From espresso to miso butter, these compound butter recipes are definitely worth keeping on standby.
The only thing better than butter is compound butter. Whether enjoying a short stack of American-style pancakes with cinnamon-honey butter or serving steak with anchovy butter for an umami kick, it’s one of those magic components that instantly transform dishes.
Everything’s Better with Butter
Compound butter has become a favourite with home cooks and chefs alike. Although it’s been around for a while, some might attribute its resurgence in popularity to chef, cookbook author and restaurateur Thomas Straker. The London-based chef is also known as the ‘All Things Butter’ guy – also the name of his popular social media food series, which sent foodies and butter lovers across the globe into a churning frenzy with divers of compound butter flavours, from Coronation Chicken Skin Butter to Bloody Mary Butter and everything in between.
Even if you’ve never watched Straker’s reels or seen him make the perfect quenelle, you might have had compound butter flavours like anchovy butter over steak or garlic butter in garlic bread – you can’t beat the classics!
Compound Butter Recipes
Not sure how to make compound butter? Simply whip your salted/unsalted butter with the ingredients of your choosing – get creative or keep it classic. If you’re short on inspiration, add some flavour to your dishes with these compound butter recipe ideas.
Miso Butter
Deliciously umami and salty, miso adds a complex, savoury flavour, making it ideal for adding to steaks or fish, and charred vegetables like onions, broccoli and corn on the cob.
With different types of miso, ranging from highly concentrated to mild, knowing the perfect miso-to-butter ratio is essential – 1:2 is a safe balance, as you don’t want the miso to overpower the butter. Miso varies depending on the length of fermentation and the quality of ingredients used, so experiment and find the type that works for you. Discover the different types of miso and how to make the most of miso. Test the potency before making the compound butter. Less is more in this case. Start with a teaspoon – you can always adjust and add more.
Try it with this recipe for Miso Butter Charred Onion Potjie
Harissa Butter
Spiced and all things nice, harissa paste is one of the best ingredients to incorporate into compound butter. The hit of chilli and aromatic garlic is mellowed by the smooth, creamy butter, giving it the perfect balance of flavours. It’s great for basting lamb chops and vegetables. Throw some honey into the mix and you’ve got a fantastic basting for sweet carrots and festive roasts. To make harissa butter, combine one part harissa with two parts butter and whip it into a smooth consistency before spooning it onto steamed/charred asparagus, carrots and more.
Make your own harissa. Combine it with butter and serve with grilled lamb chops.
Roasted Red Pepper Butter
From salsa to soup, roasted red pepper adds a sweet, smoky flavour to dishes. Turning it into compound butter? Now, that’s just downright delicious! This one is fairly simple to make, but it needs a little bit of time in the oven. Simply roast the red peppers on a sheet pan and roast them in the oven until they are ready. Remove the charred bits, toss the smoky peppers in the blender and blitz until combined. This compound butter is ideal for barding roast chicken to ensure it remains juicy while infusing it with incredible flavour.
Try it in this recipe for Roast Chicken with Garlic & Roasted Red Pepper Spreado
Lime Butter
For something zesty, give your butter a bit of zing with lime. The sour, fresh and vibrant flavour complemented by the silky butter, makes it great for seasoning white fish and basting scallops. It’s especially great with grilled prawns. Infuse it with green chilli and coriander or mint for a pop of flavour. Grate lime zest and add one part lime juice for a zesty kick.
Try lime butter in this recipe for Tiger Prawns with Mango Salsa
Espresso Butter
The beauty of compound butter is that you get to experiment with flavours, and that includes sweet and slightly bitter notes too. If you want something unique, try making espresso butter – load it on everything from flapjacks to steak to banana bread. The nutty, roasted flavour paired with the creaminess of the butter gives it a luscious taste, while the sweetness of the banana makes it an incredible pairing. It’s absolutely delicious!
Try this Coffee Banana Bread with Espresso Whipped Butter
Spiced Brown Butter
Turkish eggs aren’t the same without spiced brown butter – it’s what takes this dish to delicious heights, which is why you should learn how to make it at home. The smoky, earthy flavour given by the addition of smoked paprika, ground cumin and chilli flakes is sensational, especially when served with plain yoghurt or labneh. Mix half a teaspoon of the spices and 100 grams of butter to create this fragrant masterpiece.
Enjoy these Turkish Eggs with spiced brown butter
Want more? Find out whether you should store your butter on the counter or in the fridge.
