I can’t wait to tell you about this Skillet Bourbon Steak recipe because, honestly, it might be one of my all-time favorite dishes to make at home! The first time I tried it, I couldn’t believe how simple it was to bring restaurant-quality steak to my own table.

The rich bourbon sauce, perfectly seared steak, and touch of sweetness make each bite absolutely unforgettable. Cooking it in a skillet adds a smoky, caramelized crust that pairs so perfectly with the saucy goodness you’ll drizzle over.

When I served this to friends last weekend, they thought I had ordered takeout from a high-end steakhouse! Whether it’s a regular weeknight treat or a special dinner, this recipe delivers every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Cooking at home should be fun, simple, and, most importantly, delicious. Here’s why this recipe hits all the right notes.

1. Easy to Prepare

You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to nail this recipe. The steps are straightforward, and everything comes together in just one skillet. Less mess, less stress!

2. Packed with Flavor

This dish is a sensory delight. The smoky bourbon blends beautifully with the savory beef broth, salty Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. It’s a balance of bold and deep flavors that’s bound to excite your taste buds.

3. Versatile for Any Occasion

Planning a romantic dinner for two or a fun family meal? This recipe fits the bill perfectly. Dress it up with fancy garnishes for date night or serve it cozy with mashed potatoes for a comfort-food vibe.

4. Customizable Ingredients

Whether you’re on a dairy-free diet or simply want to tweak the flavors, this recipe delivers plenty of room to experiment. Substitute bourbon with a non-alcoholic option, or add extra herbs to the mix. The possibilities are endless!

5. Minimal Equipment Needed

No fancy gadgets required! All you need is a good skillet and a stirring spoon, which makes it accessible for any kitchen setup.

Cooking Time

This recipe doesn’t take all day, so it’s perfect even on busy evenings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 boneless ribeye or New York strip steaks (about 1-inch thick, 8 oz each)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
1/3 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
2 tablespoons bourbon-soaked cherries (optional, for garnish)

Variations

Sometimes, a little twist can set a recipe apart. Here are some great variations to try.

Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter for the bourbon sauce.
Gluten-Free: Ensure your bourbon and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.
Add Heat: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Sugar-Free: Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit.
Herby Goodness: Add thyme or sage alongside rosemary for an earthy flavor boost.

Equipment You Need

Skillet: Perfect for searing steak and reducing sauce.
Tongs: To flip the steak without piercing it.
Measuring Cups: For accurate sauce-making.
Knife and Cutting Board: To chop garlic and prepare garnish.

How to Make Skillet Bourbon Steak?

Time to get cooking! You’re about to make a steak masterpiece that’s juicy, flavorful, and coated in sauce so good you’ll want to lick your plate. 🍴

Step 1: Prep Your Steaks

Start by seasoning your steaks. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. While you prep, heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Sear the Steaks 🔥

Add minced garlic and rosemary to the skillet. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Place the steaks in the pan and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on how you like them cooked. Flip carefully with tongs to avoid losing juices! Transfer to a plate to rest while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Bourbon Sauce 🥃

Now for the fun part! Pour your bourbon into the skillet (carefully, as it may flame up). Cook for a minute to burn off the alcohol. Then stir in beef broth, butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly.

Step 4: Glaze the Steaks 🌟

Return the steaks to the skillet, ensuring they soak up that beautiful sauce. Heat them through for 1 to 2 minutes. They should be glistening and coated in all that saucy goodness!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve 🍴

Transfer your steaks to a serving platter. Drizzle extra sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley. Add bourbon-soaked cherries if you’re feeling fancy, and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room-Temperature Steak: Pull your steaks out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. They’ll cook more evenly this way.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If cooking multiple steaks, sear them in batches to give each one a perfect crust.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thin, simmer it a little longer. If too thick, add a splash of beef broth.

How to Serve Skillet Bourbon Steak?

Presentation is everything! Serve your steak with the sides of your choice, like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. For a rustic feel, serve straight from the skillet, or plate individually with a parsley sprig for elegance. A crusty piece of bread for soaking up the sauce is an absolute must!

Nutritional Information

This recipe is rich and satisfying, often served as a hearty main dish. Here’s the breakdown per serving (approximate):

Calories: 450
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 29g

Make Ahead and Storage

Sometimes, a little prep work makes all the difference. You can easily prep this dish ahead of time and store leftovers for another indulgent meal.

Make Ahead

You can make the bourbon sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply reheat and continue with the recipe.

Refrigeration

Store any leftover steak and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid drying out the steak.

Freezing

While the sauce freezes well, the steak is best enjoyed fresh. You can freeze the sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Now, get ready to wow your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table. This Skillet Bourbon Steak is bound to become a favorite in your recipe arsenal! 🍷

Step-by-step instructions in this video: