or pan-seared fish, such as salmon or cod. The delicate flavors of the butter won’t overpower the fish but will add a rich and aromatic layer of taste.
- Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle melted Café de Paris Butter over roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a decadent side dish.
- Baked Potatoes: Upgrade your classic baked potato by adding a generous spoonful of Café de Paris Butter. The combination of the fluffy potato with the rich, flavorful butter is irresistible.
- Garlic Bread: Spread the butter over a sliced baguette and bake it for an elevated garlic bread with a twist.
- Lamb Chops: Café de Paris Butter pairs well with lamb’s slightly gamey flavor, providing a balanced and flavorful contrast.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
The rich, herbaceous nature of Café de Paris Butter pairs beautifully with a variety of wines. Here are a few pairing suggestions to complement the butter and your main dish:
- Red Wine: Full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah are ideal when serving Café de Paris Butter with steak. The tannins in these wines cut through the richness of the butter, creating a harmonious balance.
- White Wine: If serving with fish or chicken, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works well. The acidity of the white wine complements the buttery, herb-infused flavors of the Café de Paris Butter.
- Rosé: For a versatile pairing, especially with a mixed platter of grilled meats and vegetables, a dry rosé can bring out the subtle flavors of the butter without overwhelming the dish.
Storing and Reusing Café de Paris Butter
One of the best things about making Café de Paris Butter is that it stores incredibly well. You can make a large batch and use it over time, saving effort for future meals. Here’s how to store it:
- In the Fridge: Roll the butter into a log using plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. You can slice off portions as needed.
- In the Freezer: Café de Paris Butter can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply roll it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to use it, allow it to thaw slightly before slicing.
Conclusion
Café de Paris Butter is a fantastic way to elevate a simple steak into a gourmet meal. Its rich, aromatic blend of herbs and spices creates an unforgettable flavor experience that is both versatile and easy to make. Whether you’re using it for steak, chicken, or vegetables, this butter brings a luxurious touch to any dish.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its adaptability. You can tweak the ingredients to match your preferences, from adding blue cheese for a stronger flavor to experimenting with different herbs for a fresh twist. The butter stores well, making it a convenient option to have on hand for quick, flavorful meals.
In short, Café de Paris Butter is an elegant yet accessible addition to any cook’s repertoire. Its simplicity and versatility, combined with its ability to transform a dish, make it a must-try recipe for home chefs and food enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for two or hosting a dinner party, this butter will surely impress your guests and enhance the flavor of your meal.