Print

Creamy Garlic Scape Compound Butter Recipe for Perfect Grilled Steak

creamy garlic scape compound butter - featured image

A rich and flavorful compound butter made with fresh garlic scapes, perfect for enhancing grilled steak with a creamy, garlicky brightness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (preferably European-style like Plugrá)
  • ½ cup fresh garlic scapes, chopped finely
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced shallot
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse the garlic scapes under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat dry and chop finely into pieces about ¼-inch or smaller.
  2. Soften the unsalted butter by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes until soft but not melted. Alternatively, cut into small cubes to speed softening.
  3. In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped garlic scapes, minced shallot, fresh lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and parsley if using.
  4. Pulse the food processor a few times, then run continuously for about 30 seconds until the mixture is creamy and smooth. If mixing by hand, mash and blend thoroughly with a fork or spatula.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice as needed.
  6. Transfer the compound butter onto plastic wrap or parchment paper, roll into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter, twist ends to seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm. Freeze for up to 3 months if desired.
  7. Slice into ¼-inch rounds and place a pat on hot grilled steak just before serving to melt and create a rich sauce.

Notes

Use unsalted butter to control seasoning. Softening butter correctly is key for smooth texture. Garlic scapes should be chopped finely for even blending. Butter tastes better after chilling for a day. Optional additions include smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or different herbs for variation. Can substitute vegan butter for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: compound butter, garlic scape butter, grilled steak butter, garlic butter, steak topping, grilling, summer recipe