Honey Bourbon Steak Tips are seared in a cast iron pan until charred on the outside but still juicy on the inside. They are both sweet and salty with the wonderful flavor of bourbon. This is one of my favorite ways to cook steak for dinner.
Type of Steak to Use
I like to use either filet mignon or ribeye for this recipe. Filet is good because it stays so tender and I love the flavor ribeye has due to its higher fat content. A less expensive choice is sirloin.
I add some mushrooms to the pan at the end and they really soak up the flavor of the steak juices.
Steak Marinade
The steak is cut into bite-sized pieces and marinated in honey, brown sugar, garlic, bourbon, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, plus some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
The sugar and honey helps the steak bites develop those caramelized brown spots on the outside, making it taste like steak candy. 🙂
You can use any bourbon that you like. My favorite bourbon to cook with is Maker’s Mark. It has a nice smooth flavor.
The sweetness of the honey and brown sugar is balanced with the saltiness of the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
Cooking steak that has already been cut into bite-sized pieces makes the cooking process quick and easy. Plus there’s no need for steak knives.
Every time I serve steak, I’m woefully reminded of how precious few steak knives I own.
What Type of Pan to Use?
A well-seasoned cast iron pan is best for getting a good sear on the steak.
Cooking the steak in a super hot cast iron pan helps the flavor really develop. A combination of vegetable oil and butter provides plenty of flavor and the oil will let you cook at a high temp without burning the butter.
Honey Bourbon Steak Tips Recipe Tips:
Brandy can be used instead of bourbon.
I like the sweetness of this recipe but some people find it too sweet. Cut the honey and sugar back a little to make it less sweet.
Serve Honey Bourbon Steak Bites with a potato side like Melting Potatoes or Parmesan Crusted Ranch Potato Wedges.
Watch the short video below to see how easy this recipe is!
Honey Bourbon Steak Tips
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 pounds steak cut into chunks Rib-eye, sirloin, or fillet
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 (6-ounce) package mushrooms cut in quarters
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Pour into a large ziptop bag. Add steak cubes and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
- Heat vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
- Add steak. You will probably need to cook it in two batches because you don't want to crowd the pan. Cook until seared on all sides. Remove from pan. Add remaining butter to pan and cook mushrooms until browned.
Nutrition
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Originally published January 30, 2016.
I like to use a cast iron pan for this recipe.
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This was fantastic, wouldn’t change anything. I also used the marinade with one tbs cornstarch to make a gravy, and poured it over the top. The gravey, meat and mushrooms over rice, Perfect!
So happy you enjoyed it Michael!
Can you use a regular skillet?
Yes.
For those wanting non-alcohol bourbon, remember when used in cooking the alcohol dissipates leaving only the flavor. Also, bourbon flavoring is readily available for the flavor without alcohol.
Was questionable about the bourbon but gave it fantastic flavor! Will be making again, thank you!
Tried this last night. It was delicious!!!
Made this and the potatoes for dinner – so good. and my autistic son even had seconds!!
That’s so good to hear Jacki!
What can I use instead of bourbon ?
I have no Bourbon…..Capt Morgan spiced rum?
Anyone try this with Tbones on the grill!?
Can you taste the bourbon in the finished product?
Can I make this in a skillet if I don’t have a cast iron pan?
Yes, absolutely!
Going to try tonight with lobster mash potatoes..can’t wait😛
Hope you enjoy! Lobster mashed potatoes sound marvelous!
This may sound like a silly question but I have never cooked with a cast iron pan before. I know they can be used in the oven and on the stove top. For this particular dish, did you use the stove top?
Yes, I used the stove top.
So good, served with rice and broccoli. I did let it marinate 48 hrs, Thanks for the recipe Love it!
How did it turn out ……?
Is it against the recommendations to marinate over night?
I thin it would be fine to marinate overnight Dee. Let us know how it turns out for you!
Can this be made with beef tips rather than steak tips?
Hi, any good substitutes for mushrooms? I’m allergic 🙁
You could use onion or green or red bell pepper instead. Or even yellow squash or zucchini.
Sounds fantastic. Do you dump the marinade in with the steak when searing or just the steak? I would think that it would be hard to get a good sear with the marinade in there.
Jus the steak Ron. One reader commented that they add a little cornstarch to the marinade and cook it in a saucepan to thicken and serve it with the steak. I think that is a great idea.
Made this for dinner tonite. I didn’t change anything except adding a little cornstarch to all the extra marinade while cooking it to make it a little thicker. Family loves it. They ate it over white rice. Wouldn’t change a thing. They want me to make it again. Successful dinner idea.
Glad your family enjoyed it Amber! Great idea to use cornstarch to thicken the extra marinade!
Fantastic.what a terrific recipie,stuck too the original .what a winner and I’m an amateur lol
Tnx again
Love this recipe!