These Easy Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are a tasty treat! Juicy steak is topped with a buttery, zesty sauce and served on soft buns. Perfect for a crowd or just a fun family dinner!
I love how quick these sliders are to make. Just grill the steak, whip up the sauce, and you’re ready to go! They always vanish at my gatherings. Who can resist that buttery goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Flank or sirloin steak are great choices for sliders. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, use skirt steak or even a nice cut of chicken. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is important so you can control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, try using vegan butter or olive oil for a different flavor. It won’t be the same, but still tasty!
Spices: The spice blend here is adjustable. If you want more heat, add more cayenne. If you prefer milder flavors, skip it altogether and just use garlic and onion powder.
Buns: Slider buns are soft, but you can swap them for whole wheat or gluten-free buns if needed. You can even use lettuce wraps for a lighter option!
How Do I Make the Cowboy Butter Just Right?
The cowboy butter is crucial for flavor! Start by making sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. If you want an extra kick, let it sit for a bit after mixing to let the flavors meld. This makes it even tastier when you spread it on your buns!
- Mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and optional cayenne until smooth.
- Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavors before using.
Easy Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin steak
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the Cowboy Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Assembling the Sliders:
- 8 slider buns or small sandwich rolls
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
- Sliced pickles, for serving (optional)
- Sliced red onion, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total! You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep and 20 minutes cooking and assembling. It’s quick, easy, and a great way to impress your family or friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
First, preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. This will ensure your steak gets a nice sear and cooks perfectly.
2. Seasoning the Steak:
In a small bowl, mix together **garlic powder**, **smoked paprika**, **onion powder**, **salt**, and **black pepper**. Pat the steak dry and rub the spice mixture generously on both sides to ensure it’s well seasoned.
3. Grilling the Steak:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the seasoned steak on the grill for about **4-5 minutes** on each side for medium rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Once done, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for **5 minutes** to keep it juicy. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain.
4. Making the Cowboy Butter:
While the steak is resting, prepare the cowboy butter! In a small bowl, combine **softened butter**, **minced garlic**, **chopped parsley**, **Worcestershire sauce**, and **cayenne pepper** (if you like a little heat). Mix everything together until well blended and smooth.
5. Toasting the Buns:
Next, slice the slider buns in half and lightly toast them on the grill or in a pan until they’re golden and warm. This adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy!
6. Assembling the Sliders:
Spread a generous amount of cowboy butter on both halves of each bun. On the bottom half, layer the **lettuce**, sliced **steak**, and top with **pickles** and **red onions** if desired. Cap it off with the top of the bun.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your sliders immediately while they’re warm. These bites are deliciously juicy, full of flavor, and sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders—perfect for any gathering or just a fun weeknight dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Steak for Sliders?
Absolutely! While flank or sirloin steak works great, cuts like ribeye or tenderloin are also delicious choices. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak.
How Can I Make the Sliders Spicy?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add more cayenne pepper to the cowboy butter or include spicy pickles or jalapeños as toppings. You can also use a hot sauce in the butter for an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for best results to avoid sogginess, or microwave for a quick option.
Can I Make the Cowboy Butter Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cowboy butter a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Allow it to soften at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before using it on your sliders.
