Tarragon Compound Butter

This aromatic compound butter made with fresh tarragon, garlic, and lemon zest is a game-changer for everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. Make a batch, roll it up, and slice off what you need to instantly elevate any dish.

Why You'll Love Tarragon Compound Butter

This tarragon compound butter is rich, aromatic, and endlessly versatile. Made with soft butter, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest, it adds instant flavor to everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. Keep it in your fridge or freezer for a quick upgrade to any dish-whether you're finishing a sizzling steak or spreading it on warm crusty bread, this butter will always deliver.

Tips and Tricks

• Use room-temperature butter: This helps everything blend smoothly and evenly.
• Chop herbs finely: The smaller the pieces, the more evenly they distribute throughout the butter.
• Roll tightly in plastic wrap: This helps shape the butter and keeps it fresh longer in the fridge or freezer.

Variations

Try these spins on your compound butter:

• Herb mix: Combine tarragon with chives, parsley, or thyme for a more complex flavor.
• Citrus butter: Add orange or lime zest for a bright twist.
• Spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika.

Substitutions

Need to adjust the ingredients? Here are some quick swaps:

• Tarragon → Dill, basil, or chervil: All bring fresh herbal notes with a slightly different character.
• Lemon zest → Lime or orange zest: Use whatever citrus you have on hand.
• Garlic → Shallots or roasted garlic: For a milder or sweeter flavor.

Best Served With

• Grilled or roasted steak, chicken, or fish
• Toasted sourdough or warm dinner rolls
• Roasted asparagus, carrots, or green beans
• Mashed potatoes or baked sweet potatoes

How to Store Leftovers

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or parchment and store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Slice off what you need and let it melt over hot dishes for a fresh, flavorful finish.
• Label and date the roll for easy reference in the freezer.

Common Questions

Tarragon Compound Butter

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This aromatic compound butter made with fresh tarragon, garlic, and lemon zest is a game-changer for everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. Make a batch, roll it up, and slice off what you need to instantly elevate any dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course: Dressing/Condiment

Cuisine: American

Calories: 50

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients

  

• 1 stick butter softened to room temperature
• ¼ cup tarragon minced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Food processor
• Zester or microplane
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Plastic wrap
• Spatula

Method

 

1. In a food processor, combine softened butter, tarragon, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend for 60-90 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed, until smooth and well combined.
3. Spoon the butter mixture onto plastic wrap set over a cutting board.
4. Roll into a tight cylinder, twisting the ends to seal. Chill in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
5. Slice and use as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 50kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 401mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 536IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 151mgIron: 4mg

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