A Bit of History
Café de Paris butter is a famous compound butter, also known as finishing butter, that originated in Switzerland—not France, as the name might suggest. It was created in the 1930s at the Café de Paris restaurant in Geneva to accompany grilled meats, particularly steak.
Packed with herbs, spices, mustard, and a hint of umami, this butter adds a luxurious finishing touch to any dish.
Traditionally, it is placed atop a sizzling steak, melting into a rich, flavourful sauce. It has since become a favourite for grilled meats, seafood, and even vegetables. The best part? It’s a no-cook recipe, meaning you just mix, chill, and enjoy!
Introducing "Café de Braai Butter"
Bringing the bold flavours of a South African braai into this classic recipe, we’ve given it an OZ Braai Awesome Spice twist. This version embraces smoky, spicy, and tangy notes—perfect for flame-grilled meats, boerewors, or even melting over a hot mielie (corn on the cob).
Ingredients for Café de Braai Butter
250g (1 cup) unsalted buttersoftened
2 tsp OZ Braai Awesome Spice we used Signature Braai Spice (for that perfect balance of smokiness and spice)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clovefinely minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground coriander a nod to South Africa’s love for this spice
1 tbsp fresh parsleychopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
Zest of 1 lemon for a fresh, citrusy lift
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
1Mix it Up – In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until smooth and well blended.
2Shape it – Spoon the butter mixture onto a piece of baking paper or cling film. Roll it into a log shape and twist the ends to secure it.
3Chill – Refrigerate for at least an hour or until firm.
4Slice & Serve – Cut discs of the butter and place them onto your hot steak, boerewors, grilled chicken, or even veggies.
5Let it melt and infuse your meal with South African-inspired flavour!
Serving Ideas
- Melt over a juicy steak straight off the braai.
- Slather onto grilled boerewors rolls.
- Add to seafood like barramundi for a rich, smoky finish.
- Spread onto freshly baked bread for a spicy, herby treat.
- Toss with roasted vegetables for a burst of bold flavours.
- Use any of the OZ Braai Awesome Spice range to personalise your Cafe De Braai Butter
Why Café de Braai?
This South African-inspired compound butter takes the elegance of Café de Paris butter and amps it up with the bold, smoky, and spicy flavours of a true braai experience. It’s easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to impress your guests at your next braai or gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Café de Braai Butter
250g (1 cup) unsalted buttersoftened
2 tsp OZ Braai Awesome Spice we used Signature Braai Spice (for that perfect balance of smokiness and spice)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clovefinely minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground coriander a nod to South Africa’s love for this spice
1 tbsp fresh parsleychopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
Zest of 1 lemon for a fresh, citrusy lift
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
Method
1Mix it Up – In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until smooth and well blended.
2Shape it – Spoon the butter mixture onto a piece of baking paper or cling film. Roll it into a log shape and twist the ends to secure it.
3Chill – Refrigerate for at least an hour or until firm.
4Slice & Serve – Cut discs of the butter and place them onto your hot steak, boerewors, grilled chicken, or even veggies.
5Let it melt and infuse your meal with South African-inspired flavour!
Café de Braai Butter – A South African Twist on a French Classic
