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Pistachio Butter and Steak Recipe

grilled ribeye steaks with pistachio butter on a black cutting board

You can make pistachio butter creamy like peanut butter, and people love spreading it on toast. But, grinding pistachios until they’re just shy of creamy, that’s the focus of this recipe. Doing so makes them great for pistachio butter that pairs perfectly with steak.

For this recipe, I’m using ribeye filets. A ribeye filet is simply the “eye” of the ribeye, minus the cap and tail. Still that great ribeye flavor, but less fat.

This butter however, goes great on any steak. Try it with NY strip, porterhouse, or filet mignon. Pistachio butter is a remarkably versatile accompaniment for any steak.

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What Do Pistachios Taste Like?

Pistachios have a sort of novel taste that’s both nutty and slightly sweet. When you crack open the shell, you can almost smell a bit of earthiness.

They’re not too strong, so they don’t overpower other foods. The texture is crunchy at first, but they get creamy as you chew them and they’re packed with protein.

grilled artichokes and ribeye steaks on a cutting board

Why Does Pistachio Butter Work on Steak?

Pistachio butter works great as a steak topping because it adds a unique flavor that enhances the steak, without overtaking it. Your guests are going to love it, while not being able to put their finger on exactly what it is.

The natural oils in pistachios mix well with butter. This creates a spread that’s rich and creamy, and melts perfectly over a hot steak.

sliced ribeye steaks and butter

The slightly sweet and nutty taste of pistachios contrasts nicely with the savory, charred, and smokey flavor of the steak, offering a very balanced bite.

Finally, pistachio butter also adds a bit of crunch, which gives your steak an extra layer of texture.

This combination makes each bite more interesting, and it’s a simple and delicious way to elevate your standard grilled steak.

Why Put Butter On Steak?

Butter helps enhance the natural flavors of any steak, but it’s especially helpful on leaner cuts like filet and sirloin.

Putting butter on steak is popular because it adds flavor and moisture to the meat. When you place butter on a hot steak, it melts and mixes with the steak’s juices, creating an amazing sauce.

butter melting over a grilled ribeye that has been sliced in half

My recipe for herb steak butter has been very popular on this blog because of this. Well, either that or because of the comments section after reader “Patty” told me I was an idiot. lol I digress.

Butter on steak is an easy way to elevate your steak, making it a huge hit!

How To Make Pistachio Butter w/ Steak

Serves: 4 | Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 8 mins

Ingredients

Pistachio Butter
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup pistachios, very finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp kosher salt

Steaks
4 12 oz steaks, your choice of cut
2 tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp olive oil

Step 1: Place your steaks on a tray, and evenly season them with kosher salt on both sides. Set aside at room temperature.

raw ribeye steaks seasoned with kosher salt on a tray

Step 2: Place the ingredients for the pistachio butter in a mixing bowl. Using a fork, mix the ingredients until they are well combined. Tip* a food processor works well to chip the pistachios.

Step 3: Place the mixture on a single layer of plastic wrap, and roll the pistachio butter to form a log. Place in the refrigerator to chill.

pistachio butter wrapped in plastic

Step 4: Light your grill and set up for high, direct heat cooking. When grill is preheated, evenly coat the steaks with olive oil.

Step 5: Place the steaks on the grill grate directly over high heat. Flip the steaks every 30-45 seconds, moving them around the grill grate. Do this until you achieve the char you like, and the internal temperature of the steaks are to your preference. About eight minutes total for medium rare.

ribeye filets on a grill over flmaes

Step 6: Remove the steaks from the grill. Place a pad of pistachio butter on a plate, and place a steak on top of the butter. Then, place an additional pad of butter on top of the steak. Allow the butter to start melting as the steak rests, about five minutes. Serve with your fav grilled sides. 

grilled ribeye steaks with pistachio butter
grilled ribeye steaks and artichokes on a cutting board

Pistachio Butter For Steaks

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 stick unsalted butter room temperature
  • ¼ cup pistachios finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp kosher salt

Steaks

  • 4 10 oz steaks your choice of cut (filet, ribeye, sirloin, etc.)
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  • Place your steaks on a tray, and evenly season them with kosher salt on both sides. Set aside at room temperature.
  • Place the ingredients for the pistachio butter in a mixing bowl. Using a fork, mix the ingredients until they are well combined. Tip* a food processor works well to chip the pistachios.
  • Place the mixture on a single layer of plastic wrap, and roll the pistachio butter to form a log. Place in the refrigerator to chill.
  • Light your grill and set up for high, direct heat cooking. When grill is preheated, evenly coat the steaks with olive oil.
  • Place the steaks on the grill grate directly over high heat. Flip the steaks every 30-45 seconds, moving them around the grill grate. Do this until you achieve the char you like, and the internal temperature of the steaks are to your preference. About eight minutes total for medium rare.
  • Remove the steaks from the grill. Place a pad of pistachio butter on a plate, and place a steak on top of the butter. Then, place an additional pad of butter on top of the steak. Allow the butter to start melting as the steak rests, about five minutes. Serve with your fav grilled sides.

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5 from 1 vote

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