Juicy Bourbon Steak Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Hit

Tender cuts of beef sizzle with a rich bourbon marinade that promises pure culinary magic.

This mouthwatering bourbon steak recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.

Marinades unlock incredible depth in every juicy bite of meat.

The bourbon creates a complex, caramelized crust that seals in remarkable tenderness.

Perfectly balanced seasonings dance across each succulent slice of steak.

Professional chefs swear by this technique to elevate simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

You’ll savor every perfectly cooked, flavor-packed moment of this delectable dish.

Why Bourbon Steak Is Full of Flavor

• Transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality feast with this bourbon-infused steak recipe that brings gourmet flavors right to your kitchen.
• Learn professional cooking methods like deglazing and creating a rich pan sauce that will impress your dinner guests and boost your culinary confidence.
• Prepare a decadent meal in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy home cooks who crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Enjoy a delicious blend of savory and sweet notes from bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar that complements the rich, tender steak perfectly.

Ingredients for Juicy Bourbon Steak

• Steaks: High-quality beef cuts that will be the star of this delicious bourbon-infused dish.
• Bourbon: A rich, flavorful American whiskey that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

• Coarse Salt, Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the steak.
• Dried Basil, Dried Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that provide additional depth to the bourbon sauce.
• Dried Parsley: A finishing touch that adds a pop of color and subtle herbaceous note.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, flavorful base for the sauce.
• Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce: Umami-rich condiments that provide depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements of the dish.
• Half & Half: Creates a creamy, smooth texture in the bourbon sauce.

How to Make Bourbon Steak at Home

Step 1: Prepare and Season Steaks

Take steaks out of refrigerator and allow them to reach room temperature.

Generously coat each steak with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Let steaks rest for approximately 20 minutes while preparing other cooking elements.

Step 2: Sear Steaks in Skillet

Heat cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until smoke begins to form.

Add butter to the skillet and carefully place steaks inside.

Cook steaks in small batches to prevent overcrowding.

Sear each side for 3-4 minutes to achieve medium-rare doneness.

Remove steaks from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Create Bourbon Sauce

Deglaze the hot skillet with bourbon, using a wooden spoon to scrape up caramelized bits.

• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar
• Fresh basil
• Rosemary

Simmer sauce for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.

Whisk in half & half and continue cooking until sauce slightly thickens.

Step 4: Final Coating and Serving

Return steaks to skillet, turning them to coat completely with bourbon sauce.

Allow steaks to warm through and absorb sauce flavors for one minute.

Sprinkle dried parsley over steaks before serving hot.

Tips for Cooking with Bourbon

• Use a blazing hot cast-iron skillet to achieve a perfect crust on your steaks, creating delicious caramelized edges that lock in juicy flavors.
• Allow steaks to sit at room temperature before cooking and after searing to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness, preventing tough meat.
• Use bourbon to scrape up those delicious browned bits from the skillet, adding depth and richness to your sauce while extracting every bit of delicious flavor.
• Whisk ingredients carefully when creating the bourbon sauce, balancing sweet (brown sugar), savory (soy sauce), and herbal (rosemary) elements for a complex, mouthwatering finish.
• Cook steaks in batches to maintain skillet temperature and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of achieving a beautiful golden-brown sear.

Store and Reheat Bourbon Steak Without Drying Out

• Store leftover steaks in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce separate to prevent the meat from becoming soggy.
• Wrap steaks tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag and store for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Place steak on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of sauce to maintain moisture.
• Preheat oven to 250°F. Place steaks in a baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes, then brush with reserved bourbon sauce before serving.

Best Pairings for Bourbon Steak Dinners

• Flavor Amplifying Wine Pairing: Select a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec with robust tannins that perfectly complement the rich bourbon sauce and meaty steak.
• Whiskey Companion: Pour a smooth Kentucky bourbon neat or on the rocks to echo the bourbon sauce's complex flavor profile, creating a harmonious taste experience that elevates the entire dish.
• Herbal Side Kick: Serve with roasted rosemary potatoes or a fresh herb salad that mirrors the rosemary and basil notes in the sauce, providing a complementary herbal undertone to the main course.
• Acid Balancer: Add a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the steak and bourbon sauce, refreshing the palate between each decadent bite.

Flavor Variants for Bourbon Steak

• Low-Sodium Bourbon Steak: Replace salt with herb blend and use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Bourbon Steak: Substitute Worcestershire sauce with gluten-free version and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Dairy-Free Bourbon Sauce: Replace half & half with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk to create a creamy sauce without dairy ingredients.
• Vegetarian Bourbon Sauce Alternative: Transform the recipe by using portobello mushroom steaks as protein substitute, keeping the same bourbon sauce technique for a hearty plant-based option.

FAQs

• What type of skillet works best for this bourbon steak recipe?

A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it provides even heat distribution and creates an excellent sear on the meat. It also helps develop those delicious brown bits that add incredible flavor to the bourbon sauce.

• Can I substitute the bourbon if I don't have any?

While bourbon is key to the recipe’s flavor, you can use other whiskeys like scotch or rye as alternatives. Just avoid using completely sweet liquors that might change the sauce’s balance.

• How do I know when the steaks are perfectly medium-rare?

Use a meat thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). The steak should have a warm red center and slightly firmer texture. If you don’t have a thermometer, use the touch test or check for a slight springiness when pressed.

• Is it necessary to let the steaks rest before cooking?

Yes, allowing steaks to reach room temperature helps them cook more evenly. This process ensures the meat cooks consistently from edge to center, preventing tough or unevenly cooked sections.

Bourbon Steak Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent bourbon steak offers a tantalizing blend of smoky whiskey and rich beef flavors that elevate dinner to a memorable experience. Seared to perfection and glazed with a luscious bourbon reduction, you’ll savor each mouthwatering bite of this irresistible culinary creation.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 4 top sirloin steaks (4 ounces each, about 1-inch thick, at room temperature)

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon low sodium Worcestershire sauce
• 2/3 cup half and half (can also use evaporated milk or light heavy cream)

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Coarse salt (to taste)
• Fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
• Dried parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare steaks by removing from refrigerator and allowing them to reach room temperature for approximately 20 minutes. Generously coat with coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance natural flavors.
2. Preheat cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until faint smoke appears, indicating optimal cooking temperature. Melt butter in skillet and carefully place steaks, avoiding overcrowding. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes to achieve medium-rare doneness.
3. Remove steaks from pan and set aside. Deglaze skillet with bourbon, carefully scraping accumulated browned bits from bottom using wooden spoon. Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, basil, and rosemary.
4. Simmer sauce for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to slightly reduce. Incorporate half & half, continuing to cook until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
5. Return steaks to skillet, gently turning to coat with bourbon sauce. Allow steaks to warm through and absorb sauce flavors for approximately 1 minute.
6. Transfer steaks to serving plate, drizzle remaining sauce over top, and garnish with dried parsley. Serve immediately while hot and sauce is still warm.

Notes

• Choose thick, well-marbled steaks like ribeye or New York strip for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Pat steaks completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear without steaming the meat.
• Allow cast-iron skillet to heat thoroughly to create restaurant-quality caramelization on steak surfaces.
• Rest steaks for 5-10 minutes after cooking to help redistribute internal juices, ensuring tender and succulent results.
• Substitute bourbon with cognac or whiskey for different flavor profiles if preferred.
• Reduce sauce longer for a more concentrated, intense flavor if you enjoy richer sauce textures.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and prevent the sauce from becoming overly salty.
• For gluten-free version, replace traditional Worcestershire sauce with gluten-free alternative or coconut aminos.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg