If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for ways to make your food extra special without breaking a sweat. Enter this easy cilantro-lime herb compound butter. It’s fresh, zesty, and bursting with flavor—perfect for slathering on grilled meats, roasted veggies, or even just a warm piece of bread. It’s the kind of recipe that’s ridiculously easy to make but impresses everyone like you spent hours in the kitchen. So grab your butter and let’s make your meals a whole lot tastier!
My absolute favorite way to use this delicious butter is with grilled corn on the cob. Imagine fresh, crunchy corn on the cob slathered in cilantro, zesty lime, and velvety butter. Taste level 11/10! Make it a grilled feast with my BBQ chicken tenders!
I knew I had to share this recipe after tasting how a simple combination of fresh herbs and tangy lime could transform even the most basic dishes into something extraordinary—perfect for summer BBQs or cozy weeknight dinners alike. You'll be amazed at how much flavor a little butter can bring to plain corn, grilled steak, or even a slice of bread!
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Ingredients
To make cilantro-lime compound butter, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Start with butter, softened to make mixing easy. Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant, herbaceous kick, while lime zest and juice bring a refreshing citrusy zing. A little salt and pepper tie everything together.
- butter
- lime juice
- lime zest
- cilantro
- salt
- pepper to taste
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Cilantro-Lime Compound Butter
It doesn't get much easier than these steps to make cilantro-lime compound butter.
- Allow the butter to sit at room temperature until softened. Finely chop the fresh cilantro, discarding any thick stems, until you have about 2 tablespoons. Zest the lime using a fine grater or microplane. Be sure to avoid the bitter white pith and focus on the green outer skin. Slice and juice the lime.
- Place the softened butter, chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Use a spoon, spatula, or electric mixer to thoroughly combine everything until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Once the butter is fully mixed, transfer it to a piece of plastic wrap, parchment paper, or wax paper.
- Roll the butter into a log shape, twisting the ends to seal it. You can also place the butter into a small airtight container or even use a butter mold to make it Extra Fancy. Refrigerate the compound butter for at least 1 hour to firm up and allow the flavors to meld together. For longer storage, you can freeze the butter for up to 3 months.
How Much Zest and Juice Can I Get From a Lime?
From one medium-sized lime, you can typically get about 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of zest. The amount can vary depending on the size of the lime and how finely you zest it, but this is a good general guideline.
One medium-sized lime usually yields about 2 tablespoons of juice. This can vary slightly depending on the size and juiciness of the lime, but 2 tablespoons is a good estimate for a typical lime.
It's best to zest the lime before juicing it as the zest is easier to remove when the lime is still whole.
Substitutions
You can absolutely use non-dairy butter (such as plant-based butter made from coconut, almond, or soy) in place of regular butter for compound butter. It will still work well, and the flavor may slightly change depending on the type of butter substitute you choose. Just make sure it's softened to room temperature, as you'd do with regular butter, to allow for easy mixing with the herbs and other ingredients.
Variations
Adjust the Lime: If you prefer a stronger lime flavor, add a bit more zest or lime juice, adjusting to taste.
Garlic: If you love garlic, consider adding 1–2 minced garlic cloves for a robust, earthy flavor.
Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to increase the heat level.
Equipment
Only basic kitchen equipment is required to make this recipe: A cutting board and chef's knife, measuring cups and spoons, and a mixing bowl along with a mixing spoon or electric mixer. You will also need parchment paper, wax paper, or plastic wrap to chill and store the butter, or a covered container. A citrus juicer may come in handy to extract the maximum amount of juice from your lime, but I find hand squeezing to work just fine.
Storage
Compound butter can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks covered or in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the butter for up to 3 months.
How to Juice a Lime
To get the most juice out of a lime, follow these steps:
- Roll the Lime: Before cutting, roll the lime on the countertop with a bit of pressure. This helps break down the fibers inside, making it easier to extract juice.
- Warm It Up: If the lime is cold, microwave it for about 10-15 seconds, or soak it in warm water for a few minutes. This softens the fruit and helps release more juice.
- Use a Citrus Juicer or Squeezer: For maximum juice, use a citrus juicer or handheld squeezer.
FAQ
While fresh cilantro provides the best flavor and texture for compound butter, you can use dried cilantro in a pinch. Just keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about one-third of the amount of fresh cilantro called for in the recipe.
Cilantro-lime compound butter is versatile! My favorite way to eat it is on fresh corn on the cob, but you can use it on grilled meats, roasted vegetables, seafood, or spread it on fresh bread, cornbread, or rolls. It’s also great on pasta, potatoes, or popcorn!
Yes, making this compound butter ahead of time is a great idea! It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, so it softens for easy spreading.
Serve your cilantro-lime compound butter at room temperature, either by slicing it into rounds or scooping it out with a spoon. It’s perfect for topping hot, freshly grilled food or spreading on bread or crackers.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with cilantro-lime compound herb butter:
Cilantro-Lime Compound Herb Butter (Easy and Homemade)
Equipment
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- measuring cups and spoons
- mixing bowl
- mixing spoon or electric mixer
- parchment paper, waxed paper, or plastic wrap for storing the compound butter
- refrigerator
- citrus juicer optional
Ingredients
- ½ cup softened butter (1 stick)
- 2 tablespoon cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon lime zest
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Allow the butter to sit at room temperature until softened.
- Finely chop the fresh cilantro, discarding any thick stems, until you have about 2 tablespoons.
- Zest the lime using a fine grater or microplane. Be sure to avoid the bitter white pith and focus on the green outer skin. Slice and juice the lime.
- Place the softened butter, chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Use a spoon, spatula, or electric mixer to thoroughly combine everything until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Once the butter is fully mixed, transfer it to a piece of plastic wrap, parchment paper, or wax paper. Roll the butter into a log shape, twisting the ends to seal it. You can also place the butter into a small airtight container or use a butter mold.
- Refrigerate the compound butter for at least 1 hour to firm up and allow the flavors to meld together. For longer storage, you can freeze the butter for up to 3 months.
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