Introduction
Steak with Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce is a dish that effortlessly combines bold flavor with refined elegance. Perfectly seared steak paired with a velvety cream sauce infused with garlic and a subtle hint of bourbon creates a restaurant-quality meal at home. The richness of the cream balances the smoky warmth of the bourbon, while garlic adds aromatic depth that enhances the natural flavor of the steak. The first time I prepared this recipe, I was impressed by how such simple ingredients could produce such a luxurious result. The sauce develops beautifully in the same pan used to cook the steak, capturing every flavorful browned bit. Whether served for a special occasion or an elevated weeknight dinner, this dish delivers tenderness, depth, and indulgence in every bite. It is both comforting and sophisticated, making it a reliable choice when you want to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers perfectly seared steak complemented by a rich, creamy bourbon sauce that enhances without overpowering. It requires simple ingredients yet delivers complex flavor. The one-pan sauce technique adds convenience, while the elegant presentation makes it suitable for entertaining.
Steak with Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce – Rich, Bold & Elegant
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Steak with Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce is a rich and indulgent main dish featuring perfectly seared steak topped with a velvety bourbon-infused garlic cream sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 250 g each)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat steaks dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steaks for 3–5 minutes per side until desired doneness is reached.
- Remove steaks from skillet and let rest.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Carefully pour in bourbon and let simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add beef broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Simmer until sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and thyme.
- Return steaks briefly to skillet to coat with sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Let steaks rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer if needed.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak (ribeye or sirloin)
Well-marbled ribeye provides tenderness and rich flavor, while sirloin offers a leaner alternative. Both cuts sear beautifully.
Salt
Enhances the natural flavor of the steak and balances the sauce.
Black pepper
Adds subtle heat and depth.
Olive oil
Used for searing, ensuring a flavorful crust forms on the steak.
Butter
Adds richness and helps baste the steak during cooking.
Garlic cloves
Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
Bourbon
Provides smoky, slightly sweet complexity that elevates the cream sauce.
Heavy cream
Creates the luxurious, velvety base of the sauce.
Beef broth
Enhances savory depth and balances the creaminess.
Dijon mustard
Adds subtle tang and helps round out the flavors.
Fresh thyme (optional)
Contributes an herbal note that complements the richness.
Directions
Remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Pat dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting according to thickness and desired doneness. During the final minute, add butter and baste the steak by spooning melted butter over the top.
Transfer the steak to a plate and allow it to rest.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant. Carefully pour in the bourbon, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Allow the alcohol to cook off for about 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in beef broth and let it reduce slightly. Add heavy cream and Dijon mustard, stirring until the sauce thickens to a smooth consistency. If desired, add fresh thyme.
Return the steak to the skillet briefly to coat with sauce, or spoon the sauce over the sliced steak before serving.
Equipment needed : Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: Approximately 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent overcooking the steak. Add a small splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency if needed.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe can be adapted in several ways while maintaining its rich character. For a deeper flavor, allow the bourbon to reduce slightly longer before adding cream.
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of bourbon and increase the beef broth slightly.
For added texture, sauté sliced mushrooms in the pan before preparing the sauce.
A touch of grated Parmesan can be stirred into the cream for additional richness.
If heavy cream is too rich for your preference, substitute part with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Fresh rosemary may replace thyme for a more pronounced herbal profile.
For a slight sweetness, add a teaspoon of brown sugar to balance the bourbon’s smoky notes.
Pair the steak with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered pasta to complement the creamy sauce.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 720 kcal |
| Protein | 48 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 56 g |
| Saturated Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 540 mg |
Values may vary depending on cut of steak and portion size.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use a Hot Pan
A properly heated skillet ensures a flavorful crust.
Let Steak Rest
Resting preserves juices and tenderness.
Deglaze Thoroughly
Scrape browned bits for maximum flavor in the sauce.
Control Sauce Thickness
Simmer gently to achieve the desired consistency.
Slice Against the Grain
Cutting against the grain improves tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, strip steak or filet mignon also work well.
Does the alcohol cook off?
Most of the alcohol evaporates during cooking, leaving flavor behind.
Can I make this without bourbon?
Yes, substitute additional beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
How do I know when the steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature for accuracy.
Can I grill the steak instead?
Yes, grill the steak and prepare the sauce separately on the stovetop.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its rich flavor and elegant presentation make it ideal for entertaining.
Conclusion
Steak with Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce offers bold flavor, tender texture, and a luxurious finish in a simple yet impressive dish. The combination of perfectly seared steak and creamy bourbon-infused sauce creates a balanced, indulgent meal suitable for both intimate dinners and special gatherings. With straightforward preparation and adaptable ingredients, this recipe delivers sophistication with ease.
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