I remember the first time I tasted Café de Paris butter at a bistro in Paris. It was on a cool evening, and I was seated outside with a group of friends, the glow of street lamps reflecting off cobblestones. We were served a perfectly grilled steak, and the butter… oh, that butter! Silky, rich, and bursting with flavor. I thought to myself, "This is it. This is what every steak needs." Ever since, I’ve been obsessed with recreating that experience at home.
That led me to Jamie Oliver’s Café de Paris Butter recipe, which takes that French bistro delight and puts a delightful, personal twist on it. His version is easy to make yet elevates every dish it touches. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring some Parisian flair to your meals, this recipe is a game-changer.
Jamie Oliver’s Café De Paris Butter Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s take on Café de Paris butter is not only full of vibrant flavors but also simple enough to make in your kitchen. He adds a few personal touches to the classic recipe, making it even more accessible for home cooks. Here’s how he does it:
- Aromatic: Oliver uses a blend of herbs, mustard, and spices. It’s savory, tangy, and a little sweet, balanced perfectly with the rich butter.
- Versatile: You can pair it with steaks, roasted vegetables, grilled seafood, or even just spread it on warm crusty bread.
Ingredients Needed
Making Café de Paris butter at home requires a few ingredients. But these are not your average pantry staples; each one adds a layer of flavor that will transform your dish.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is the star here. It’s rich and creamy, and it serves as a canvas for all the other flavors.
- Shallots: These add a subtle sweetness and mild onion flavor.
- Garlic: Adds depth and a savory punch.
- Capers: These give a briny kick that balances the butter’s richness.
- Dijon mustard: For a bit of sharpness and tang.
- Worcestershire sauce: A classic ingredient to provide umami and complexity.
- Tarragon and parsley: Fresh herbs add color and freshness to the butter.
- Lemon juice: A touch of citrus to lighten the richness.
- Curry powder: Yes, it’s an unusual but key component that ties everything together.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Café De Paris Butter
Making this butter is incredibly simple and takes only a few minutes. But the flavors develop beautifully over time. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Melt the butter: Start by gently melting the butter in a pan over low heat. You want it soft and smooth, not bubbling.
- Sauté shallots and garlic: In a separate pan, cook finely chopped shallots and garlic in a little olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant. This step brings out the sweetness of the shallots and the aroma of the garlic.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the capers, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, curry powder, tarragon, and parsley into the melted butter.
- Add shallots and garlic: Add your sautéed shallots and garlic to the mixture, followed by a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Mix and cool: Stir everything together until fully combined, then let it cool before serving. This allows the flavors to marry.
Once made, you can refrigerate the butter, but I recommend letting it come to room temperature before using it so it’s spreadable.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s break down why some of these ingredients are absolute essentials.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred because it lets you control the salt content. It’s also the perfect fat for absorbing and melding all the spices and herbs together. Its richness is essential to balance the tanginess and sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Capers: These tiny buds are like little bursts of saltiness. They give that signature briny flavor that’s so characteristic of Café de Paris butter.
- Mustard: Dijon mustard brings sharpness and acts as an emulsifier, helping to hold the butter and other ingredients together. The mustard adds just enough of a tang without overpowering the mix.
- Curry Powder: It’s the surprise factor. It gives the butter depth and warmth, but it’s subtle. Think of it like a pinch of mystery-something just different enough to keep people guessing about the flavor profile.
Expert Tips
Here are a few tips I’ve picked up after making this butter many times:
- Let the butter sit: After you make the butter, let it sit for an hour or more before serving. This helps the flavors deepen and settle.
- Use fresh herbs: While dried herbs are convenient, fresh tarragon and parsley make a huge difference in this recipe. The freshness cuts through the richness of the butter.
- Customize the seasoning: If you like a little more kick, add extra Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the curry powder based on your taste as well-it’s a flavor enhancer, but it doesn’t need to dominate.
- Make it ahead: This butter actually gets better over time, so make a batch and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just bring it to room temperature before using it.
Recipe Variations
While the classic Café de Paris butter is delicious, there’s room for creative twists.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or fresh chopped red chili for a bit of heat.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with basil, chives, or dill for a different herbal profile. Each herb will add its own unique character.
- Garlic-Free: For those who aren’t fond of garlic, it’s easy to skip. Just double the shallots to add more sweetness and depth.
- Vegan Version: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil. You’ll still get the same amazing flavors with a different texture.
Final Words
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about food, it’s that the simplest recipes often have the biggest impact. Café de Paris butter is one of those. It’s a handful of ingredients, but together, they make something extraordinary. Whether you’re grilling steaks, roasting vegetables, or making seafood shine, this butter adds a burst of sophistication.
FAQs
What Is The Cafe De Paris Butter Recipe From Jamie Oliver?
Jamie Oliver’s Cafe de Paris butter is a flavorful compound butter made with ingredients like garlic, mustard, capers, and herbs. It’s perfect for steaks or grilled meat.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cafe De Paris Butter In Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the butter ahead of time. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze until you need it.
What Can I Serve With Cafe De Paris Butter?
It pairs beautifully with steak, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables. You can also spread it on warm bread.