Jalapeño Honey Tequila Steak with Grilled Lime Butter

This isn’t your average steak night. Say hello to Jalapeño Honey Tequila Steak with Grilled Lime Butter—a bold, zesty, slightly spicy, and totally unforgettable dish that brings big flavor and backyard vibes to your table. Imagine a juicy, tequila-marinated steak kissed with jalapeño heat, a drizzle of golden honey for balance, and then… topped with a smoky grilled lime butter that melts into every seared edge.

Yes, it’s a little wild. Yes, it’s absolutely worth it. And yes—you’ll be making this again and again.

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What Is Jalapeño Honey Tequila Steak with Grilled Lime Butter?

This dish starts with a tequila-based marinade infused with jalapeño, lime, garlic, and honey—perfect for tenderizing steak while packing it with bright, bold flavor. After a quick grill or sear, the steak is finished with a compound butter made from grilled limes, butter, and salt, melting over the top for the ultimate flavor bomb.

It’s spicy, sweet, tangy, buttery—and downright irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, spicy, smoky—a flavor trio made in heaven
• Marinated for max tenderness and taste
• Grilled lime butter adds a unique, smoky finish
• Perfect for summer grilling or indoor cast iron cooking
• Makes a fancy-feeling dinner with super simple ingredients

What Does It Taste Like?

Every bite is an explosion of flavor. You get the tangy citrus and smooth warmth from the tequila, the heat of the jalapeño, the sweetness of the honey, and the deep, savory caramelization from a good sear. Then comes that grilled lime butter—buttery, slightly charred, and vibrant with a citrus punch that lifts the whole dish.

It’s the kind of steak that doesn’t even need a sauce—the marinade and butter take it over the top.

Benefits of Making This Recipe

• High-protein, low-carb, and packed with flavor
• Great for entertaining or date night
• Easy to double for cookouts and summer parties
• Can be grilled, seared, or even broiled
• Pairs with a variety of fresh, summery sides

Ingredients for Jalapeño Honey Tequila Steak with Grilled Lime Butter

For the steak + marinade:

• 2 ribeye or New York strip steaks (about 1-inch thick)
• 1/4 cup tequila (silver or reposado)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the grilled lime butter:

• 1 lime, halved
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• Pinch of sea salt
• Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Grill or cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Citrus zester and juicer
• Tongs
• Basting brush (optional)
• Small bowl for mixing butter

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Swap tequila with mezcal for a smoky twist, or use citrus juice + vinegar if you want it alcohol-free
• Use flank steak or skirt steak for a more budget-friendly option
• Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for extra heat
• Use agave syrup or maple syrup in place of honey if desired
• Top with cotija cheese or avocado slices for a taco-style vibe

How to Make Jalapeño Honey Tequila Steak with Grilled Lime Butter

1. Marinate the steak

• In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine tequila, lime juice, lime zest, honey, jalapeño, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Add the steaks and marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours in the fridge.
• Remove steaks from marinade and pat dry just before cooking.

2. Make the grilled lime butter

• Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high.
• Place the lime halves cut-side down and grill until charred—about 2–3 minutes.
• Let cool slightly, then squeeze the grilled lime juice into a bowl with softened butter and a pinch of salt.
• Mix until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Cook the steak

• Grill or pan-sear steaks over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
• Let steaks rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking.

4. Finish and serve

• While resting, top steaks with a generous dollop of grilled lime butter.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges if desired.
• Serve hot and let that butter melt into every savory bite!

What to Serve with Jalapeño Honey Tequila Steak

This bold dish pairs beautifully with fresh and simple sides like:

• Mexican street corn or elote salad
• Grilled zucchini or bell peppers
• Cilantro lime rice or cauliflower rice
• Avocado salad or black bean mango salsa
• Charred corn tortillas or warm naan

And don’t forget a cold margarita or tequila spritz on the side!

Tips for the Best Jalapeño Honey Tequila Steak

• Don’t over-marinate—30 minutes to 4 hours max to avoid mushy texture.
• Always let steak rest after cooking for juicier results.
• Use high heat for that perfect sear and caramelization.
• Adjust jalapeño to taste—leave the seeds for more heat, remove for mild.
• Taste the lime butter before serving and adjust salt or citrus as needed.

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftover steak tightly wrapped for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked steak for up to 2 months. Slice before freezing for easy reheating.
• Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low or slice and warm in a sauce or taco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without tequila?

Absolutely. Substitute with lime juice plus a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or orange juice for tang.

Can I grill the steaks instead of pan-searing?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for the grill—charcoal or gas.

Can I use bone-in steaks?

Sure! Just adjust the cook time slightly—bone-in may take 1–2 minutes longer per side.

Is it spicy?

The heat is mild to moderate, but you can easily dial it up or down by adjusting the amount of jalapeño and whether you include the seeds.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to shake up your steak routine, this Jalapeño Honey Tequila Steak with Grilled Lime Butter is the way to do it. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and just fancy enough to make you feel like a grill master. Whether you’re serving it up at your next BBQ or just treating yourself to something bold and different—this recipe is here to impress.

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