Steak and Peanut Butter? 5 Strange Combos That Surprisingly Work

We all have our comfort food go-tos—steak with garlic butter, mashed potatoes on the side, maybe a little red wine to wash it all down. But sometimes, in the middle of all that delicious routine, your tastebuds start whispering, “Try something weird.”

That whisper got a little louder the day I drizzled a spoonful of spicy peanut sauce over my leftover steak out of sheer laziness… and paused mid-bite like, wait—this is actually amazing.

That bite sent me down a rabbit hole of experimenting with unexpected steak pairings—and honestly, some of them were so delicious, I had to share. If you’re brave enough to veer off the beaten culinary path of steak restaurants Suffolk VA, these five “strange” combos might just blow your mind (and change your steak nights forever).

1. Steak + Peanut Butter

This one needs a little context before you completely write it off. I’m not saying plop a glob of Jif on your filet mignon and call it a day. But when you turn peanut butter into a sauce—something spicy, salty, maybe with a touch of lime and garlic? That’s where the magic happens.

Think of the bold, creamy richness of peanut butter meeting the savory umami punch of grilled beef. It’s like steak satay, but amped up. I like to use natural peanut butter with a bit of soy sauce, chili paste, and a dash of rice vinegar. It hugs the steak like it was always meant to be there.

Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Seriously.

2. Steak + Blueberry Compote

Blueberries… on steak? Yep. And it’s shockingly good.

You know how steak at steak restaurants near me pairs beautifully with a balsamic reduction? This is kind of like that, but with a touch more fruit-forward tang. A warm blueberry compote, reduced with a splash of red wine and a hint of rosemary, brings just the right amount of tart sweetness to contrast with the meat’s richness.

It’s not sugary. It’s not weird. It’s just a touch gourmet and totally doable at home. Try it with sirloin or even tenderloin. Bonus points if you finish it with flaky salt.

3. Steak + Coffee Rub

Here’s one for the skeptics who still want to play it kind of safe.

A coffee rub isn’t that far out of left field—but it’s still unexpected enough to make dinner interesting. I like to mix ground espresso beans with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cumin. Rub it generously on your steak before grilling and watch what happens.

The coffee doesn’t overpower—it enhances. It gives the crust a smoky bitterness that deepens every bite. Think of it like the steak equivalent of a dark chocolate bar with sea salt.

4. Steak + Mole Sauce

Now we’re traveling to Mexico for inspiration.

Mole (pronounced MOH-lay) is one of those sauces that’s almost intimidating because of its depth—chiles, spices, nuts, and yes, a bit of dark chocolate. But when paired with steak? It’s next-level.

There’s something about the way the spice and earthiness in mole play with the savoriness of grilled meat. You don’t need a full plate of it—just a generous spoonful drizzled over sliced steak goes a long way. It’s rich, complex, and honestly, pretty addictive.

5. Steak + Anchovy Butter

Anchovies might be the most misunderstood ingredient in the fridge. But when you mash a couple into butter with lemon zest, parsley, and garlic, they turn into this salty, umami-packed secret weapon.

Spread a dollop of that butter over a hot steak and just let it melt. The anchovy flavor doesn’t scream “fish”—instead, it deepens the savory notes of the meat and brings a luxurious finish to every bite.

It’s the kind of flavor that makes you pause and go, “Wait… what is that?” in the best way.

Final Thoughts: Let Steak Surprise You

Look, I love a good New York strip with rosemary and garlic just as much as the next person. But food should be an adventure sometimes. The kitchen is one of the last places we’re allowed to play like kids—messy, curious, a little weird—and honestly, that’s where the best meals happen.

So the next time you’ve got steak on the menu and a sense of culinary mischief in your heart, try one of these combos. You might not love them all, but you’ll definitely walk away with a story… and maybe a new favorite.