Bourbon Cream Steak

Featured in The Stars of the Table.

This luxurious steak dinner elevates perfectly cooked ribeye or strip steak with a velvety bourbon cream sauce that takes it to new heights. The steak develops a beautiful crust while staying perfectly pink inside, then gets enveloped in a rich sauce where bourbon adds subtle oak and caramel notes that complement the meat beautifully. The cream sauce reduces until silky smooth, creating the perfect finishing touch that turns an excellent steak into something truly extraordinary. It's the kind of special occasion meal that creates lasting memories around the dinner table!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:11:50 GMT
Four pieces of seared steak topped with creamy sauce and herbs, served in a skillet. Pin it
Four pieces of seared steak topped with creamy sauce and herbs, served in a skillet. | tasteofcook.com

I stumbled upon this Steak with Haunted Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce recipe during my quest to create something special for our wedding anniversary. The sauce absolutely transforms an ordinary steak into something magical. When that bourbon hits the pan and mingles with garlic and cream it creates the most incredible aroma in my kitchen.

A Symphony of Flavors

This sauce takes your typical steak dinner to new heights. I love how the bourbon adds this subtle sweetness while the garlic brings warmth and depth. After perfecting this recipe in my kitchen it's become my go to for special dinners at home when I want to create something truly memorable.

Your Shopping List

  • Steak: I usually grab ribeye but sirloin works beautifully too
  • Fresh Garlic: The more the merrier in my kitchen
  • Good Bourbon: Use one you'd enjoy drinking
  • Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce absolutely luxurious
  • Quality Butter: I love using European style
  • Rich Broth: Either chicken or beef works wonderfully
  • Fresh Herbs: For that perfect finishing touch

Let's Cook Together

Get That Steak Right
Season well and sear until you get that perfect crust Let it rest while you make the sauce
Create the Magic Sauce
Start with garlic in butter then add your bourbon Watch it bubble and reduce before adding the cream
Bring it Together
Pour that gorgeous sauce over your steak Add fresh herbs and watch everyone's eyes light up

Picking Your Cut

When I'm feeling fancy I grab a ribeye those beautiful fat marbles create such amazing flavor. A nice thick sirloin makes a leaner but still delicious option. And for super special occasions nothing beats the butter soft texture of filet mignon.

Mastering the Sauce

The key to this sauce is patience. Keep your heat gentle when cooking the garlic it should smell amazing not burnt. Let the bourbon simmer slowly to develop those caramel notes. When you add the cream keep whisking for that silky smooth finish.

Perfect Partners

In my house we love serving this with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables add color and balance. Pour a glass of bold red wine and suddenly your kitchen feels like the finest steakhouse.

Making it Your Own

Sometimes I swap in different spirits like a smoky whiskey or even brandy. The sauce works beautifully with other meats too. When my sister visits I make it with coconut milk instead of cream and it turns out just as delicious.

Saving Some for Later

You can make extra sauce and keep it in the fridge for a couple days. Just warm it gently on the stove adding a splash of cream to bring back that silky texture. I love having it ready for impromptu special dinners.

Learning from Experience

Trust your thermometer for perfectly cooked steak. Watch that garlic like a hawk and take your time reducing the sauce. These little details make all the difference between good and absolutely amazing.

What Makes This Special

This recipe transforms dinner into an occasion. The combination of tender steak and that velvety bourbon garlic sauce creates pure magic on the plate. It's become my signature dish for celebrations and intimate dinners at home.

Four pieces of beef steak served in a creamy sauce, garnished with herbs and spices in a black skillet. Pin it
Four pieces of beef steak served in a creamy sauce, garnished with herbs and spices in a black skillet. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bourbon should I use?
Use a medium to high-quality bourbon that you enjoy drinking. The sauce will concentrate the bourbon's flavors, so avoid very cheap options.
→ Can I make this sauce without alcohol?
You can replace bourbon with beef broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar. This gives a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol.
→ What's the best way to check steak doneness?
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Medium-rare is 135°F, medium is 145°F. Let the steak rest for juicier results.
→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
The sauce is best made fresh, but you can reheat it gently while whisking. Add a splash of cream if needed to thin it out.
→ What sides go well with this steak?
Mashed potatoes work great to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad provide nice contrast to the rich flavors.

Bourbon Cream Steak

Juicy steak topped with a rich bourbon garlic cream sauce. This special occasion dish combines tender meat with a smoky, creamy sauce.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (2 steaks)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 ribeye or NY strip steaks (1 inch thick).
02 2 tablespoons olive oil.
03 Salt and pepper for seasoning.
04 2 tablespoons butter for steak.
05 2 garlic cloves, smashed.
06 Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs.
07 1/4 cup bourbon.
08 3 garlic cloves, minced.
09 1 tablespoon butter for sauce.
10 1 cup heavy cream.
11 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
12 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
13 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
14 1/4 cup grated parmesan.
15 Fresh parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Pat steaks dry and season well with salt and pepper. Heat oil in cast iron pan over medium-high heat.

Step 02

Sear steaks 3-4 minutes per side. Add butter, smashed garlic and herbs, baste with butter. Remove and rest under foil.

Step 03

In same pan, cook minced garlic in butter until fragrant. Add bourbon and simmer to cook off alcohol.

Step 04

Stir in cream, mustard, Worcestershire, cayenne and seasonings. Simmer until thickened. Mix in parmesan.

Notes

  1. Use smoky bourbon for richer flavor.
  2. Can substitute sirloin steak.
  3. Best served with potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cast iron skillet.
  • Paper towels.
  • Aluminum foil.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 700
  • Total Fat: 55 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 40 g