Bourbon Marinade for Steak Tips Recipe (2023 Updated)

Last Updated on December 29, 2022 by Lydia Martin

Who doesn’t love a good steak? Whether you’re cooking up a juicy ribeye or skirt steak, the bourbon marinade will take your meat to the next level.

But before you fire up that grill, we will give you some bourbon marinade for steak tips that will impress your guests at your next backyard barbecue.

Special Tips for Your Bourbon Marinated Steak Tips

Prepare the Key Components

Acid

Acid is a key component of any good bourbon steak marinade. It helps break down the tough fibers in the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. The most common acids used in marinades are lemon juice, vinegar, and beer.

However, red wine vinegar is also a great option for bourbon steak marinades. It adds a deep, rich flavor to the meat that pairs well with the sweetness of the bourbon. When choosing an acid for your marinade, taste it first. The acid should add balance to the other flavors in the marinade, not overwhelm them.

Fat

When it comes to bourbon steak marinade, fat is the key. Without it, your steak tips will be dry and tough. The best fats for bourbon steak marinade are vegetable oil or olive oil. These oils help to hold the marinade evenly and prevent it from drying out the steak.

In addition, they add flavor and help to tenderize the meat. It will help hold the marinade evenly and prevent it from running off the steak. So if you’re looking for a delicious and juicy steak, include fat in your marinade. You won’t be disappointed!

Seasonings

There are different ways to season steak tips, but if you’re looking for that perfect bourbon steak marinade, you’ll need a few key ingredients. 

First, you’ll need some herbs. Rosemary, thyme, and oregano all work well. Next, you’ll need garlic. You can use fresh or jarred garlic, but ensure it’s nicely minced. Then, you’ll need a little sugar to help balance out the flavors. 

And finally, you’ll need to blend everything into a paste. Don’t worry if it’s not smooth – a few chunks are fine.

Once everything is mixed together, rub it all over your steak and let it marinate for at least an hour. After that, it’s time to cook your steak to perfection!

Read: Top Bourbons For Cooking

The Best Bourbon Marinade Recipes

Bourbon-Glazed Steak 

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 lb Flat Iron, Sirloin, or Top Blade Roast
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup and 2 tbsp honey
• ½ cup and 2 tbsp bourbon
• Spray oil 
• Salt 

Instructions:

Cut the meat into 1-inch cubes and place it into a bowl or zip-top bag. Combine soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, ½ cup bourbon, ¼ cup honey, and Worcestershire sauce, and marinate the meat for at least 4 hours. 

Get your cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat and spray with little oil. Drain the marinade and cook the steak in the hot skillet for 5-7 minutes. Pour 2 tsp honey and 2 tsp bourbon into the meat while continuously cooking until it caramelized and darkened.  

Serving: 5 – 6

Brown Sugar Bourbon Steak

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

• ½ cup bourbon whiskey
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 lb sirloin or flank steak
• 1 medium-size yellow onion
• Sea salt or kosher
• Ground pepper

Instructions:

Mix bourbon, Worcestershire, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a bowl, then pour it into a large zip-top bag with the onion and steak. Seal the bag, then marinate the meat for 2 hours. Drain and season the meat with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 4-6 minutes. Serve with cooked onion on the side.

Serving: 4 – 6

FAQs

Can you use any bourbon for any steak marinade?

Yes, you can use any bourbon [1] for any steak marinade. There are many different brands of bourbon, so you can choose the one you like the best. But don’t use a cheap bourbon if you don’t want to make your steak taste bad.

Does bourbon whiskey tenderize steak?

Yes, bourbon whiskey can potentially tenderize steak, but it depends on a few factors. It depends on how long you marinate the steak in the bourbon. If you marinate for several hours or even overnight, the bourbon will start to break down the tough fibers in the steak, making it more tender.

Conclusion

Acid, fat, and seasonings are the key components for the perfect bourbon steak marinade for steak tips. Be sure to include all the ingredients mentioned, and don’t forget to let your steak sit in the marinade for at least an hour. 

All the flavors will have time to blend, and the steak will be nice and tender. Now, it’s time to fire up that grill and enjoy a delicious steak!

Reference:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/bourbon-whiskey#