Compound butter for fish
Compound butter for fish is a flavorful, softened butter blended with herbs, citrus, and seasonings, designed to melt over cooked fish to add richness and complexity. Originating from French cuisine, it's a classic finishing technique that enhances the natural flavors of seafood without overpowering them.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This is a high-fat condiment, with nearly all calories coming from butter's saturated and monounsaturated fats, providing vitamins A and K. A typical serving is around 1 tablespoon (14g) and contains approximately 100-110 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 102 kcal |
| Protein | 0.1 g |
| Carbs | 0.1 g |
| Fat | 11.5 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 85 mg |
| Vitamin A | 90 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin K | 1.5 mcg |
| Saturated Fat | 7.3 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3.0 g |
| Cholesterol | 31 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.3 mg |
| Calcium | 4 mg |
| Iron | 0.02 mg |
Per 1 tablespoon (14 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a hallmark of French culinary technique, embodying the principle of 'mise en place' (preparation) for elegant, restaurant-quality finishing. Nutritionally, the herbs and citrus zest can add trace antioxidants and a burst of flavor without significant calories, making it a potent flavor enhancer.
