Chili Lime Butter Recipes

Chili lime butter is a flavored compound butter made with dairy butter, lime zest or juice, chili powder or fresh chiles, and often a touch of salt, garlic, or cilantro. It brings richness, tangy citrus, and gentle heat to simple dishes without needing a long sauce or marinade. Use it as a finishing butter for grilled corn, shrimp, fish, steak, roasted sweet potatoes, and sautéed vegetables. It also melts beautifully over rice bowls, tacos, quesadillas, baked potatoes, or warm tortillas for fast flavor. Because the butter carries the chile and lime flavor, a small amount can transform lean proteins and vegetables. Add it at the end of cooking to preserve the fresh lime aroma and keep the butter from browning too much.