Chipotle Bourbon Steak
Sweet, smoky chipotle bourbon steak with a simple honey-soy-bourbon marinade. Quick prep and great for grilling or pan-searing.
I developed this with what I had on hand in the kitchen. When ever I make it, people not only scarf down the steaks, but make me write down the recipe. Its sweet, spicy, and does not overpower the steaks.
Submitted by: Brian from Swansboro, NC
Yield: 4 Steaks
- Marinade mixes soy sauce, ketchup, honey, bourbon, garlic, black pepper, and chipotle for sweet, smoky flavor.
- Marinate steaks 30 minutes to 2 hours and grill, brushing marinade while cooking; watch for flare-ups from the sugar.
- If you want to use the marinade as a sauce, reserve some before adding raw meat or boil the used marinade to make it safe.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients except the steaks.
2. Add the steaks to the marinade and let soak for 1/2 to 2 hours.
3. Grill the steaks, brushing on marinade through the cooking process.
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
1. The soy sauce is mostly salt. Salt makes meat taste more like meat. 2. The honey and ketchup add sweetness and body. 3. The chipotle chili powder gives it really warm smokey flavor. It does not make it too spicy - if you like a lot of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper. Regular chili powder is just not the same as chipotle. 4. I prefer my steak on the medium rare side. This marinade really gives it a fantasitc flavor, but if you really want to 'kick it up a notch', 5. Serve a little feta cheese on the side to be eaten with the steak. If you haven't tried it, you must: This steak with a crumb of feta on top is possibly the best thing to ever cross your tongue....
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out more steak recipes here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the steaks?
Marinate 30 minutes to 2 hours for best flavor without over-salting. Thicker or tougher cuts can go up to 4 hours. Avoid very long times because the soy can make the meat too salty and change texture.
Can I use this marinade for chicken, pork, or fish?
Yes. Chicken and pork work well; marinate chicken 1 to 4 hours and pork 1 to 2 hours. Fish needs much less time, about 15 to 30 minutes, to avoid breaking down the flesh.
Do I have to use bourbon? Any good substitutes?
Bourbon adds a sweet, oaky note but you can skip it. Good substitutes are apple cider, strong brewed coffee, cola, or a nonalcoholic bourbon-style syrup. Each will change the final flavor slightly.
Is it safe to brush the raw marinade on the steaks while grilling?
Brushing the marinade on while the steak cooks is fine because the heat will cook it. If you want to serve the marinade as a sauce, reserve a portion before adding raw meat or boil the used marinade for several minutes to kill any bacteria.
How do I cook the steaks to medium rare?
Preheat the grill to high and sear each side 2 to 4 minutes depending on thickness. Aim for an internal temperature of 130 to 135 F for medium rare. Let steaks rest 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
How can I make the marinade spicier or milder?
Chipotle powder gives a warm, smoky heat. For more spice add cayenne or chopped chipotle in adobo. For less heat reduce the chipotle powder or omit it and use smoked paprika for smoky flavor without heat.
Can I make the marinade ahead and how do I store leftovers?
You can mix the marinade ahead and refrigerate it unused for up to a week. Raw steaks can be marinated in the fridge up to 24 hours, though the recipe works in 30 minutes to 2 hours. Cooked leftovers keep 3 to 4 days refrigerated. Any marinade that touched raw meat must be boiled if you plan to reuse it as a sauce.
What should I serve with this steak?
Serve with grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, a simple salad, or crusty bread. A crumb of feta on top adds a bright, salty contrast that many people love with the sweet and smoky steak.
How long should I marinate the steaks?
Marinate 30 minutes to 2 hours for best flavor without over-salting. Thicker or tougher cuts can go up to 4 hours. Avoid very long times because the soy can make the meat too salty and change texture.
Can I use this marinade for chicken, pork, or fish?
Yes. Chicken and pork work well; marinate chicken 1 to 4 hours and pork 1 to 2 hours. Fish needs much less time, about 15 to 30 minutes, to avoid breaking down the flesh.
Do I have to use bourbon? Any good substitutes?
Bourbon adds a sweet, oaky note but you can skip it. Good substitutes are apple cider, strong brewed coffee, cola, or a nonalcoholic bourbon-style syrup. Each will change the final flavor slightly.
Is it safe to brush the raw marinade on the steaks while grilling?
Brushing the marinade on while the steak cooks is fine because the heat will cook it. If you want to serve the marinade as a sauce, reserve a portion before adding raw meat or boil the used marinade for several minutes to kill any bacteria.
How do I cook the steaks to medium rare?
Preheat the grill to high and sear each side 2 to 4 minutes depending on thickness. Aim for an internal temperature of 130 to 135 F for medium rare. Let steaks rest 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
How can I make the marinade spicier or milder?
Chipotle powder gives a warm, smoky heat. For more spice add cayenne or chopped chipotle in adobo. For less heat reduce the chipotle powder or omit it and use smoked paprika for smoky flavor without heat.
Can I make the marinade ahead and how do I store leftovers?
You can mix the marinade ahead and refrigerate it unused for up to a week. Raw steaks can be marinated in the fridge up to 24 hours, though the recipe works in 30 minutes to 2 hours. Cooked leftovers keep 3 to 4 days refrigerated. Any marinade that touched raw meat must be boiled if you plan to reuse it as a sauce.
What should I serve with this steak?
Serve with grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, a simple salad, or crusty bread. A crumb of feta on top adds a bright, salty contrast that many people love with the sweet and smoky steak.
Comments