I remember the first time I tasted Café de Paris butter at a local steakhouse. It was slathered on top of a perfectly cooked steak, melting into a savory, herby, slightly tangy sauce. That moment changed my whole perspective on what butter could do. What I didn’t know then was how easy it is to make this indulgent butter at home. I went on a mission to replicate it, trying several recipes, until I landed on Jamie Oliver’s version. Simple yet loaded with flavor, it felt like the perfect balance of richness and zing. The recipe has since become one of my go-to ways to elevate everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.
Jamie Oliver’s Café de Paris butter is a twist on a classic French compound butter. It’s bold, flavorful, and an easy way to make any dish feel special.
Jamie Oliver’s Café De Paris Butter Recipe
Jamie’s version of Café de Paris butter stays true to the original, while bringing in a few fresh flavors that make it stand out. It’s got a beautiful blend of herbs, spices, and a touch of mustard to create a butter that’s rich yet refreshing.
Here’s The Recipe
- Butter – A good quality unsalted butter is key. You want the butter to be the base of all those flavors, so the better it is, the better the end result.
- Shallots – For a subtle, sweet onion flavor that adds depth.
- Garlic – You can’t go wrong with garlic. It brings that aromatic punch that ties everything together.
- Curry Powder – The magic behind the Café de Paris butter’s unique flavor profile. It adds a warmth and complexity.
- Dijon Mustard – For a little tang, it balances the richness of the butter.
- Chives and Parsley – Fresh herbs bring a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Lemon Juice – Just a squeeze to brighten everything up.
- Worcestershire Sauce – A savory touch that ties in all the ingredients.
The Secret? Patience. Let It Sit. Allow All The Flavors To Mingle For At Least A Couple Of Hours.
Ingredients Needed
This butter might look simple, but the ingredients work together to create something amazing. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Butter (unsalted) – The main foundation. Go for something creamy and rich. Grass-fed butter is an excellent choice for its slightly nutty flavor.
- Shallots – A milder, sweeter alternative to onions, giving a delicate base note.
- Garlic – Brings an aromatic and savory depth to the butter.
- Curry Powder – It’s not just about heat. The earthy tones of curry powder elevate the butter’s complexity.
- Dijon Mustard – A tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the butter.
- Fresh Herbs (Chives and Parsley) – They give the butter an herbaceous freshness, balancing the more intense flavors.
- Lemon Juice – A zesty lift that brightens up the whole mix.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds an umami kick, bringing everything together.
Each ingredient has a purpose, contributing to the richness and balance that makes Café de Paris butter so unique.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Café De Paris Butter
I love how simple this butter is to make once you have everything ready. It comes together quickly, but the key is in the method.
Here’s How To Make It
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Prep The Ingredients
- Finely chop the shallots, garlic, chives, and parsley. The smaller the cuts, the smoother the butter will be.
- Zest and juice the lemon. The zest gives a punch of citrus, while the juice balances out the richness.
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Cook The Shallots And Garlic
- In a small pan, melt a bit of butter and sauté the shallots and garlic until soft. This step brings out the sweetness of the shallots and mellows the garlic.
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Mix The Butter
- In a bowl, combine the softened butter with the cooked shallots, garlic, curry powder, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and herbs. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and evenly incorporated.
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Chill
- This is the secret to rich, flavored butter. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
Once you’ve let it chill, you’ll notice how the flavors have melded together. When you spread it on your steak, fish, or veggies, the butter is like an explosion of flavor that’s both rich and refreshing.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
There’s a fascinating science behind some of the ingredients in Café de Paris butter. Let’s dive into a few key ones:
- Butter: The fat content in butter is what allows it to absorb and carry all the other flavors. Fat is a flavor carrier, which is why everything tastes better with butter. It’s also why you’ll want to use unsalted butter-so you can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Curry Powder: The blend of spices, including turmeric, cumin, and coriander, is what gives Café de Paris butter its unique taste. Curry powder also works as a flavor enhancer, waking up your taste buds with every bite.
- Worcestershire Sauce: The umami from the Worcestershire sauce is essential. It contains anchovies, molasses, and tamarind, all of which bring a savory depth that rounds out the butter’s richness.
Expert Tips
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is soft enough to mix easily but not melted. If it’s too cold, it will be hard to incorporate all the ingredients, and if it’s too melted, the butter won’t hold its shape when you chill it.
- Balance the Flavor: Taste the butter before you refrigerate it. You might need to adjust the acidity (more lemon juice) or the spice (extra curry powder) to fit your taste.
- Let It Rest: Don’t rush the chilling process. The longer the butter sits, the more the flavors will develop. Ideally, let it rest overnight.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re serving it with a large meal, make extra! It’s versatile and can be used on more than just steak.
Recipe Variations
If you’re looking to experiment with Jamie Oliver’s Café de Paris butter, there are several variations you can try:
- Spicy Kick: Add some chili flakes or a small amount of cayenne pepper to give the butter some heat.
- Herb Twist: Mix in some fresh thyme or tarragon for a different flavor profile.
- Shallot-Free: If you’re not a fan of shallots, swap them out for finely chopped onions or leeks for a more delicate flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use a plant-based butter to make a dairy-free version. It may not have the same richness, but it will still work well as a topping.
Final Words
This recipe is a game-changer when it comes to enhancing everyday dishes. It’s an easy way to elevate any meal with minimal effort, all while keeping the flavors bold and fresh. And since it’s so versatile, you can experiment with the ingredients to create a version that suits your taste.
FAQs
What Is Jamie Oliver’s Café De Paris Butter Recipe?
It’s a rich and flavorful butter made with ingredients like herbs, garlic, mustard, and capers. Perfect for steaks and other meats.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Café De Paris Butter In Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it soften a bit before using.
What Dishes Go Best With Jamie Oliver’s Café De Paris Butter?
It pairs great with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or even as a topping for vegetables like potatoes or asparagus.