Lemon Garlic Butter Steak with Spinach Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that feels both special and super satisfying, this Lemon Garlic Butter Steak with Spinach Recipe is an absolute winner. I love how the tangy lemon and rich garlic butter come together perfectly to elevate juicy flank steak, and the tender spinach adds a fresh, vibrant contrast. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes — a true weekday hero for busy nights or when you want to impress without the fuss.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the marinade tenderizes the steak and infuses it with deep flavor. You’ll find that the balance of citrus, garlic, and herbs really makes every bite pop. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in a leafy green without any extra effort, making it as nutritious as it is delicious. Trust me, your family or guests will go crazy for this one!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple but pack a punch. I always recommend grabbing fresh garlic and herbs when you can—the flavors really shine bright in this Lemon Garlic Butter Steak with Spinach Recipe. Plus, a good-quality flank steak makes a huge difference when searing up tender strips.

• Flank Steak: Choose a fresh, good-quality cut. Slicing against the grain keeps it tender.
• Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach works great because it cooks quickly and stays tender.
• Butter or Ghee: Butter gives rich flavor, but ghee is nice if you want a slightly nuttier taste.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds that irresistible punch.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness perfectly.
• Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Adds depth to the sauce without overpowering it.
• Chopped Parsley and Chives: Fresh herbs invigorate the sauce and garnish.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds a subtle kick — you can always adjust.
• Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
• Soy Sauce (or Coconut Aminos): This is part of the marinade – it tenderizes steak and adds umami.
• Olive Oil: Helps coat the steak in the marinade for even flavor.
• Sriracha Sauce: Adds heat and a bit of complexity to marinade; swap for your favorite hot sauce.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Lemon Garlic Butter Steak with Spinach Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to turn up the spice, swap out herbs, or even add extra veggies, make it your go-to flexible dinner.

• Spicy Boost: I sometimes add extra crushed red pepper flakes or even a splash of cayenne for more heat—my family loves it fiery!
• Herb Swap: Try adding thyme or rosemary to the butter sauce for a more earthy, aromatic twist.
• Paleo/Gluten-free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ghee instead of butter for an allergy-friendly version.
• Extra Veggies: If you want, toss in sliced mushrooms or cherry tomatoes with the spinach for more color and flavor.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Steak with Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Steak for Maximum Flavor and Tenderness

Start by whisking together soy sauce, olive oil, and Sriracha in a sealable bag or container, then add the steak strips. Make sure the steak is fully coated in the marinade before sealing it up. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes — I often let it go for a full hour if I have the time. This step really tenderizes the flank steak and infuses it with bold, savory flavors that you’ll notice in every bite.

Step 2: Wilt the Spinach Perfectly

While the steak marinates, wash and drain your fresh spinach well. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a big skillet over medium heat and toss in the spinach, cooking for just about a minute. Stir gently to wilt evenly but not overcook—this keeps the spinach vibrant and tender. Once ready, transfer it to a shallow dish so the excess juices drain out. Trust me, this keeps your sauce from getting watery later.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Strips to Perfection

Bring the marinated steak to room temperature — this helps it cook more evenly. In the same skillet (wipe it dry if needed), melt two tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Lay the steak strips in a single layer and season lightly with salt and pepper. Let them sear without stirring for about a minute, then flip quickly to cook the other side. You want a nice crust but juicy inside, so be careful not to overcook. Work in batches if your pan gets crowded.

Step 4: Build the Flavor-Packed Lemon Garlic Sauce

After removing the steak, add the last tablespoon of butter to the hot skillet along with minced garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, beef broth, parsley, chives, and all the leftover marinade. Bring the sauce to a simmer and stir gently for 1-2 minutes as it reduces. This deepens the flavors and thickens it slightly, making the perfect sauce to coat your steak and spinach.

Step 5: Combine and Serve Immediately

Return the steak strips to the skillet and give everything a good toss in the sauce. Push the steak aside and add the drained spinach, mixing it in to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. I like to finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives and parsley and a few lemon slices on the side for that extra pop. Serve it straight from the pan and enjoy all those vibrant flavors together!

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Steak with Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I always add a few fresh lemon slices on the side and a sprinkle of extra chopped chives and parsley—it makes the dish look inviting and adds a fresh herbaceous pop that complements the buttery richness beautifully. Sometimes a light drizzle of good olive oil finishes it off nicely, too.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Garlic Butter Steak with Spinach Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like roasted baby potatoes, garlic mashed cauliflower, or even a crisp green salad. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a fluffy couscous or rice pilaf when I want something a bit heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the steak strips over a warm plate of creamy polenta, topped with a little extra garlic butter sauce and fresh herb garnish. Another fun idea is plating the steak on a wooden board alongside grilled lemon halves and a vibrant spinach salad for a rustic, shareable vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Steak with Spinach stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I found it best to keep the steak and spinach together so the flavors meld, but be sure to drain any excess liquid before storing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze this dish due to the spinach’s texture, you can freeze the marinated steak strips separately (without cooking) for up to 3 months. Then, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh when ready.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I gently warm the steak and spinach in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of beef broth or water to refresh the sauce. This method keeps the steak juicy and prevents overcooking more than microwave reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Butter Steak with Spinach Recipe quickly became one of my go-to dinners for good reason — it’s flavorful, fast, and hits all the right notes of rich comfort and fresh brightness. If you’re someone who loves steak but wants a little extra zing and a healthy side built right in, you’ll enjoy making this as much as I do sharing it with you. Give it a try next time you want a no-fuss meal that feels downright special, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite for your kitchen too!

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