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February 15, 2025 Beef

Spicy Herb Marinated Steak on the Traeger

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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.

Sliced Bavette steak cooked to a perfect medium-rare, served on a wooden cutting board with grilled pineapple salsa, a habanero pepper, and a side of green herb sauce.
Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor—this Spicy Herb Marinated Bavette Steak is grilled to perfection and paired with a sweet and smoky grilled pineapple salsa. A true summer grilling masterpiece!

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.


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.


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
Fresh ingredients for a spicy herb marinade, including cilantro, green onions, garlic cloves, a bright orange habanero pepper, and two limes, arranged on a marble countertop.
Fresh, vibrant, and packed with bold flavors! These simple ingredients—cilantro, habanero, garlic, lime, and green onions—come together to create a zesty, spicy herb marinade perfect for steak, chicken, or seafood.

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.
  • A close-up of vibrant green herb marinade being poured onto a raw Bavette steak, preparing it for grilling.
    Getting ready to infuse this Bavette steak with bold flavors! This spicy herb marinade, packed with garlic, habanero, cilantro, and lime, will take this Traeger-grilled steak to the next level.
  • A vibrant green herb marinade being poured over a raw Bavette steak in a pan, preparing it for grilling.
    Coating this Bavette steak in a bold, spicy herb marinade packed with garlic, habanero, cilantro, and lime. Let it soak up the flavor before hitting the Traeger grill!

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).
A Bavette steak marinating in a vibrant green herb and habanero marinade, sitting in a pan near a Traeger grill.
This Bavette steak is soaking up all the bold flavors of a spicy herb marinade, packed with garlic, habanero, cilantro, and lime. Get ready for a perfectly tender and flavorful Traeger-grilled steak!

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!

  • Bavette steak covered in a vibrant green herb marinade cooking on a Traeger grill, slowly absorbing smoky flavors.
    This Bavette steak is hitting the Traeger grill, slow-cooking to perfection while soaking up the smoky flavors and bold, herbaceous marinade. Low and slow for ultimate tenderness!
  • A Bavette steak with a flavorful sear cooking on a hot griddle, locking in the juices and bold herb marinade flavors.
    Searing this Bavette steak to perfection on a hot griddle! That beautiful crust adds the perfect texture to the smoky, herb-marinated Traeger-grilled steak.

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.

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!


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.

A close-up of a perfectly seared Bavette steak on a hot griddle, showcasing a flavorful crust and caramelized marinade.
That crust is pure perfection! This Bavette steak, seared after slow-cooking on the Traeger, locks in bold, smoky, and herbaceous flavors with a beautifully charred exterior.

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!

Sliced Bavette steak cooked to a perfect medium-rare, served on a wooden cutting board with grilled pineapple salsa, a habanero pepper, and a side of green herb sauce.

Spicy Herb Marinated Steak on the Traeger

thisjewcanque
This Spicy Herb Marinated Bavette Steak is packed with bold flavors from fresh garlic, habanero, cilantro, and lime. Slow-cooked on a Traeger grill and finished with a hot sear, this steak is juicy, tender, and full of smoky goodness. Paired with a sweet and tangy grilled pineapple salsa, this dish is perfect for summer grilling. Serve it sliced against the grain for the most tender bite, and enjoy a restaurant-quality steak right from your backyard!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
Course beef, entree, main, Main Course, steak
Cuisine American, bistro, comfort, fusion, steakhouse
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • Traeger grill
  • Traeger Griddle (Ranger or Flatrock)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Shallow bowl or pan
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 handful cilantro leaves, rinsed
  • 1 habanero pepper, roughly chopped seeds removed if you want it less spicy
  • 2 stalks green onions, roughly chopped
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 Bavette steak about 1 pound

Grilled Pineapple Sauce

  • 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and cut in 8 spears
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 habanero pepper, finely diced use as much as you want for spicy level of your liking
  • 3 sprigs cilantro, chopped
  • 1 green onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lime, juiced

Instructions
 

  • In a blender or food processor, combine first 5 ingredients and blend until smooth.
  • Add olive oil to the blender and process again until the mixture is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Trim and pat the steak dry with a paper towel.
  • Pour marinade over steak and turn to coat. Cover and place in fridge for at least 30 minutes, and up to 8 hours.
  • Preheat Traeger grill to 225°. When grill is hot, place steak in the center of the grill and close the lid.
  • Grill steak until internal temperature reaches about 115°.
  • While steak is grilling, toss pineapple spears in brown sugar.
  • When steak reaches 115° internal temperature, remove it from the grill and pat it dry with a paper towel. Season with salt, pepper and garlic.
  • Meanwhie crank up the temperature of your grill to the highest setting possible for searing.
  • When grill is super hot, sear the steak for about 60 seconds per side until internal temperature reaches about 130° and outside has grill marks or a nice char.
  • Remove steak to plate and tent with foil.
  • On the same hot grill, place pineapple spears on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and carmelized.
  • In a bowl, combine sauce ingredients and roughly chop the pineapple spears. Combine all ingredients together and season to taste.
  • Slice the steak against the grain and serve with pineapple sauce.
Keyword grilled steak, herb marinated steak, marinated steak, marinated steak recipe, Picanha Traeger recipe, spicy herb marinated steak recipe, Traeger steak recipe

Categories: Beef Tags: bavette steak, bavette steak recipe, grilling, marinated steak recipe, steak, Traeger marinated steak, Traeger steak, Traeger steak recipe

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