Antoni Porowski’s Strip Steak with Harissa Butter and Parsley Salad

Introduction

Antoni Porowski’s Strip Steak with Harissa Butter and Parsley Salad is a bold, flavorful celebration of elevated simplicity. The perfectly seared strip steak is topped with a rich, smoky harissa butter that adds a tantalizing, velvety heat, balanced by the freshness of a vibrant parsley salad. It’s a dish that combines indulgence and brightness in every bite, making it a standout centerpiece for dinner parties or a special weeknight treat.

I first tried this dish inspired by Antoni’s knack for creating rustic elegance with simple, impactful touches. The strip steak is seared to a mouth-watering crust, locking in juices and flavor, while the harissa butter melts decadently on top, adding a smoky, spicy contrast. The parsley salad—mixed with lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of olive oil—provides a refreshing, herbaceous counterpoint that brightens and lifts the dish.

What I love most about Antoni Porowski’s Strip Steak with Harissa Butter and Parsley Salad is its versatility. You can swap in other cuts of steak, add arugula or watercress for peppery notes, or toss in pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness and color. Whether paired with crusty bread, grilled veggies this dish offers a sophisticated, satisfying experience that feels both decadent and delightfully balanced.

Perfect for:

Dinner parties
Special occasions
Date nights
Celebratory events
Meat lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Antoni Porowski’s Strip Steak with Harissa Butter and Parsley Salad will become your go-to standout dish:

Bold and Balanced Flavors: The combination of smoky steak, spicy harissa, and fresh parsley offers a delightful balance of heat and freshness.
Perfectly Searing Method: A seared crust on the steak enhances flavor while retaining juiciness inside.
Harissa Butter Magic: The spicy butter adds a velvety, smoky finish to the steak.
Parsley Salad Freshness: Provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat.
Easy to Make Yet Impressive: A gourmet dinner with just a few steps and accessible ingredients.
Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the amount of harissa paste to suit your preference for heat.
Satisfies Meat Lovers: A hearty and satisfying dish that delivers robust flavors.
Quick Cooking Time: A stunning steak dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: A simple approach with high-impact flavors.
Restaurant-Quality Presentation: A dish that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 35 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 45g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

For the Strip Steak:

2 strip steaks (about 8-10 oz each)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

The Harissa Butter:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon harissa paste
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of half a lemon

For the Parsley Salad:

1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

Strip Steak: A tender and juicy cut of meat, delivering a rich, smoky flavor.
Harissa Paste: Adds a distinctive, smoky heat with earthy undertones.
Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh contrast and a burst of color and zest.
Lemon Juice: Enhances flavors with a refreshing acidity that balances richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Steak:

Bring to Room Temperature: Remove steaks from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking and pat them dry.
Season Steaks: Season both sides of the steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat the Pan: Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat and add olive oil.
Sear the Steaks: Sear the steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms.

Make the Harissa Butter:

Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine softened butter, harissa paste, garlic, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
Apply to Steaks: Place a dollop of harissa butter on each hot steak right after searing.

Prepare the Parsley Salad:

Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix chopped parsley, thinly sliced red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.

Rest and Serve the Steak:

Rest the Meat: Let the steaks rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Plate and Garnish: Arrange the sliced steak on a plate with a generous serving of the parsley salad on the side.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Antoni Porowski’s Strip Steak with Harissa Butter and Parsley Salad:

As a Main Course: Serve with crusty bread and roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
For a Summer BBQ: Perfect for grilling enthusiasts, providing a gourmet twist.
As an Elegant Dinner Party Option: Impress guests with stunning presentation and robust flavors.
Add Sides of Choice: Serve with mashed potatoes, polenta, or sautéed greens.
Spice It Up Further: Add extra harissa paste on the steak for more heat.
Balance with Lemon Slices: Garnish with lemon slices to brighten flavors visually.
Serve with a Fresh Green Salad: Complements the meat and adds texture.
Include Herb Butter Variations: Customize butter with thyme or rosemary.
As a Special Date Night Meal: A romantic dinner centerpiece that wows the senses.

Additional Tips

Choose the Right Cut: Opt for high-quality strip steak with good marbling. Look for bright red color and fine marbling for better tenderness and flavor.
Room Temperature Meat: Let your steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout.
Pat the Meat Dry: Before seasoning, pat your steak dry with paper towels. A dry surface ensures better browning and searing.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper. Proper seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature to get your desired doneness:
Rare: 120°F (49°C)
Medium-Rare: 130°F (54°C)
Medium: 140°F (60°C)
Medium-Well: 150°F (65°C)
Well Done: 160°F (71°C)
Sear with High Heat: For a perfect crust, sear your steak on high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.
Rest Your Meat: Let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
Harissa Butter Balance: Adjust the amount of harissa butter depending on your spice preference. More butter for a mellow flavor, less for a fiery kick.
Chop Parsley Finely: For a burst of freshness, chop the parsley finely and toss it gently into the salad. This provides an even distribution of flavor and texture.
Serve with Complementary Sides: Pair the dish with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a light green salad to create a balanced and satisfying meal experience.

Recipe Variations

Garlic Herb Butter Twist: Add chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to the butter.
Smoked Paprika Butter: Incorporate smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
Parsley and Mint Salad Variation: Add mint leaves for an unexpected freshness.
Marinated Steak Option: Marinate steaks in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and harissa paste.
Spicy Harissa Paste: Use extra spicy harissa paste for more intense heat.

Special Equipment

Cast-Iron Skillet: For perfect searing and deep flavor development.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: For clean slicing of meat and precise cuts.
Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining the harissa butter and parsley salad.
Spatula: For applying the harissa butter onto the hot steaks.

FAQ Section

Can I use another cut of steak?
Yes, ribeye or filet mignon can also work beautifully with this recipe.
How do I adjust the spice level in harissa butter?
Simply increase or reduce the amount of harissa paste according to your preference.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I use frozen steaks instead of fresh ones?
Thaw steaks completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
How do I know when the steak is perfectly cooked?
Use a meat thermometer:
- Rare: 120°F (49°C)
- Medium-Rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
Can I replace parsley with another herb?
Yes, cilantro or basil can be used as alternatives in the salad.
Should I sear the steak in butter instead of olive oil?
You can sear the steak in butter for a richer flavor profile.
What’s the best way to rest the meat for maximum juiciness?
Rest steaks on a warm cutting board, loosely tented with foil for 10 minutes.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diners?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free with no flour or bread-based ingredients.

Conclusion

This Strip Steak with Harissa Butter and Parsley Salad inspired by Antoni Porowski is a show-stopping, flavor-packed dish that elevates a classic steak dinner to something truly special. A perfectly seared strip steak is topped with a decadent harissa butter, adding a smoky, spicy depth that perfectly complements the richness of the meat. Served alongside a fresh, vibrant parsley salad with lemon juice, olive oil, and a hint of garlic, this dish strikes a balance between bold and refreshing flavors. It’s a stunning centerpiece for a dinner party, a special celebration, or a luxurious weeknight meal.

The beauty of this dish is the contrast of flavors and textures. The harissa butter brings a fiery, aromatic kick, while the parsley salad offers a burst of freshness and zingy brightness. Toss in a touch of lemon zest or pomegranate seeds to add extra sparkle and sweetness.

I’d love to see your take on Antoni Porowski’s Strip Steak with Harissa Butter and Parsley Salad! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your beautiful, mouth-watering creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any creative variations or personal touches that made your dish uniquely yours!