Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the delicious and irresistible Honey Bourbon Steak Skewers. This dish combines tender, juicy steak with a sweet and smoky glaze that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual BBQ to a family dinner. The complex flavors of bourbon and honey create a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor Profile: The blend of honey and bourbon creates a deliciously sweet and smoky glaze that complements the steak beautifully.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make this recipe a breeze to whip up.
- Perfect for Entertaining: These skewers make an impressive and tasty addition to any party or gathering.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the heat to suit your taste with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to these Honey Bourbon Steak Skewers lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in adding depth and richness to the flavor, so don’t cut corners here!
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak: Opt for a well-marbled cut like ribeye or sirloin for maximum juiciness.
- Olive oil: It helps the seasonings adhere to the steak while adding a subtle richness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and tenderizes the meat.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth that perfectly complements the bourbon glaze.
Variations
Our Honey Bourbon Steak Skewers are versatile and forgiving, just waiting for you to put your personal twist on them! Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or feeling adventurous, these variations can help you make this dish your own.
- Spicy Kick: Add a finely chopped jalapeño to the glaze for an extra pop of heat.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in some fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze for a fragrant twist.
How to Make Honey Bourbon Steak Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start by patting the steak cubes dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as dry meat sears much better, giving you a beautiful crust. Toss the cubes in a large bowl with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until everything is well-coated. Thread the seasoned steak onto your skewers, ensuring there is a little space between each piece for even cooking. Remember, if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before you start to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Step 2: Make the Honey Bourbon Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to simmer and slightly thicken, taking about 3–5 minutes. Once it reaches this point, remove it from heat and set aside — it’ll be ready to add a delicious, glossy finish to your steak skewers.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent any sticking. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, ensure it’s well-preheated before placing your skewers on it, as a hot surface is key to achieving those perfect grill marks and flavor.
Step 4: Grill the Steak Skewers
Place the steak skewers directly on the grill grates. Grill them for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning occasionally to get a lovely sear on all sides. If you’re keen on precision, a meat thermometer is your friend here; aim for 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium to ensure optimal tenderness and juiciness.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish
During the last minute of grilling, brush the steak skewers generously with the prepared honey bourbon glaze. Allow the glaze to caramelize slightly on the grill for a minute or so, flipping the skewers as necessary for even coverage. Once they’re beautifully glazed, remove them from the grill and feel free to brush them with extra glaze, adding that perfect final touch.
Step 6: Serve
For the finishing touch, sprinkle the skewers with chopped parsley and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve them hot, and if you’ve got any leftover glaze, offer it on the side for an additional dip. These Honey Bourbon Steak Skewers shine on their own or when paired with your favorite BBQ sides.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Bourbon Steak Skewers
- Perfect Marinade: For more intense flavors, marinate the steak cubes in the glaze for up to 24 hours before grilling.
- Quick Grill Prep: Always preheat your grill well — a hot grill is key to achieving those sought-after sear marks.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the glaze a day ahead to save time and enhance its flavor.
- Ingredient Selection: Use grade A bourbon for a smoother and more flavorful glaze.
How to Serve Honey Bourbon Steak Skewers
Garnishes
Top your skewers with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of sesame seeds. The parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor, while the sesame seeds provide a subtle nuttiness and texture that round out the dish.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or corn on the cob. A refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the rich flavors of the skewers and provides a nice contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and interactive presentation, serve the skewers in tall glasses with the ends propped up. Add dipping glaze in small ramekins alongside each serving for a touch of elegance and ease of sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store any leftover skewers, remove them from the skewers and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for quick meals or snacks.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the skewers, let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, defrost them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, use a stovetop grill pan to bring back that freshly grilled feel!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of meat for skewers?
Absolutely! While beef works brilliantly, feel free to swap in chicken thighs or pork tenderloin for a different spin. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.
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What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! A grill pan or a broiler in your oven can work just as well, maintaining those lovely charred flavors.
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Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?
Yes, you can use apple juice with a couple of drops of vanilla extract to mimic the depth of bourbon without alcohol.
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How do I know if my steak is done?
A meat thermometer is your best friend — aim for around 135°F for medium-rare steaks and 145°F for medium, ensuring juicy and flavorful results!
Final Thoughts
With their mouth-watering combination of flavors and inviting aroma, Honey Bourbon Steak Skewers are bound to become a favorite at your table. I hope you give them a try and enjoy the delicious harmony of sweet, smoky, and savory notes. Cheers to many delightful meals with friends and family!
PrintHoney Bourbon Steak Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Honey Bourbon Steak Skewers are tender cubes of sirloin grilled to perfection, brushed with a sweet and savory honey bourbon glaze. They make for an impressive appetizer or main course, perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners with bold flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
For the Steak Skewers:
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak (or ribeye), cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Honey Bourbon Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Start by patting the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Dry meat sears better and builds more flavor. Toss the cubes in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated. Thread the seasoned steak onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Make the Honey Bourbon Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the mixture simmers and slightly thickens, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. If using a grill pan indoors, preheat it until very hot before cooking the skewers.
- Grill the Steak Skewers: Place the steak skewers directly on the grill grates. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side, turning occasionally to get a nice sear on all sides. Use a meat thermometer if you want precise doneness — aim for 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium.
- Glaze and Finish: During the last minute of cooking, brush the steak skewers generously with the honey bourbon glaze. Let the glaze caramelize slightly on the grill, flipping the skewers as needed for even coverage. Remove from the grill and brush with extra glaze if desired.
- Serve: Sprinkle the finished skewers with chopped parsley and sesame seeds if using. Serve hot with leftover glaze on the side for dipping. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
- You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and reheat before glazing the skewers.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated for the best sear.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 4 oz of beef)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg