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Creamy Garlic Scape Compound Butter for Steak

creamy garlic scape compound butter - featured image

A simple and flavorful compound butter made with garlic scapes, lemon zest, and fresh herbs that elevates any steak with a creamy, garlicky finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 23 garlic scapes, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Soften the butter by leaving it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes until soft but not melted.
  2. Rinse and pat dry the garlic scapes. Finely chop them into small, even pieces.
  3. Zest about 1 teaspoon of lemon peel using a microplane or fine grater, avoiding the bitter white pith.
  4. Finely chop 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley leaves.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped garlic scapes, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or spoon until evenly incorporated.
  6. Lay a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on the countertop. Spoon the butter mixture onto the center and shape it into a log about 5 inches (12 cm) long. Roll tightly and twist the ends to seal.
  7. Chill the wrapped butter log in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up. Alternatively, chill in the freezer for 20-30 minutes if in a hurry, but do not freeze solid.
  8. Slice rounds of the compound butter and place them on hot, freshly cooked steaks just before serving.

Notes

Use softened butter, not melted, for best texture. Chop garlic scapes finely to avoid overpowering bites. Lemon zest balances richness and should not be overused to prevent bitterness. Store wrapped in fridge up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months. Optional additions include smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like thyme or chives.

Nutrition

Keywords: compound butter, garlic scape butter, steak butter, garlic butter, homemade butter, steak topping, easy recipe