As the sun dips below the horizon and the evening air turns a little crisp, my kitchen transforms into a sanctuary of warm scents and sizzling sounds. The day’s hustle fades, replaced by the mouthwatering aroma of Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce—my go-to dish that never fails to impress. Just the other night, I wanted to indulge in something that felt both luxurious and comforting, and this vibrant recipe was the perfect solution.
Using a delightful blend of spices to coat the beef tenderloin, the steaks promise a burst of flavor that’s wonderfully complemented by the rich cherry sauce. Dried cherries meet warm port wine in a delightful sauce that elevates the meat to gourmet status. Whether you’re pampering yourself after a long week or planning for a special dinner, this dish brings a touch of elegance to the table—and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up! Let’s dive into the recipe, where each step unfolds like a beautiful story of flavor and warmth.
Why will you love Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce?
Flavor Explosion: This dish features a delicious blend of spices that perfectly complements the tender and juicy beef, transforming an ordinary dinner into a lavish feast.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant cherry sauce adds a pop of color and elegance, making your plate not just tasty but visually appealing as well.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and a short cooking time, you can impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Versatile Pairings: Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal that suits any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings or date nights, it’s a dish that both meat lovers and gourmet enthusiasts will rave about!
Be sure to check out my tips on making the most of your meat dishes with these seasoning suggestions.
Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce Ingredients
• Prepare for a delightful cooking experience that your loved ones will appreciate!
For the Steaks
- Beef tenderloin steaks – Look for cuts that are at least 1-1/4 inches thick for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- Coarsely ground pepper – This adds a wonderful spice that complements the richness of the beef.
- Brown sugar – Balances the flavors, enhancing the overall sweetness in the spice crust.
- Garlic powder – A must-have for that savory depth in your seasoning mix.
- Paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness to the crust, enhancing the steak’s flavor.
- Ground coffee – This unique addition amplifies the richness of the beef for steak lovers.
- Kosher salt – Essential for bringing out all the flavors, ensuring a well-seasoned steak.
- Ground cinnamon – Offers a slight warmth and sweetness to the spice blend.
- Ground cumin – Introduces an earthy note that enriches the overall flavor profile.
- Ground mustard – Provides a pleasantly tangy twist in the spice mix.
For the Cherry Sauce
- Dried cherries – Infuse natural sweetness and a chewy texture in the sauce.
- Port wine – Warms up the dried cherries and adds a depth of flavor to your sauce.
- Shallot – When sautéed, it gives a sweet, aromatic base for the sauce.
- Butter – Adds richness, giving the sauce a luxurious finish.
- Reduced-sodium beef broth – Keeps the sauce savory without overwhelming saltiness.
- Fresh thyme – This aromatic herb brightens the sauce and enhances the cherry flavor.
- Heavy whipping cream – Makes the sauce decadent and thick—perfect for draping over the steak.
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional) – For those who love bold flavors, it’s a delightful finishing touch!
With these Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from an unforgettable meal!
How to Make Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce
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Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step prepares your cooking environment for a perfect bake, ensuring your steaks come out juicy and tender.
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Combine the dried cherries and warmed port wine in a small bowl; set aside. This mixture allows the cherries to absorb the wine’s rich flavors while you prepare the steaks.
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Mix the spices in a shallow dish: coarsely ground pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, ground coffee, kosher salt, cinnamon, cumin, and mustard. Coat each steak in this flavorful blend, covering thoroughly, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Heat canola oil in a 10-inch cast-iron or ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the steaks for 2 minutes on each side until a beautiful brown crust forms, creating that mouthwatering flavor.
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Bake the steaks uncovered in the preheated oven until they reach your desired doneness: 135°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 145°F for medium-well. This usually takes about 15 minutes. Once done, remove and keep warm.
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Sauté the finely chopped shallot in butter in the same skillet until crisp-tender. This adds a delightful sweetness to your sauce.
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Add the beef broth and fresh thyme to the skillet. Bring this mixture to a boil, cooking until it reduces by half, which should take about 8 minutes.
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Stir in the heavy whipping cream and bring to a boil again. Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes. This step creates that luxurious creamy texture.
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Incorporate the reserved cherry mixture into the sauce before serving it over the steaks. A sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese on top adds an extra touch of flavor.
Optional: Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a perfect pairing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce are perfect for meal prep aficionados! You can season the beef tenderloin steaks and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours, allowing the spices to penetrate and enhance the flavor. Additionally, the cherry sauce can be fully prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce on the stovetop while baking the steaks as directed. This way, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort, ensuring that your dinner remains just as delicious and satisfying!
Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce Variations
Get ready to explore the delightful possibilities that will make this dish your own!
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh rosemary or basil to the spice mix for an aromatic twist that adds a new layer of flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the spice blend for a delightful heat that gives a surprising kick.
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Coconut Cream: Swap heavy whipping cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free version that’s still rich and creamy with a hint of sweetness.
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Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smoke-infused flavor that enhances the steak’s taste.
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Nutty Crunch: Top the finished dish with toasted walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender steak.
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Meatless Option: Replace the beef tenderloin with portobello mushrooms marinated in the same spices for a flavorful vegetarian alternative.
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Fruit Variation: Experiment with other dried fruits, like apricots or figs, mixed with red wine for an exciting twist on the traditional cherry sauce.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a version of Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce that speaks to your palate!
What to Serve with Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce?
Creating a memorable dinner involves thoughtful pairings that complement your main dish’s flavors and textures.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The silky texture of mashed potatoes soaks up the rich cherry sauce beautifully, adding comfort and heartiness to your meal.
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Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of asparagus, providing a tender yet slightly crisp contrast to the spice-crusted steaks.
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Herbed Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad, loaded with fresh herbs and a zesty vinaigrette, brings a light and healthy balance to the meal.
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Caramelized Brussels Sprouts: These sweet, caramelized nuggets add a touch of earthy flavor that harmonizes well with the steak’s bold spices and cherry sauce.
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Savory Mushroom Risotto: This creamy risotto is rich and flavorful, creating a luxurious pairing that matches the indulgence of the steaks.
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Bold Red Wine: A glass of robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the meal, accentuating the spices and the deep fruitiness of the cherry sauce.
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Chocolate Lava Cake: End the evening on a high note with a decadent chocolate dessert, its richness a delightful finale after the savory main course.
With these pairings, your Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce will shine even brighter on the dinner table.
Expert Tips for Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce
- Marinate Properly: Allow the steaks to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the spice flavors. Skipping this step can lead to bland steaks.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To achieve your desired doneness without guesswork, use a meat thermometer. Overcooking will dry out the beef tenderloin, so aim for 135°F to 145°F.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the steaks, make sure they aren’t touching. Overcrowding can trap steam, preventing that lovely crust from forming.
- Deglaze the Skillet: After sautéing the shallots, make sure to scrape up any browned bits in the pan while adding broth. This enhances the cherry sauce’s flavor.
- Cream Consistency: For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer after adding the cream. Just remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pairing Ideas: Consider serving with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce.
How to Store and Freeze Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce
Fridge: Keep leftover Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the sauce is well-covered to maintain its flavors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked steaks and sauce in separate airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, warm steaks gently in the oven at 300°F until heated through—about 10 minutes. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to revive its creamy texture.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the dish unattended at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select dried cherries for the sauce?
When choosing dried cherries, look for ones that are plump and moist without dark spots or excessive dryness. Avoid any that appear hard or overly shriveled. If possible, opt for unsweetened varieties to balance with the natural sweetness of the port wine.
How should I store leftover Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the sauce is well-covered to keep its delicious flavors intact. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also separate the sauce and steaks before storing for better quality later.
Can I freeze Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce?
Yes, you can! For the best results, freeze cooked steaks and sauce in separate airtight containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently warm the steaks in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
What if I overcooked the steaks? Any tips?
Oh no! Overcooked steaks can dry out, but you can salvage them by slicing them thinly and drenching them in the cherry sauce. This will add moisture back in and help make them more enjoyable to eat. For future reference, using a meat thermometer can help ensure they’re cooked to your desired doneness without the guesswork.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you or your guests have any allergies, be sure to check labels on the spices and other ingredients. For a dairy-free option, you can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. Additionally, if you’re serving pets, avoid sharing the blue cheese as it can be harmful to them.
What can I do with leftover cherry sauce?
The more the merrier! Leftover cherry sauce is versatile and can be used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or even yogurt. You can also drizzle it over a cheese platter or blend it into a smoothie for a sweet twist.
Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce for Flavor Lovers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Combine the dried cherries and warmed port wine in a small bowl; set aside.
- Mix the spices in a shallow dish and coat each steak; refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steaks for 2 minutes on each side.
- Bake the steaks until they reach your desired doneness, about 15 minutes.
- Sauté shallots in butter in the same skillet until crisp-tender.
- Add beef broth and thyme; boil until reduced by half.
- Stir in heavy cream, boil again until thickened.
- Incorporate cherry mixture into sauce before serving.