Sous Vide Compound Butters (5 Flavors): Temperature & Time Guide
Compound butter is the sous vide cook's finishing weapon: a cold slice of flavored butter melts over hot food and adds restaurant-level flavor.
Our top pick
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
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Quick comparison
| Pick | Why we like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Anova Precision Cooker 3.0 | A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking. | View → |
| Instant-read meat thermometer | Use one to verify your water bath and spot-check the finish — a $15 probe removes all guesswork. | View → |
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
Editor’s PickA circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
- + On-device temperature control
- + 1100W heats fast
- + Recipe library for temps
- − Premium price
- − Some app features paywalled
Free shipping on eligible items
Use one to verify your water bath and spot-check the finish — a $15 probe removes all guesswork.
- + Verifies actual temperature
- + Cheap insurance
- − Not needed if your circulator is accurate
Free shipping on eligible items
Buying advice
Base: soften 1 stick butter. Add-ins: garlic-herb (roasted garlic, thyme, parsley); truffle (truffle oil, salt); citrus (zest, juice); chili (chili flakes, honey); blue cheese (crumbled, cracked pepper). Roll in parchment, chill, slice. Top steaks, fish, and vegetables after the sear.
FAQ
What's the best compound butter?
Garlic-herb — the steakhouse classic that suits almost everything.
How long does it keep?
2 weeks refrigerated, 3 months frozen.
When do I add it?
After the sear, on the rested food — let it melt over the surface.
Ready to cook perfectly?
Our top pick for this guide — check today’s price and clip any on-page coupon on Amazon:
Anova Precision Cooker 3.0
A circulator with an on-device screen makes it easy to dial these exact temps without touching your phone — our top pick for precision cooking.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Want exact temps and times? Use our free sous vide calculators.