Go Back
Café de Paris Butter
Isabella

Café de Paris Butter with Perfect Steak

This luxurious Café de Paris butter brings French bistro magic to your table. Made with herbs, spices, mustard, and a touch of curry powder, it transforms simple steak—or any protein—into a restaurant-quality dish bursting with aroma and depth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Condiment, Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Café de Paris Butter
  • 100 g 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened – the creamy base that carries all the flavors.
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped eschalot small shallot – adds sweetness and depth.
  • 1 garlic clove minced – for a gentle kick.
  • 3 anchovy fillets finely chopped – boosts the umami richness (don’t worry, it won’t taste fishy!).
  • 1 tsp lemon juice – balances the richness with freshness.
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – adds that savory tang.
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard – classic French sharpness.
  • 1 tsp mild curry powder – the secret ingredient that gives Café de Paris its signature aroma.
  • ½ tsp paprika plain or sweet – for color and warmth.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt – enhances every flavor.
  • 2 tsp fresh tarragon finely chopped – a key herb in French cuisine.
  • 2 tsp parsley finely chopped – for freshness and color.
  • For the Steak
  • Steaks of your choice – ribeye sirloin, or filet mignon work best.
  • ½ tsp kosher salt per steak – to season generously.
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper per steak – for a touch of heat.
  • 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil – to achieve a perfect sear.

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
    In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, shallot, garlic, anchovies (or soy/miso alternative), lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, curry powder, paprika, salt, tarragon, and parsley. Mash well with a fork until evenly blended.
  2. Step 2: Shape the Butter Log
    Spoon the butter mixture onto cling wrap. Shape into a 20 cm (8-inch) log, roll tightly, and twist the ends to seal.
  3. Step 3: Chill Until Firm
    Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or freeze for 45 minutes until solid.
  4. Step 4: Slice and Serve
    Slice into 0.7 cm (⅓-inch) rounds and let soften slightly before placing over hot steak or other dishes.
  5. Step 5: Prepare the Steak
    Bring steak to room temperature, pat dry, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  6. Step 6: Heat the Pan
    Preheat a cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking lightly. Add oil and swirl to coat.
  7. Step 7: Season and Sear
    Cook steaks for about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time as desired.
  8. Step 8: Rest and Finish
    Let steaks rest for 5–10 minutes under foil, then top with slices of Café de Paris butter just before serving.

Notes

Replace anchovies with soy sauce or miso for a fish-free version. Use only mild curry powder for balanced warmth. Store tightly wrapped butter in the fridge for 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.