If you love the rich, irresistible flavors of a perfectly cooked steak with a touch of sweet and smoky charm, you are going to adore this Honey Bourbon Steak Tips Recipe. It brings together tender steak tips marinated and cooked in a luscious mixture of honey, bourbon, and savory seasonings, delivering a dish that feels both comforting and a little indulgent. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight meal or a special gathering, this recipe never fails to impress with its deep flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial to nailing that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy that makes the Honey Bourbon Steak Tips Recipe so memorable. Each element plays a role, from the rich butter that adds silkiness to the bourbon that gives the dish its signature warmth.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a luscious glaze.
- Light Brown Sugar: Enhances the caramel flavor and deepens the sweetness.
- Bourbon: Brings robust warmth and depth to the marinade.
- Soy Sauce: Adds an umami punch and balances the sweetness with saltiness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complexity and a slightly tangy note.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Introduce just the right amount of heat to balance the sweetness.
- Garlic (minced): Brings aromatic earthiness and depth.
- Steak (2 pounds): Rib-eye, sirloin, or fillet all work beautifully, providing tender, juicy bites.
- Vegetable Oil: For searing the steak to perfection.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Divided use to enrich both the steak and the mushrooms.
- Mushrooms (8 ounces, quartered): Add earthiness and succulent texture, making the dish extra hearty.
How to Make Honey Bourbon Steak Tips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together honey, light brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic in a bowl. This marinade is the heart of the recipe, imbuing the steak tips with vibrant layers of flavor. Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, a few hours will make the meat even more tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the steak tips from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then sear them in batches to get a beautiful, caramelized crust on each side. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan so the meat sears instead of steaming.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
After searing the steak, add butter to the skillet and toss in the quartered mushrooms. Saute them until they soften and turn golden brown, soaking up the flavorful skillet juices. This step adds an earthy, satisfying texture that complements the steak beautifully.
Step 4: Return Steak Tips and Simmer
Return the steak tips to the pan along with the reserved marinade, allowing everything to simmer gently. This simmering melds the flavors together and thickens the glaze, creating a rich sauce that lovingly coats every bite of steak and mushroom.
Step 5: Finish with Butter for Glossy Perfection
Stir in the remaining butter at the very end for a silky finish that makes the sauce shine. This small step elevates the dish, wrapping the steak tips in warmth and richness.
How to Serve Honey Bourbon Steak Tips Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a bright contrast and a burst of color, making the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top gives a subtle kick that enhances all the savory notes.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles, which soak up the indulgent sauce perfectly. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans offer a crisp, fresh counterpoint to the richness of the steak tips.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Honey Bourbon Steak Tips over garlic-infused rice bowls with avocado slices or pile them onto toasted baguette slices for steak tip crostini. This versatility means you can tailor the experience to your mood or occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days and taste just as fantastic when reheated thoughtfully.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked steak tips and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This keeps the steak juicy and prevents it from drying out, bringing your Honey Bourbon Steak Tips Recipe back to life beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of alcohol than bourbon?
Absolutely! While bourbon offers a distinctive warmth and sweetness, whiskey or even a dark rum can work well too. Just expect subtle differences in flavor complexity.
How long should I marinate the steak tips?
At least 30 minutes is necessary to infuse flavor, but marinating for 2 to 4 hours will make the steak tips even more tender and deeply flavorful.
What cut of steak is best for this recipe?
Rib-eye, sirloin, and fillet are excellent choices because they stay tender when cut into tips and cooked quickly. You want cuts that hold up well to searing but remain juicy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free alternative to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle spicy kick that balances the sweetness, but you can adjust the amount or leave them out if you prefer milder flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Bourbon Steak Tips Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat every time you make it, yet it is surprisingly easy to bring together. The harmony of sweet, savory, and spicy notes with tender steak and mushrooms makes it impossible not to fall in love. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors that make this recipe a true favorite in my kitchen!
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Honey Bourbon Steak Tips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey Bourbon Steak Tips offer a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender steak pieces marinated and cooked in a savory and sweet sauce made with honey, bourbon, soy sauce, and spices. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, these steak tips are complemented by sautéed mushrooms for added depth and texture.
Ingredients
Marinade and Sauce
- 1/3 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Bourbon
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds Steak (Rib-eye, Sirloin, or Fillet), cut into tips
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 3 tablespoons Butter (divided)
- 8 ounces Mushrooms (quartered)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, light brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Whisk together until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well incorporated to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Steak Tips: Place the cut steak tips into a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the steak tips, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to absorb into the meat.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the quartered mushrooms and sauté until tender and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
- Sear the Steak Tips: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Remove the steak tips from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place them in the hot skillet. Sear the steak tips on each side for about 3-4 minutes or until desired doneness is reached.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: After searing the steak tips, return the cooked mushrooms to the skillet. Pour the remaining marinade over the steak and mushrooms, carefully letting it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the meat.
- Serve: Remove from heat and plate the honey bourbon steak tips with mushrooms. Serve immediately with your choice of side such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Choose your preferred steak cut for this recipe based on tenderness and budget; rib-eye and sirloin work particularly well.
- Ensure the marinade time is at least 1 hour for best flavor penetration; overnight marinating is even better if time allows.
- Be cautious when cooking with bourbon; keep heat controlled to avoid flare-ups or burning the alcohol.
- To make the dish less spicy, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Let the steak rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juices and enhance tenderness.
