Cilantro-lime compound butter is an easy way to add bold flavor to all kinds of foods--bread, veggies, steak, pasta, rice, and my favorite, corn on the cob. Your food is about to get even more delicious!
Summer is the season of fresh herbs, and one way to take advantage of the bounty is compound butter (also known as herb butter). Cilantro and lime make a classic flavor combination.
A dab of cilantro-lime butter would taste amazing on Easy Tender London Broil in the Oven with Southwest Jalapeno Ranch Pasta Salad with Corn and Cherry Tomatoes on the side.
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What is Compound Butter Made of?
The ingredients for this dish are exactly what you would expect: Butter, lime, and cilantro. Juicing and zesting the lime extracts all the flavor from this fruity powerhouse.
- butter - I like to use salted butter because I would otherwise add salt to the recipe, and this way I can skip a step. Unsalted butter is fine to use; just add salt to taste.
- cilantro - Look for bright green leaves with no signs of wilting.
- lime - Choose a medium to dark green lime that gives slightly when squeezed and feels heavy for its size.
- salt (if desired).
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Compound Butter
A little chopping and mixing is all that's required to make this herb butter.
Chop the cilantro. Zest and juice one lime. Make sure the butter is softened and at room temperature.
Add all ingredients to medium size bowl.
Mix thoroughly until combined. I used a hand mixer to get it thoroughly mixed and to make the butter extra whipped and fluffy. Add salt to taste.
Transfer the butter to a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap to make a log shape.
Form the butter into a long cylinder shape, closing the paper around it and twisting the ends. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, until firm.
Substitutions
- Butter - Vegan butter or margarine can be substituted if necessary.
- Lime - The flavor profile will be different, but another citrus fruit such as lemon or orange can be used instead of lime.
- Cilantro - Other fresh herbs can be substituted, which will change the flavor profile.
Variations
Try adding other typical Mexican-style flavors to the cilantro-lime butter.
- Spicy - Add ground cayenne pepper for a little spice.
- Fresh chilies - Mince your favorite fresh chile (poblano, habanero, jalapeno) to add more flavor and a kick of heat.
- Cotija cheese - My favorite Mexican-style cheese will make this taste like Esquites {Mexican-Style Street Corn Salad}. YUM!
Equipment
A microplane is useful for zesting the lime.
I love these mixing bowls with a non-slip base to keep them in place on the counter.
A versatile hand mixer makes fast work of this recipe and whips up the butter extra fluffy.
Storage
Compound butter can be stored in the fridge until the expiration date on your butter (about a month).
To store in the freezer, put the whole parchment roll of butter into a zip-top plastic bag, getting out as much air as possible. Store in the freezer up to 3 months. Let the butter thaw on the counter for 15-20 minutes before using.
What to Eat with Compound Butter
This delicious butter is so versatile! Try it anywhere you would normally use butter for a flavor boost. I love it on rice, pasta, bread, veggies, mashed potatoes, steak, chicken, and corn on the cob!
FAQ
Compound butter is softened butter mixed with various sweet or savory ingredients, especially fresh herbs, spices, cheese, and citrus zest. It is also known as herbed butter.
Really anything you can imagine! Typically it consists of butter mixed with fresh herbs, spices, garlic, and citrus zest.
It is most often used as a "finishing butter" for meat such as steak. After the meat is cooked a slice of compound butter is put on top and allowed to melt into the meat. YUM! I love to use compound butter anywhere butter goes to add extra flavor.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Cilantro-Lime Compound Butter
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter softened
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- 1-½ tablespoons lime juice
- zest from 1 small lime
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Place room temperature butter in a medium sized mixing bowl.
- Add in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. Mix with a fork or hand mixer until thoroughly combined. Add salt to taste.
- Spoon the butter onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap in a cylinder shape. Wrap the butter with the paper or plastic wrap and twist the ends to seal.
- Refrigerate the butter until firm, about 1 hour.
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