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.

Honey Bourbon Steak Tips on a plate.

Type of Steak to Use

Honey Bourbon Steak Tips

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.  ๐Ÿ™‚

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.

Steak Bites with Mushrooms on a plate.

 

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.

 

Steak Tips on plate and bottle of bourbon.

Watch the short video below to see how easy this recipe is!

Honey Bourbon Steak Tips

4.43 from 33 votes

By Christin Mahrlig

Prep: 2 hours
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Honey Bourbon Steak Bites 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. 
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients

  • โ…“ cup honey
  • ยผ cup packed light brown sugar
  • โ…“ cup bourbon
  • ยผ cup soy sauce
  • ยผ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • ยฝ 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

Calories: 552kcal

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag us @spicysouthernkitchen on social media!

Originally published January 30, 2016.

I like to use a cast iron pan for this recipe. 

Honey Bourbon Steak Tips on a plate.

More Steak Recipes

Margarita Steaks - juicy rib-eyes marinated in tequila, lime, and triple sec.

Grilled Margarita Steak

Super flavorful and moist Grilled Marinated London Broil

London Broil

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Related Recipes

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




106 Comments

  1. Michael says:

    This was fantastic, wouldnโ€™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!

    1. Christin Mahrlig says:

      So happy you enjoyed it Michael!

  2. Michelle says:

    Can you use a regular skillet?

    1. Christin Mahrlig says:

      Yes.

  3. Donna Dye says:

    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.

  4. Chyna says:

    Was questionable about the bourbon but gave it fantastic flavor! Will be making again, thank you!

  5. Shannon says:

    Tried this last night. It was delicious!!!

  6. Jacki Chase says:

    Made this and the potatoes for dinner – so good. and my autistic son even had seconds!!

    1. Christin Mahrlig says:

      That’s so good to hear Jacki!

  7. Mary Sclafani says:

    What can I use instead of bourbon ?

    1. Kate says:

      I have no Bourbon…..Capt Morgan spiced rum?

  8. Katie says:

    Anyone try this with Tbones on the grill!?

  9. Arron says:

    Can you taste the bourbon in the finished product?

  10. Rachel says:

    Can I make this in a skillet if I don’t have a cast iron pan?

    1. Christin Mahrlig says:

      Yes, absolutely!