Shallot Butter (Recipe)

Shallot butter is a simple and versatile condiment that can enhance the flavors of a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re grilling steaks, roasting vegetables, or spreading it on slices of homemade bread, homemade shallot butter adds a delicious touch to your meals. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!

To whip up a batch of homemade shallot butter, all you need are three main ingredients: unsalted butter, shallots, and lemon juice. Start by softening the butter at room temperature, then chop the shallots into small pieces. Next, mix the chopped shallots and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice into the softened butter. You can even get creative and add in some fresh herbs like oregano, chives, thyme, or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor.

Key Takeaways:

Making homemade shallot butter is quick, easy, and requires just a few ingredients.
Softening the butter before mixing in the shallots ensures a smoother consistency.
Customize your shallot butter by adding herbs of your choice.
Store shallot butter in the refrigerator for up to seven days or freeze it for longer shelf life.
Shallot butter adds a rich and savory flavor to a variety of dishes.

Table of Contents

Caramelized Shallot Butter

Caramelized shallot butter is a flavorful twist on traditional shallot butter. To make it, caramelize shallots with butter, olive oil, salt, and thyme. Once the shallots have softened and darkened in color, add a generous splash of marsala wine and cook until the liquid has reduced. Allow the shallots to cool, then fold them into softened unsalted butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This caramelized shallot butter can be enjoyed on crusty bread, steaks, green beans, or mashed or baked potatoes.

Ingredients	Instructions
2 shallots, thinly sliced 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 2 tablespoons marsala wine Salt and pepper to taste	In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots, salt, and dried thyme to the skillet. Sauté the shallots until softened and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Pour in the marsala wine and cook until the liquid has reduced, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let the caramelized shallots cool. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Fold in the cooled caramelized shallots and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the caramelized shallot butter to a container and refrigerate until firm.

Ingredients

Instructions

2 shallots, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons marsala wine
Salt and pepper to taste

In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced shallots, salt, and dried thyme to the skillet.
Sauté the shallots until softened and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
Pour in the marsala wine and cook until the liquid has reduced, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and let the caramelized shallots cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Fold in the cooled caramelized shallots and mix well.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the caramelized shallot butter to a container and refrigerate until firm.

Enjoy this savory caramelized shallot butter on your favorite dishes for an extra burst of flavor!

Shallot Herb Compound Butter

Shallot herb compound butter is a delightful twist on traditional shallot butter. By combining the rich flavor of shallots with a blend of aromatic herbs, this compound butter brings an exciting burst of taste to any dish. Made using unsalted butter, minced shallots, minced garlic, chives, parsley, olive oil, and salt, it is easy to create a homemade batch of this delicious condiment.

Here’s how to make shallot herb compound butter:

Soften the unsalted butter at room temperature.
Sauté the minced shallots and garlic in olive oil until they become fragrant and lightly caramelized.
In a bowl, combine the softened butter, sautéed shallots and garlic, minced herbs (chives and parsley), and a pinch of salt.
Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
Place the butter mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a log.
Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate it until firm.

Once the shallot herb compound butter has set, it can be sliced and used to enhance the flavor of various dishes. Spread it onto freshly baked bread, melt it over juicy steaks, top grilled chicken, or add a dollop to sautéed vegetables for an extra touch of richness and taste.

Ingredients	Measurements
Unsalted butter	1 cup
Minced shallots	2 tablespoons
Minced garlic	1 tablespoon
Chives (minced)	1 tablespoon
Parsley (minced)	1 tablespoon
Olive oil	1 tablespoon
Salt	Pinch

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of shallot herb compound butter in your favorite recipes, and let it elevate your culinary creations to new heights.

Tips for Making and Using Shallot Butter

Here are some additional tips for making and using shallot butter:

Soften the butter at room temperature: Before mixing in the shallots and other ingredients, make sure to soften the butter at room temperature. This will make it easier to blend and ensure a smooth texture.
Experiment with different herbs and flavors: Get creative with your shallot butter by trying out different herbs and flavors. For a refreshing twist, you can substitute lime juice for lemon juice. Additionally, consider adding fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the taste.
Chill the compound butter in ramekins: If you want to use your shallot butter as a spread for bread or rolls, consider chilling it in ramekins. This will give it a beautiful presentation and make it easy for guests to enjoy.
Storage and freezing options: Shallot butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days, allowing you to enjoy it over multiple meals. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze shallot butter for up to six months.
Create a sweet compound butter: If you have a sweet tooth, try adding honey, cinnamon, vanilla beans, or pumpkin pie spice to your shallot butter. This will create a delightful sweet compound butter that pairs well with breakfast items like pancakes or freshly baked goods.
Experiment with other herbs: In addition to shallots, there are many other fresh herbs that work well in compound butter. Consider incorporating herbs like rosemary, sage, basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, or chives to add even more flavor to your creations.
Try browned butter for a richer flavor: For a richer and nuttier taste, you can use browned butter in your garlic herb compound butter. Simply cook the butter until it turns a golden brown color, then incorporate it into your mixture.
Customize based on seasons and preferences: Don’t be afraid to experiment and customize your compound butters based on the seasons and your personal preferences. Incorporate seasonal ingredients or try out different combinations to create your own signature shallot butter.

With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to create homemade shallot butter that complements a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re using it as a spread, a topping, or a flavor enhancer, shallot butter is sure to impress with its delicious taste and versatility.

Conclusion

Shallot butter is the secret ingredient that can take your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you opt for the classic homemade shallot butter, the savory caramelized shallot butter, or the aromatic shallot herb compound butter, each variation brings its own unique flavors and versatility.

By simply combining a few everyday ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can whip up a batch of shallot butter that will add a gourmet touch to your favorite recipes. Spread it on crusty bread, melt it over a perfectly cooked steak, toss it with sautéed vegetables, or use it to enhance the flavor of grilled fish – the possibilities are endless.

With its rich taste and silky texture, shallot butter is sure to impress your family and guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking a cozy meal for two, this compound butter is the perfect finishing touch. So, get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the delectable flavors of homemade shallot butter!

FAQ

How do I make shallot butter?

To make shallot butter, simply whip softened unsalted butter and mix in chopped shallots and lemon juice. Roll the mixture into a cylinder and chill or freeze until needed.

What can I use shallot butter for?

Shallot butter is a versatile condiment that can be used on steaks, fish, baked potatoes, grilled vegetables, and slices of homemade bread to add a delicious flavor.

How long does shallot butter last?

Shallot butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days. It can also be frozen for up to six months.

Can I customize shallot butter with herbs?

Yes, you can customize shallot butter by adding herbs like oregano, chives, thyme, or rosemary.

What is caramelized shallot butter?

Caramelized shallot butter is a flavorful twist on traditional shallot butter. It is made by caramelizing shallots with butter, olive oil, salt, and thyme, then folding them into softened unsalted butter.

How do I make shallot herb compound butter?

To make shallot herb compound butter, soften unsalted butter, sauté minced shallots and garlic in olive oil, then mix them with the butter along with minced herbs, and salt. Refrigerate until firm.

What are some tips for making and using shallot butter?

Some tips for making and using shallot butter include softening the butter before mixing, experimenting with different herbs and flavors, chilling the compound butter in ramekins, and customizing based on personal preferences and seasons.