Spicy Herb Marinated Steak on the Traeger

As the summer sun blazes, there’s nothing better than a refreshing, flavor-packed grilled steak to satisfy your cravings. This Spicy Herb Marinated Steak, perfectly seared on a Traeger grill and paired with a zesty grilled pineapple salsa, is a must-try for your next backyard BBQ.

This recipe brings together the bold flavors of habanero peppers, fresh herbs, and citrus, creating a tender, juicy steak with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Plus, it’s easy to customize—turn up the heat with more habanero or keep it mild for a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, summer cookout, or even meal prepping, this Traeger steak recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe For Marinated Steak

✔️ Bold & Spicy: The habanero and fresh herbs add a kick of flavor without overpowering the steak.
✔️ Perfectly Tender: The Traeger’s slow-smoke method locks in moisture, making each bite melt in your mouth.
✔️ Versatile Marinade: Use this garlic-cilantro-lime marinade on steak, chicken, fish, or even shrimp!
✔️ Sweet & Savory Pairing: The grilled pineapple salsa adds a tropical, caramelized contrast to the spicy steak.

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What is Bavette Steak?

For this recipe, I use a Bavette steak, a richly marbled and tender cut from the lower belly of the cow. It’s similar to flank steak or skirt steak and absorbs marinades beautifully, making it a top pick for bold flavors.

Alternative Cuts:

• Flank steak – Leaner but still flavorful
• Skirt steak – Thinner and slightly more fibrous
• Hanger steak – Tender and beefy

If you can’t find Bavette steak, any of these cuts will work well with this marinade.

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The Key to a Flavor-Packed Marinade

The magic of this recipe is in the spicy herb marinade. It penetrates the steak, tenderizing the meat and infusing it with garlicky, citrusy, and spicy goodness.

Marinade Ingredients:

• 2 limes, juiced – Adds acidity to break down muscle fibers for tenderness
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled – Infuses deep, savory flavor
• 1 handful fresh cilantro leaves – Brings herbaceous freshness
• 1 habanero pepper, chopped (seeds removed for less heat) – Adds smoky, fruity spice
• 2 green onions, roughly chopped – Mild oniony bite
• 1/3 cup olive oil – Helps distribute flavors and keeps the meat moist
• Salt & pepper to taste – Enhances all the flavors

How to Make the Marinade:

1. Blend Ingredients – In a blender or food processor, combine lime juice, garlic, habanero, cilantro, and green onions.
2. Add Olive Oil – Blend until smooth, then slowly drizzle in olive oil to create a thick but pourable marinade.
3. Season to Taste – Add salt and pepper to balance flavors.

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Marinating the Steak for Maximum Flavor

Marinating time is crucial for flavor absorption, but over-marinating can make the meat mushy.

✔️ Ideal Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 8 hours
❌ Avoid Over-Marinating: Anything longer than 8 hours can break down the meat too much.

How to Marinate:

1. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel.
2. Place steak in a shallow dish or zip-top bag.
3. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s fully coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).

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How to Cook the Perfect Bavette Steak on a Traeger

A Traeger grill makes it easy to achieve restaurant-quality steak at home. We’ll use a two-step method: slow-smoke, then sear.

Step 1: Slow-Smoke for Tenderness

1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F.
2. Place the marinated steak on the grill grates and close the lid.
3. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 115°F (about 45-60 minutes).
4. Remove steak from grill and pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Sear for the Perfect Crust

1. Increase the grill temperature to 450°F+ (or use a cast-iron skillet for extra heat).
2. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra flavor.
3. Sear for 60-90 seconds per side until a deep crust forms.
4. Cook to your preferred doneness:
   • Rare: 125°F
   • Medium-Rare: 130°F (Recommended)
   • Medium: 140°F
5. Remove steak from grill and rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tip: Slice against the grain for the most tender bites!

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Sweet & Spicy Grilled Pineapple Salsa

This grilled pineapple salsa brings a sweet, smoky, and spicy contrast to the steak.

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored & cut into 8 spears
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (for caramelization)
• 1 habanero pepper, finely diced
• 3 sprigs cilantro, chopped
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt & pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Toss pineapple spears with brown sugar and let sit for a few minutes.
2. Grill at high heat for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until caramelized.
3. Chop pineapple into bite-sized pieces and combine with habanero, cilantro, green onion, lime juice, and olive oil.
4. Season with salt & pepper to taste.

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Serving Suggestions

✔️ Serve steak sliced against the grain with grilled pineapple salsa spooned on top.
✔️ Pair with grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.
✔️ Use leftovers for tacos, burrito bowls, or sandwiches!

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Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Recipe

This Spicy Herb Marinated Steak is a game-changer for summer grilling. With its perfect smoky char, bold marinade, and sweet heat from the salsa, it’s an unforgettable dish that’s easy to make on your Traeger grill.

If you’re looking for a unique, flavor-packed steak recipe, this one hits all the right notes.

🔥 Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram (@thisjewcanque) with your grill creations.

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More Delicious Traeger Recipes to Try:

• Citrus Marinated Skirt Steak
• Adobo Marinated Skirt Steak
• Truffle Oil Marinated Steak

📌 Pin this recipe for later & follow for more Traeger grill inspiration!