Prepare to elevate your comfort food experience with this Blackened Whiskey Ribeye with Sweet Maple Butter. Imagine a perfectly seared, whiskey-infused steak, crowned with a luscious, maple-kissed butter that melts into every bite. This dish is a harmonious balance of bold flavors and refined elegance, designed to transform your everyday dinner into a gourmet, feel-good masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Blackened Whiskey Ribeye with Sweet Maple Butter
This recipe is a delightful fusion of classic comfort and culinary artistry. The blackened crust on the ribeye steak adds a delightful depth of flavor and visual appeal, while the sweet maple butter provides a velvety, indulgent finish that will have you savoring every morsel. The combination of the caramelized exterior, tender interior, and rich, maple-infused butter creates a truly satisfying and visually stunning dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your soul. Plus, the easy-to-follow steps ensure that even novice home cooks can achieve restaurant-worthy results in the comfort of their own kitchen.
Ingredients
For this elevated comfort food masterpiece, you’ll need a few high-quality ingredients. Start with a thick, juicy ribeye steak, then gather up some unsalted butter, pure maple syrup, and a selection of spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to create the blackened seasoning blend.
- 1 (1-1.5 lb) ribeye steak — a prime cut with excellent marbling.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened — for the indulgent maple butter.
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup — to sweeten and enrich the butter.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika — for a bold, smoky depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder — to complement the savory notes.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper — for a subtle kick of heat.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Steak: If you can’t find a ribeye steak, you can substitute with a New York strip steak or a filet mignon — each cut will offer its own unique texture and flavor profile.
- Maple Syrup: For the maple butter, you can use honey or brown sugar in place of the maple syrup if desired.
How to Make Blackened Whiskey Ribeye with Sweet Maple Butter
With just a few simple steps, you’ll transform this classic comfort food into a visually stunning, restaurant-quality dish. Let’s get started!
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by allowing the steak to come to room temperature, then pat it dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the blackening spices (smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne) and rub the mixture evenly over the entire surface of the steak. In a separate bowl, create the sweet maple butter by mixing together softened butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Heat a heavy-duty skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add a drizzle of high-smoke-point oil, then carefully place the seasoned steak in the pan. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a deep, caramelized crust forms. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking the steak, flipping occasionally, until it reaches your desired doneness.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and flavorful result. Slice the steak against the grain, then top it with generous spoonfuls of the sweet maple butter, allowing it to melt and infuse the meat with its decadent flavors.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Basting with Whiskey: For an even more indulgent experience, try basting the steak with a splash of your favorite whiskey during the cooking process.
- Spice Blend Variations: You can experiment with different spice blends for the blackening seasoning, such as Cajun or Tex-Mex inspired flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Blackened Whiskey Ribeye with Sweet Maple Butter alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Flavor Pairings: The rich, whiskey-infused steak pairs beautifully with the sweet, maple-kissed butter, creating a harmonious balance of bold and indulgent flavors.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Store the cooked steak and maple butter separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the steak in the oven or on the stovetop, then top with the chilled maple butter.
Make-Ahead: The maple butter can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
Nutrition Information
This indulgent dish is a source of high-quality protein, with a single serving providing approximately 30 grams of protein. The maple butter also contributes healthy fats and a touch of natural sweetness. While it’s a more calorie-dense meal, the balanced flavors and satisfying nature of this dish make it a worthwhile treat to enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/2 ribeye steak with maple butter
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Fat: 40 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to achieve the perfect blackened crust on the steak?
Ensuring the pan is extremely hot before adding the steak is the key to achieving that delicious, caramelized blackened crust. Additionally, be sure to pat the steak dry and generously season it with the spice blend before cooking.
Can I prepare the maple butter in advance?
Absolutely! The maple butter can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply let it come to room temperature before topping the hot steak.
How do I know when the steak is cooked to my desired doneness?
Use a digital meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F. Medium is 140-145°F, and medium-well is 150-155°F.
Can I use a different cut of steak besides ribeye?
Absolutely! While the ribeye is a fantastic choice for its rich marbling and tender texture, you can also use a New York strip steak or a filet mignon with great results.
What should I serve with the Blackened Whiskey Ribeye?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or sautéed vegetables. The maple butter also complements mashed potatoes or even rice or quinoa very nicely.
Try These Next
- Whiskey Cursed Ribeye With Blackened Maple Glaze
- Spiced Pumpkin Whiskey Chicken Thighs With Maple Butter Drizzle
- Habanero Maple Pork Tenderloin With Charred Whiskey Butter
Blackened Whiskey Ribeye with Sweet Maple Butter
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Blackened Whiskey Ribeye with Sweet Maple Butter is a deliciously rich and flavorful dinner option, perfect for special occasions or a hearty meal at home.
Ingredients
2 ribeye steaks (1 inch thick)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
1/4 cup whiskey
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your grill or skillet over high heat.
2. 2. Rub the ribeye steaks with olive oil and season generously with blackening seasoning.
3. 3. Sear the steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side until a crust forms.
4. 4. Remove the steaks from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
5. 5. In a small saucepan, combine whiskey, butter, and maple syrup over medium heat until melted and slightly thickened.
6. 6. Drizzle the whiskey maple butter over the steaks before serving.
7. 7. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your choice of sides.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the blackening seasoning.
Let the steaks rest to ensure they remain juicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling or Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 120mg