Peanut Butter Steak with Green Tea Rubs

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon green tea rubs (a mixture of green tea leaves, sugar, and spices)
• 2 (8-ounce) ribeye or filet mignon steaks
• 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for cooking
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: a handful of fresh cilantro or mint leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Green Tea Rubs:

• Combine the green tea rubs ingredients in a small bowl. This mixture will be used to season the steaks.

Prepare the Marinade:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Set aside.

Season the Steaks:

• Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Press the green tea rubs onto both sides of the steaks, ensuring they are well coated.

Marinate the Steaks:

• Place the seasoned steaks in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish and pour the peanut butter marinade over them. Make sure the steaks are well coated with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for a more intense flavor.

Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will be used to finish cooking the steaks after they are seared.

Cook the Steaks:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the steaks from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until a nice crust forms. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes for medium-rare, or until the steaks reach your desired level of doneness.

Rest the Steaks:

• Remove the steaks from the oven and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serve:

• Slice the steaks against the grain and serve on a platter or individual plates. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro or mint leaves. Serve the Peanut Butter Steak with Green Tea Rubs with a side of your choice, such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, and enjoy the unique combination of flavors from the green tea rubs and peanut butter marinade.