Jamie Oliver Cafe De Paris Butter Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Café de Paris Butter is a rich, flavorful compound butter that’s packed with bold ingredients. The butter is a combination of fresh herbs, spices and a variety of seasonings that come together to create a velvety, fragrant spread. It’s often served with steak, seafood or even just slathered on freshly baked bread. The flavor is a mix of tangy, savory and slightly spicy notes, making it a versatile condiment that can elevate many dishes.

The name "Café de Paris" originally comes from a sauce served at a famous restaurant in Geneva, Switzerland, where it was paired with steaks. Jamie’s twist on the traditional recipe offers a modern, accessible take on this classic, combining butter as the base with a balance of zest, herbs and spices.

Jamie Oliver Cafe De Paris Butter Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make Jamie Oliver’s Café de Paris Butter:

• Unsalted butter: The main base. Unsalted is preferred so you can control the amount of salt in the final mix.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a nice punch of flavor.
• Shallots: A milder, sweeter onion flavor compared to regular onions.
• Fresh herbs: Parsley, tarragon and chives bring freshness and depth.
• Capers: For a touch of briny tang.
• Lemon zest: A burst of citrus freshness.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and complexity.
• Dijon mustard: For a bit of heat and tang.
• Paprika: A dash of smoky, spicy flavor.
• Chili flakes: Optional, for those who want a bit of heat.
• Salt and pepper: To season and balance all the flavors.

Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor, with some ingredients like mustard and Worcestershire sauce enhancing the butter’s depth while herbs and capers give it a fresh, punchy kick.

Equipment Needed

Making Café de Paris Butter is simple but a few key tools can make the process easier:

• Mixing bowl: You’ll need this for combining all your ingredients.
• Microplane or grater: To finely zest your lemon (or you can use a zester).
• Knife: For finely chopping garlic, shallots and herbs.
• Spoon: For mixing everything together.
• Cling film or parchment paper: This will be used to shape and store the butter.
• Small saucepan (optional): If you want to melt the butter slightly before mixing in the ingredients.

Once you have these tools, the process becomes more about the assembly than anything technical. It’s all about getting the right balance of flavors.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Café De Paris Butter

Here’s how you can whip up this delicious butter at home:

1. Soften the butter: Leave your unsalted butter out for a bit to soften, so it’s easier to mix with the other ingredients. You can microwave it for a few seconds if you’re in a rush but don’t melt it fully.
2. Chop your aromatics: Finely chop the garlic, shallots and herbs. Use fresh parsley, tarragon and chives for the best flavor. This step adds a lot of fragrance and freshness to the butter.
3. Mix everything: In a bowl, combine the softened butter with the garlic, shallots, herbs, capers, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika and chili flakes if you’re using them. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use a spoon or spatula to stir everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Shape the butter: Lay a piece of cling film or parchment paper on the counter. Scoop the butter mixture onto it and then roll it up into a log shape. Twist the ends so it’s sealed tight.
5. Chill: Place the butter log in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up. This makes it easier to slice and also helps the flavors meld together.
6. Serve: Once it’s chilled and firm, slice off rounds of the butter and place it on your steak, seafood or bread. Let it melt slightly over hot dishes for the best effect.

What I Learnt

Making Café de Paris Butter taught me how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. The balance of fresh herbs, the slight tang of capers and the rich butter is an unbeatable combination. I also realized how much versatility this butter has. it’s not just for steak. You can use it with grilled vegetables, fish or even on a baked potato. It’s one of those little kitchen tricks that can elevate a meal without a lot of extra effort.

It also taught me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients. The flavor of fresh herbs really makes a difference here and using unsalted butter as a base allows you to control the seasoning. Don’t rush the chilling step either. it makes a big difference in both texture and flavor.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Café De Paris Butter

Jamie Oliver’s Café De Paris butter is already pretty amazing on its own but it’s always fun to play around with flavors. You can add a few twists to make it your own or to better suit your taste preferences.

1. Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, chives or tarragon can give the butter a pop of color and freshness. These herbs will bring an extra layer of fragrance to the already bold flavors.
2. Spicy Kick: If you’re into spice, try adding a bit of chili flakes or a touch of cayenne pepper. This will really dial up the heat, making it a perfect spread for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
3. Garlic Lovers: If you want a deeper, richer taste, you can throw in some roasted garlic. Roasting mellowes the garlic’s bite and gives the butter a sweet, savory undertone that’s hard to resist.
4. Citrus Zest: A hint of lemon or orange zest could give a surprising burst of brightness that cuts through the richness. It pairs beautifully with seafood or grilled chicken.
5. Dijon Mustard: For a bit of tang and complexity, Dijon mustard can work wonders. The slight acidity balances out the butter’s creaminess, making it even more versatile.
6. Worcestershire Sauce: Add a splash for that umami depth. It brings a subtle savory hit that rounds out the overall flavor profile.

These tweaks are just starting points. You can get creative depending on what you’re pairing the butter with!

Storage Tips For Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Café De Paris butter, don’t worry. it keeps well and there are a couple of things you can do to store it for later:

1. Keep It Wrapped Tight: After making the butter, roll it into a log and wrap it in parchment paper. This way, it stays airtight and prevents oxidation. You can freeze it or refrigerate it this way.
2. Freezing: You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just slice off the amount you need when you want it and pop the rest back into the freezer. Freezing it in individual portions (like in an ice cube tray) makes it easy to grab exactly what you need.
3. Fridge: If you’re planning on using it within a week or two, it’s fine to store it in the fridge. Just make sure it’s tightly sealed in an airtight container or wrapped up well to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.
4. Label It: If you freeze or refrigerate it, make sure you label the butter with the date you made it. This ensures that you use it while it’s still fresh and prevents mystery butter in the back of the fridge.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Café De Paris Butter?

This butter is incredibly versatile and can elevate many dishes. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next meal:

1. Grilled Steak: The rich, creamy butter is perfect for melting over a sizzling, medium-rare steak. It’s like a restaurant-quality finishing touch.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Pouring this butter over roasted carrots, potatoes or even asparagus takes your vegetable game to the next level. The balance of richness and herbs works wonders with earthy, charred veggies.
3. Fish: Try it with grilled fish like salmon or halibut. It complements delicate flavors without overpowering them, especially if you’ve added a little citrus zest to the butter.
4. Bread: Café De Paris butter works beautifully as a spread on freshly baked bread or warm baguette. It’s a luxurious twist on the classic buttered bread.
5. Pasta: Toss your favorite pasta in this butter instead of the usual olive oil or cream sauce. The result is a rich, flavorful pasta dish that’s different from your typical Italian fare.
6. Eggs: Scrambled eggs, omelets or even poached eggs on toast benefit from a dollop of this buttery goodness. It gives eggs an extra layer of flavor that’s super indulgent.
7. Grilled Chicken: A grilled chicken breast topped with a spoonful of Café De Paris butter will make a simple meal feel like something special.
8. Seafood: It’s a match made in heaven with shrimp, crab or lobster. The buttery richness makes seafood taste even more luxurious.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Jamie Oliver’s Cafe De Paris Butter?

You’ll need butter, fresh herbs (like tarragon and parsley), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, shallots, and some seasoning. Plus, a touch of brandy for the signature flavor!

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cafe De Paris Butter In Advance?

Yes! It’s actually better when made ahead of time. Just wrap it up and store it in the fridge for a few hours or even a day before using.

What Can I Serve With Cafe De Paris Butter?

It’s perfect with steak, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. You can also spread it on bread or top off a baked potato.