Herb butter

Herb butter, or beurre maître d'hôtel, is a classic French compound butter made by blending softened butter with finely chopped fresh herbs, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. It is traditionally served as a finishing touch on grilled steaks, fish, or vegetables, adding a rich, aromatic flavor. This versatile condiment originated in French cuisine and is named after the maître d'hôtel, the headwaiter of a restaurant.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is almost entirely fat, with negligible carbohydrates and protein, making it a high-calorie, high-fat condiment. A single tablespoon provides a significant dose of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A and some Vitamin K, along with a notable amount of cholesterol.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	100 kcal
Protein	0.1 g
Carbs	0.1 g
Fat	11.5 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	75 mg
Vitamin A	95 mcg RAE
Vitamin K	5 mcg
Vitamin E	0.3 mg
Cholesterol	30 mg
Saturated Fat	7.3 g
Monounsaturated Fat	3.4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.4 g
Sodium	75 mg

Per 1 tablespoon (14 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, beurre maître d'hôtel is a cornerstone of French 'haute cuisine' technique, demonstrating how simple, high-quality ingredients can elevate a dish. Nutritionally, while calorie-dense, it delivers concentrated flavor, allowing a small amount to enhance a meal significantly.