Description

These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are packed with bold, savory flavors featuring tender sirloin steak seared to perfection and topped with a rich and zesty herb-infused butter. Perfect for game day, parties, or a hearty snack, these sliders combine smoky spices, fresh herbs, and melty provolone for an irresistible bite-sized treat.

Ingredients

Scale

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 Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steak and Seasoning

1.5 pounds sirloin steak, or your favorite cut for sliders (flank steak or ribeye also work well)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

Sliders

12 slider buns, split
4 ounces provolone cheese, sliced (or your favorite cheese)
Optional toppings: caramelized onions, arugula, sliced tomatoes

Instructions

Prepare the Cowboy Butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For best flavor, chill the butter for at least 30 minutes before use.
Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear. In a small bowl, mix salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the steak, pressing lightly to adhere.
Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness, or adjust the cooking time according to your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium. This ensures tender and juicy meat.
Rest and Slice: Remove the steak from the skillet and transfer to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes to let the juices redistribute. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
Assemble the Sliders: Lightly toast the slider buns to provide a slight crunch and prevent sogginess. Spread a generous layer of Cowboy Butter on both the top and bottom halves of each bun. Place a slice of provolone cheese on the bottom half, then pile on the sliced steak. Add any optional toppings such as caramelized onions, arugula, or sliced tomatoes if desired. For an extra burst of flavor, add a dollop of Cowboy Butter on top of the steak before placing the top bun.
Serve: Serve the sliders immediately while warm to enjoy the melty cheese and flavorful butter blending with the steak. These sliders pair wonderfully with classic sides like fries or a crisp salad.

Notes

Chilling the Cowboy Butter enhances the flavors and firms it for easier spreading.
Use a sharp knife to slice the steak thinly for tender bites in the sliders.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred heat level.
Steak doneness can be customized; just remember to rest the meat before slicing for juiciness.
Optional toppings like caramelized onions and arugula add extra texture and flavor variety.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cowboy Butter, Steak Sliders, Sirloin Steak, Slider Recipe, Appetizer, Game Day Food, Savory Butter, Cast Iron Skillet