Perfect Bourbon Steak Sauce Recipe (Easy & Delicious)

As a professional chef, I have tested countless sauces in high-end kitchens and home grills alike, but this bourbon steak sauce recipe always wins hearts.

I created it to blend bold flavors with a smooth finish, perfect for steak nights, BBQs, and even burgers. You are going to love how simple it is to make and how rich it tastes over grilled meats.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need. I carefully selected these for the best balance of sweet, savory, and smoky.

• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Melt the Butter and Garlic

We start with building flavor from the very base. Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. This sets a rich, creamy foundation. Once the butter has melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Be careful not to brown it, it should release its aroma without burning.

2. Add the Bourbon

Now comes the star of the sauce - bourbon. Carefully pour it in and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. The goal is to cook off the alcohol while leaving behind a rich, warm taste that defines this recipe.

3. Mix in Sauces and Vinegar

At this point, we’re layering in flavor. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey. These ingredients each add their own punch: saltiness, tang, sweetness, and depth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

4. Simmer the Sauce

This is where everything blends into harmony. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and let the mixture reduce into a glossy glaze that will cling perfectly to your steak.

5. Finish with Herbs and Seasoning

To bring the sauce home, add in the fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. These last ingredients brighten the sauce and round out its taste. Give it one final stir and remove it from the heat. Let it sit a minute so it thickens slightly before serving.

“Bourbon steak sauce brings together bold and sweet in every bite. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to pour on everything.”

– Chef Bobby Flay

Recipe Notes

• Use a hot skillet or cast iron skillet: A hot pan allows for quick flavor development, especially for the garlic and butter base.
• Reduce the liquid: Simmering helps concentrate the flavors into a sauce that tastes rich and restaurant-quality.
• Don’t skip the honey: The sweetness helps balance out the bold taste of the bourbon and vinegar.
• Use fresh parsley is essential: It adds a fresh lift at the end and cuts through the richness.
• Let the sauce rest before pouring: The consistency improves as it cools slightly, making it perfect to pour over your steak or chicken.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 125 kcal
• Carbs: 10g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 6g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 620mg

Secret Tips for Making This Recipe

These are my go-to tricks that really elevate the final result and make it stand out from a typical sauce.

1. Use High-Quality Bourbon

I always say that you should cook with bourbon you would drink. A smooth, good-quality bourbon brings a much better flavor than a harsh, bottom-shelf bottle.

2. Cook Off the Alcohol Properly

Be patient and give it time to simmer. I have noticed that the sauce tastes cleaner and smoother once most of the alcohol has evaporated.

3. Stir Consistently

Sauce can easily stick or burn on the bottom of a hot skillet. I stir gently every 30 seconds to keep the texture just right.

4. Taste Before Serving

After the simmering step, I always take a small spoonful to test. You might find you want a bit more honey or a pinch more salt.

5. Don’t Overboil

Let it boil too much, and you will lose the smooth consistency. Keep it at a gentle simmer to hold the glaze texture.

Related Articles: 

• Italian Steak Braciole Recipe
• Braised Steak Recipe
• Brazilian Steak Seasoning Recipe

Best Side Dishes to Serve With

Here are five side dishes I always love serving with this sauce to complete the meal.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These creamy mashed potatoes act like a sponge, soaking up every drop of sauce. The mild garlic flavor complements the boldness of the bourbon sauce.

2. Roasted Asparagus

Roasted at high heat, asparagus gets slightly charred and tender. The green, earthy flavor balances the sweetness in the sauce.

3. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn works beautifully with the bourbon glaze. I usually brush a little sauce directly on the corn while it is still hot.

4. Buttered Green Beans

I steam green beans until just tender, then toss them with butter. They offer a clean, fresh taste that contrasts well with the sauce.

5. Crispy Potato Wedges

These wedges add crunch to the plate. I sometimes dip them straight in the leftover sauce; it’s that good.

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