COWBOY BUTTER STEAK SLIDERS AMAZING

Imagine juicy, perfectly cooked steak, piled high on soft slider buns, and drenched in a flavorful, herb-infused Cowboy Butter that’ll make your tastebuds sing! These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are the answer to your next party appetizer or a satisfying weeknight dinner, and I promise you, they are easier to make than you think!

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients

Before we dive into the deliciousness, let’s make sure we have everything we need. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples! I’ve broken it down for you:

For the Cowboy Butter:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Steak:

• 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin steak, about 1 inch thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or your favorite kind!)
• Optional: Provolone cheese slices

The Secret’s in the Steak: Choosing the Right Cut

Okay, listen up! The quality of your steak REALLY matters here. While you can technically use any steak, flank steak or sirloin are my go-to choices for these sliders. They’re relatively affordable, cook quickly, and are packed with flavor. Flank steak is a bit leaner, while sirloin has a slightly richer taste. Either will work beautifully, just make sure you don’t overcook them!

Crafting the Perfect Cowboy Butter: The Star of the Show

Now, let’s talk about the heart and soul of these sliders: the Cowboy Butter! This isn’t just any butter; it’s an explosion of flavor that will transform your steak into something truly special. Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs; they make all the difference.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, my friend, it’s time to get our hands dirty and create some slider magic! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying those amazing Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Cowboy Butter

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and Dijon mustard.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Set aside at room temperature or refrigerate until ready to use. (If refrigerating, let it soften slightly before using.)

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak

1. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear!
2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
3. Rub the steak with olive oil and then generously season with the garlic powder mixture on both sides.
4. Heat a large cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until smoking hot.
5. Carefully place the steak in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your preferred internal temperature. (I aim for 130-135°F for medium-rare)

Step 3: Rest and Slice the Steak

1. Remove the steak from the skillet and place it on a cutting board.
2. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
3. Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the steak against the grain. This is KEY for tenderness!

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

1. Slice the slider buns in half.
2. Optional: If you’re using cheese, place a slice of provolone on the bottom half of each bun.
3. Pile the sliced steak onto the buns.
4. Generously spread the Cowboy Butter over the steak. Don’t be shy!
5. Top with the other half of the bun.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders immediately and watch them disappear!

Tips and Tricks for Slider Success

Okay, here are a few insider tips to make sure your sliders are absolutely perfect:

• Don’t Overcook the Steak: This is the biggest mistake people make! Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
• Slice Against the Grain: This is crucial for tender steak, especially with flank steak. Look for the lines of muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them.
• Make the Cowboy Butter Ahead of Time: The Cowboy Butter can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you’re serving the sliders.
• Toast the Buns: For extra flavor and texture, lightly toast the slider buns before assembling.
• Get Creative with Toppings: While the Cowboy Butter is amazing on its own, feel free to add other toppings like caramelized onions, pickled jalapenos, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Variations: Spice It Up!

Want to put your own spin on these sliders? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Cowboy Butter: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter for an extra kick.
• Garlic Lover’s Dream: Double the amount of garlic in the Cowboy Butter (if you dare!).
• Cheese Please!: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are fantastic on their own, but here are a few side dish ideas to round out your meal:

• French fries or sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw or potato salad
• A simple green salad
• Corn on the cob

Storing Leftovers: If There Are Any!

If you happen to have any leftover sliders (which is unlikely!), store the steak and buns separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the steak gently in a skillet or microwave, and assemble the sliders just before serving. The Cowboy Butter can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Other Steak Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a steak fanatic like me, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious recipes! Why not try some flavorful Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls for a fresh and vibrant meal? Or, for a classic comfort food dish, you can’t go wrong with Salisbury Steak Recipe. Craving something with an Asian twist? Try this easy Chinese Beef And Broccoli or a savory Pepper Steak Recipe! For another fun handheld option check out these Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups, or even this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta!

Conclusion: You’ve Got This!

So, there you have it! Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. Don’t be intimidated by the “gourmet” factor; I’ve broken it down into simple steps that anyone can follow. Grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create slider magic! I can’t wait to hear how much you and your loved ones enjoy them!