Irresistible Café de Paris Steak with Butter Sauce

Café de Paris – Steak with Butter Sauce
Introduction
Café de Paris steak is a classic dish that brings a taste of French cuisine to your dinner table. The star of this recipe is the rich and flavorful butter sauce that sits atop a perfectly cooked steak, adding depth and indulgence to what is already a beloved meal. This dish is perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, or any time you want to treat yourself to something truly special.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Café de Paris steak at home allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your house. The combination of tender steak and aromatic butter sauce creates a delightful experience for your taste buds. Moreover, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow, whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook. Impress your family and friends with a delicious meal that they will remember.
How to Make Café de Paris – Steak with Butter Sauce
The preparation of this dish involves creating the famous Café de Paris butter and cooking your steak to perfection. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- 100g / 7 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tbsp eschalot (small, very finely chopped)
- 1 garlic (finely minced)
- 3 anchovy fillets (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp curry powder (mild)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (plain or sweet, not smoked or spicy)
- 1 tsp kosher / cooking salt
- 2 tsp tarragon (finely chopped)
- 2 tsp parsley (finely chopped)
- Steaks of choice
- 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt per steak
- 1/4 tsp black pepper per steak
- 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
Directions:
Café de Paris butter:
- Place the softened butter and all other ingredients (escaloth, garlic, anchovy fillets, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, curry powder, paprika, salt, tarragon, and parsley) in a bowl and mix to combine.
- Place the mixture on cling wrap and roughly shape it into a 20cm / 8" log using spatulas or butter knives.
- Roll up the cling wrap, twist the ends tightly. As you tighten the ends, the butter will shape into a neat, firm log.
- Tie the ends if needed to keep the shape, then refrigerate for about 3 hours or until firm.
- To use, slice into 0.7cm (1/3") slices, and allow them to soften to room temperature before placing them on hot steak.
Cooking Steak:
- Bring the steaks to room temperature by taking them out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Heat the vegetable or canola oil in a heavy-based skillet over high heat until it’s very hot – you should see smoke!
- Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper, then place them in the hot skillet.
- Cook the steak to your desired doneness (for a 2cm / 3/4" thick steak, cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side for medium rare).
- After cooking, transfer steaks to a warm plate, cover loosely with foil, and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Café de Paris – Steak with Butter Sauce
Serve the Café de Paris steak hot, topped with 2 slices of the prepared butter. The butter will melt over the steak, creating a delicious sauce that pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
How to Store Café de Paris – Steak with Butter Sauce
If you have leftovers, slice the steak and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the butter, you can keep it in the fridge for the same duration or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Café de Paris – Steak with Butter Sauce
- Make sure your steak is at room temperature before cooking to achieve an even cook.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness if you’re unsure.
- Let the steak rest after cooking to retain its juices.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with herbs in the butter sauce, such as chives or dill, based on your personal tastes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of steak?
Yes, you can use any cut of steak you prefer, like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon.
2. How can I tell if the steak is cooked to the right temperature?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check doneness. Medium rare is generally around 52°C (125°F).
3. Can I make the butter sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Enjoy your delicious Café de Paris steak with butter sauce, and delight in this tasty French classic at home!

Café de Paris – Steak with Butter Sauce
Ingredients
Café de Paris Butter
- 100 g unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tbsp eschalot (small, very finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced)
- 3 fillets anchovy fillets (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp curry powder (mild)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (plain or sweet) not smoked or spicy
- 1 tsp kosher / cooking salt
- 2 tsp tarragon (finely chopped)
- 2 tsp parsley (finely chopped)
Steaks
- 1 piece Steaks of choice Use any cut preferred, like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon.
- 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt per steak
- 1/4 tsp black pepper per steak
- 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
Café de Paris Butter Preparation
- Place the softened butter and all other ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine.
- Shape the mixture into a log using cling wrap and refrigerate for about 3 hours or until firm.
- Slice the butter into 0.7cm slices and let soften to room temperature before placing on hot steak.
Cooking Steak
- Bring the steaks to room temperature by taking them out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
- Heat oil in a heavy-based skillet over high heat until hot.
- Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet.
- Cook the steak for approximately 2 minutes on each side for medium rare.
- Transfer steaks to a warm plate, cover loosely with foil, and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.