Café de Paris Butter Steak: Recipe, Tips, and Delicious Variations

Café de Paris butter steak: just the name conjures images of Parisian bistros, sizzling platters, and an aroma that makes your mouth water instantly. Have you ever wondered how to recreate that restaurant magic at home? Well, wonder no more! This recipe will guide you through crafting the perfect Café de Paris butter steak, a dish that’s surprisingly simple yet undeniably impressive.

The story of Café de Paris butter is shrouded in a bit of mystery, but legend has it that it originated in Geneva, Switzerland, at the Café de Paris restaurant. The original recipe, a closely guarded secret, is rumored to contain a blend of over thirty ingredients! While we may not have the exact original formula, this version captures the essence of that iconic flavor, bringing a taste of European elegance to your kitchen.

What makes Café de Paris butter steak so beloved? It’s the symphony of flavors, of course! The rich, herbaceous butter, infused with everything from mustard and capers to anchovies and herbs, melts into the perfectly seared steak, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. The combination of the tender, juicy steak and the complex, savory butter is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a relatively quick and easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for a special occasion or a satisfying weeknight meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this classic dish!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Café de Paris Butter:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped capers, drained
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cornichons
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (or 2 finely minced anchovy fillets)
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cognac or brandy (optional)
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Steaks:
• 4 (6-8 ounce) steaks (Ribeye, New York Strip, or Filet Mignon recommended), about 1-inch thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional Accompaniments:
• French fries or roasted potatoes
• Green salad
• Crusty bread

Preparing the Café de Paris Butter:

Okay, let’s get started with the star of the show – the Café de Paris butter! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s worth every single ingredient. Don’t be intimidated by the long list; it’s all about layering flavors.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the softened butter, shallots, capers, cornichons, Dijon mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, chives, anchovy paste (or minced anchovies), curry powder, paprika, tarragon, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Add the Liquids: If you’re using cognac or brandy, add it to the bowl. Then, add the heavy cream and lemon juice. These liquids help to emulsify the butter and bring all the flavors together.
3. Mix Thoroughly: Using a fork or a rubber spatula, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed throughout the butter. You want everything to be well combined, creating a homogenous mixture. Don’t overmix, though; you don’t want the butter to become too soft or oily.
4. Season to Taste: Now, taste the butter and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember that the anchovies and Worcestershire sauce already contain salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed. The cayenne pepper will add a touch of heat, so adjust it based on your preference.
5. Chill the Butter: This is a crucial step! Transfer the butter mixture to a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Shape it into a log, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the butter to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve. You can also freeze the butter for longer storage; just thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

Preparing the Steaks:

Now that the Café de Paris butter is chilling and doing its thing, let’s focus on the steaks. The quality of the steak is important here, so choose your favorite cut and make sure it’s nicely marbled. I personally love a good ribeye for this recipe, but New York strip or filet mignon work beautifully too.

1. Prepare the Steaks: Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows them to come to room temperature, which helps them cook more evenly. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This is important because it helps to create a nice sear.
2. Season Generously: Season the steaks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s what brings out the flavor of the beef.
3. Heat the Pan: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up until it’s shimmering but not smoking. You want the pan to be hot enough to create a good sear on the steaks.

Cooking the Steaks:

Alright, time to get cooking! This is where you’ll get that beautiful crust and perfectly cooked interior. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks and your desired level of doneness, so use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

1. Sear the Steaks: Carefully place the steaks in the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. If necessary, cook the steaks in batches. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they develop a deep golden-brown crust. Avoid moving the steaks around too much during the searing process; you want them to have good contact with the hot pan to develop that crust.
2. Cook to Desired Doneness: After searing, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the steaks to your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
   • Rare: 125-130°F (52-54°C)
   • Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
   • Medium: 135-145°F (57-63°C)
   • Medium-Well: 145-155°F (63-68°C)
   • Well-Done: 155°F+ (68°C+)

   For medium-rare, which is my personal preference, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steaks, but it usually takes about 2-4 minutes per side after searing.

3. Rest the Steaks: Once the steaks have reached your desired level of doneness, remove them from the pan and place them on a cutting board. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Don’t skip this step; it makes a big difference!

Serving and Enjoying:

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to slice the steaks, top them with that glorious Café de Paris butter, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

1. Slice the Steaks: After the steaks have rested, slice them against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices. This helps to tenderize the meat even further.
2. Top with Café de Paris Butter: Place the sliced steaks on plates and top each steak with a generous slice of the chilled Café de Paris butter. As the butter melts, it will create a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the steak.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve the steaks immediately, while they’re still warm and the butter is melting.
4. Add Accompaniments (Optional): Serve with your favorite sides, such as French fries, roasted potatoes, a green salad, and crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

And there you have it – perfectly cooked steaks smothered in decadent Café de Paris butter! This dish is perfect for a special occasion or any time you want to treat yourself to something truly amazing. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Café de Paris butter steak recipe is truly a must-try for any steak lover looking to elevate their dining experience. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant flavors of a classic French bistro right to your own kitchen. The complex, herbaceous, and subtly spicy butter melts into the perfectly seared steak, creating a symphony of taste that will leave you wanting more. I promise you, once you’ve tasted steak prepared this way, you’ll find it hard to go back to simpler preparations.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the harmonious blend of ingredients in the Café de Paris butter that makes all the difference. Each herb, spice, and condiment plays a crucial role in creating a flavor profile that is both bold and nuanced. The butter itself acts as a sauce, infusing the steak with its rich, savory goodness as it cooks. It’s a one-stop shop for flavor, eliminating the need for complicated sauces or marinades. Plus, the visual appeal of the melting butter cascading over the steak is simply irresistible!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. For a classic pairing, serve your Café de Paris butter steak with crispy frites (French fries) and a simple green salad. The richness of the steak and butter is beautifully balanced by the lightness of the salad and the satisfying crunch of the fries. Alternatively, you could serve it with roasted asparagus, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a hearty grain like quinoa or farro.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the steak itself! While I recommend a ribeye or New York strip for their rich flavor and marbling, you can use any cut of steak you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness.

And speaking of variations, feel free to tweak the Café de Paris butter recipe to suit your own taste preferences. If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a more herbaceous flavor, add more fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, or chives. You can even add a touch of sweetness with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. The possibilities are endless!

A Final Word:

I truly believe that this Café de Paris butter steak recipe is a game-changer. It’s relatively simple to make, yet it delivers restaurant-quality results. It’s perfect for a special occasion, a romantic dinner, or even just a weeknight treat. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to experience steak like never before.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Café de Paris butter for yourself. Once you do, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your thoughts, photos, and tips in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create delicious and inspiring recipes for you. Happy cooking!