These Easy Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are a tasty treat! Juicy steak pieces are slathered in a buttery, garlicky sauce and served on soft slider buns.
Honestly, who can resist that buttery goodness? I love adding a little lettuce and some cheese for an extra crunch. Perfect for game days or cozy dinners with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Flank steak is a great choice for these sliders, but you can also use sirloin or ribeye. If you’re after something leaner, consider using chicken breast or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Cowboy Butter: This butter mix is the star! You can swap in different herbs like chives or cilantro based on your taste. If you can’t find smoked paprika, regular paprika will still work, though it has a milder flavor.
Buns: Slider buns are fantastic, but any small sandwich roll will do! Try using whole grain, brioche, or even gluten-free buns if needed. I like to lightly toast them for extra texture!
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment! Pepper jack offers a nice kick, or you could use Swiss or provolone for a different flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Steak is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking steak to the right doneness can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a preheated grill or skillet to ensure even cooking.
- Cook flank steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare (130-135°F). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your steak juicy.
Slice the steak against the grain for tender bites in your sliders. This means cutting through the muscle fibers rather than along them. Happy cooking!
Easy Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin steak
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slider buns or small sandwich rolls
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
- Lettuce leaves, for serving (optional)
For the Cowboy Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time, plus another 10-15 minutes for cooking. You’ll spend just a few minutes making the delicious cowboy butter and cooking the steak, then it’s time to assemble the sliders!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cowboy Butter:
Start by combining the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, onion powder, chili powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until well combined and set it aside to let the flavors mingle.
2. Prepare the Steak:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, generously season the steak with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Cook the Steak:
Add the olive oil to the skillet or brush it onto the grill grates. Place the seasoned steak in and cook it for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the time if you prefer a different level of doneness.
4. Rest and Slice the Steak:
Once cooked, remove the steak from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes to keep it juicy. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain.
5. Toast the Buns:
While your steak is resting, you can toast your slider buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster until they are golden brown. This gives them a nice crunchy texture!
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Spread a generous amount of cowboy butter on the sliced steak. Then, layer the steak slices onto each toasted bun. If you’d like, add a piece of lettuce and a slice of cheddar cheese to each slider.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your sliders immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors!
This recipe yields about 4 sliders. Feel free to double or triple the ingredients for more servings. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are great choices, you can also use ribeye or even tenderloin for a richer flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed, depending on the thickness of the cut.
How Can I Store Leftover Sliders?
If you have any sliders left over, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on a skillet to avoid making the buns too soggy.
Can I Make the Cowboy Butter in Advance?
Yes! The cowboy butter can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the mixture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and let it come to room temperature before using it to make spreading easier.
Is There a Vegetarian Alternative?
Certainly! You can replace the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian slider. Just season and cook the mushrooms similarly, and enjoy the same cowboy butter for extra flavor!
