Jamie Oliver Café de Paris butter is a richly flavored compound butter, often used to enhance steaks, fish, or vegetables. This French-inspired butter is infused with herbs, spices, and seasonings, creating a savory topping that melts over grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Jamie Oliver’s version of Café de Paris butter is simple yet packed with flavor, making it an ideal finishing touch for many dishes.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Bursting with Flavor: This butter combines a variety of spices and herbs for a complex, delicious finish.
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can prepare a gourmet-style butter at home.
- Versatile: Use it on steaks, fish, vegetables, or even bread for an extra layer of flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make it ahead of time, and it stores well in the fridge or freezer.
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Café de Paris Butter Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 250g (1 cup), softened
- Capers: 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Cornichons (small pickles): 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
- Shallots: 2 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
- Fresh Tarragon: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
- Curry Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Anchovy Fillets: 2-3, finely chopped (optional)
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Café de Paris Butter
Step 1: Prepare the Butter Base
- Soften the Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature to make it easier to combine with the other ingredients. Place it in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the Flavorings
- Add the Shallots and Garlic: Stir in the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic. These add depth to the butter.
- Incorporate the Capers and Cornichons: Add the chopped capers and cornichons, which give the butter a briny, tangy flavor.
- Mix in the Herbs and Spices: Stir in the fresh parsley, tarragon, curry powder, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. These herbs and spices are key to the signature flavor of Café de Paris butter.
Step 3: Finish with Lemon Juice and Anchovies
- Add Lemon and Anchovies: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice for a fresh, zesty note. If using anchovies, chop them finely and mix them into the butter for a salty, umami flavor.
- Season: Finish by seasoning with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Form the Butter
- Shape the Butter: Once all the ingredients are fully combined, place the mixture on a sheet of cling film or parchment paper. Roll it into a log shape, twisting the ends to secure the shape.
- Chill the Butter: Place the rolled butter in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice and Serve: When ready to serve, slice the Café de Paris butter into rounds and place it on top of hot steaks, grilled fish, or roasted vegetables. The heat will melt the butter, releasing its rich flavors.
What to Serve with Café de Paris Butter
- Grilled Steak: The classic pairing, this butter melts beautifully over a perfectly cooked steak.
- Roasted Vegetables: Use it as a finishing touch on roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or potatoes.
- Fish: Serve a slice of Café de Paris butter over grilled or baked fish, such as salmon or cod, for extra richness.
- Bread: Spread it on warm, crusty bread as a luxurious starter or accompaniment to a meal.
Expert Tips for Mastering Café de Paris Butter
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is soft enough to mix easily with the other ingredients.
- Customize the Herbs: If you don’t have tarragon or parsley, feel free to substitute with other fresh herbs like chives or dill.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the seasoning levels, adding more mustard, lemon, or spices depending on your preference.
- Chill Properly: Chilling the butter is essential for it to hold its shape, so don’t skip this step.
Variations of Café de Paris Butter
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
- Herb Variation: Try different herb combinations such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
- Garlic Butter: Increase the garlic for a more garlicky version of this compound butter.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the anchovies for a vegetarian-friendly butter.
How to Store Café de Paris Butter
- Refrigeration: Store the rolled butter in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Keep it wrapped in cling film or parchment paper to preserve its flavor.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the butter for up to 3 months. Slice it into rounds and freeze them individually, or keep the butter log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
How to Reheat Café de Paris Butter Leftovers
- No Reheating Needed: Café de Paris butter is typically served cold or at room temperature, melting naturally when placed on hot food. You can slice off what you need and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I freeze Café de Paris butter?
Yes, Café de Paris butter freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, place it in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply slice off the amount you need and let it thaw at room temperature.
What can I serve with Café de Paris butter?
Café de Paris butter is perfect for serving with grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, fish like salmon or cod, and even on warm crusty bread. It melts over hot food, adding rich, herby flavor.
How long can I store Café de Paris butter in the fridge?
Café de Paris butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and flavor.
Can I make Café de Paris butter without anchovies?
Yes, you can make Café de Paris butter without anchovies. Simply omit them if you prefer a vegetarian version or don’t enjoy the salty, umami flavor they add.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Café de Paris butter is an elegant and flavorful way to elevate your dishes with minimal effort. Whether served on steak, fish, or vegetables, this rich compound butter adds a burst of flavor that takes your meal to the next level. Easy to make and store, it’s a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.
More Jamie Oliver Recipes
PrintJamie Oliver Cafe De Paris Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-cook (chilling)
- Cuisine: French
Description
Jamie Oliver Café de Paris butter is a richly flavored compound butter, often used to enhance steaks, fish, or vegetables. This French-inspired butter is infused with herbs, spices, and seasonings, creating a savory topping that melts over grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Jamie Oliver’s version of Café de Paris butter is simple yet packed with flavor, making it an ideal finishing touch for many dishes.
Ingredients
-
- Unsalted Butter: 250g (1 cup), softened
-
- Capers: 1 tablespoon, chopped
-
- Cornichons (small pickles): 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
-
- Shallots: 2 small, finely chopped
-
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
-
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
-
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
-
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
-
- Fresh Tarragon: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
-
- Curry Powder: 1 teaspoon
-
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon
-
- Anchovy Fillets: 2-3, finely chopped (optional)
-
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
-
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Butter Base
-
- Soften the Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature to make it easier to combine with the other ingredients. Place it in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the Flavorings
-
- Add the Shallots and Garlic: Stir in the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic. These add depth to the butter.
-
- Incorporate the Capers and Cornichons: Add the chopped capers and cornichons, which give the butter a briny, tangy flavor.
-
- Mix in the Herbs and Spices: Stir in the fresh parsley, tarragon, curry powder, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. These herbs and spices are key to the signature flavor of Café de Paris butter.
Step 3: Finish with Lemon Juice and Anchovies
-
- Add Lemon and Anchovies: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice for a fresh, zesty note. If using anchovies, chop them finely and mix them into the butter for a salty, umami flavor.
-
- Season: Finish by seasoning with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Form the Butter
-
- Shape the Butter: Once all the ingredients are fully combined, place the mixture on a sheet of cling film or parchment paper. Roll it into a log shape, twisting the ends to secure the shape.
-
- Chill the Butter: Place the rolled butter in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up.
Step 5: Serve
-
- Slice and Serve: When ready to serve, slice the Café de Paris butter into rounds and place it on top of hot steaks, grilled fish, or roasted vegetables. The heat will melt the butter, releasing its rich flavors.