I love the anticipation of a grilling session when I use this Honey Bourbon Steak Marinade. Blending bourbon, dark brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, garlic, mustard, and herbs creates a tangy, rich flavor that elevates any meat into a memorable dish. Its balanced sweet and savory notes spark exciting culinary adventures.

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I recently whipped up my new Brown Sugar Bourbon Marinade and honestly, it blew my mind. Let me tell you, this marinade is as fancy as it sounds yet super easy to mix together.

I grabbed 1/2 cup bourbon, 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, and 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, then added 4 cloves garlic minced finely and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard for that extra kick. I even tossed in 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to round out the flavor.

It’s a real game changer for steak marinades, and it works just as well for chicken or even kebobs. The result is tangy, sweet, and rich with a subtle twist from the bourbon.

You might even wanna try it if you’re into those Jack Daniels and honey bourbon steak recipes you see all over the grill blogs. #playswellwithbutter #brownsugarbourbon #easymarinade

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love this recipe cause it gives my meat a tangy, sweet and rich flavor that always leaves me wanting more
2. I like that its really simple to make and uses stuff that I already have in my kitchen so I dont have to run around for extra ingredients
3. I really dig the kick I get from the bourbon mixed in with balsamic vinegar, it makes my meals feel special even on a busy day
4. I appreciate how versatile it is since I can use it on chicken or pork and it never fails to impress my friends when we grill together

Ingredients

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Bourbon: Adds a smoky, boozy flavor that helps tenderize meat and deepen its taste.
Dark brown sugar: Provides deep caramel sweetness, contributes carbohydrates and enhances savory flavors.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds tangy sourness with slight sweetness, helps balance flavors and tenderizes meat.
Garlic: Delivers a pungent aroma and mild heat; boosts health benefits and adds a savory kick.
Dijon mustard: Infuses a tangy spiced kick with low calories, merging flavor profiles nicely.
Dried thyme: Offers subtle earthy notes; its healthy herb vibe boosts flavor and aroma.
Dried oregano: Imparts robust herbal depth, supports digestion and rounds out the marinade.
Ground black pepper: Provides a mild heat, stimulates digestion and intensifies flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

1/2 cup bourbon

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

How to Make this

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1. In a large bowl, pour in 1/2 cup bourbon, 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, and 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar.

2. Stir in the 4 minced garlic cloves along with 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard.

3. Next, add 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.

4. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

5. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

6. Taste it and adjust any seasonings if needed, sometimes a little extra salt or pepper can kick it up a notch.

7. Place your meat in a resealable plastic bag or a large shallow dish.

8. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure every piece is well coated.

9. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you can wait.

10. When ready to cook, grill or pan-sear the meat until its nicely charred and cooked through so you enjoy all that tangy, sweet, and rich flavor. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Whisk or fork for stirring
4. Knife and cutting board for mincing garlic
5. Resealable plastic bag or a large shallow dish for marinating
6. Grill or frying pan for cooking the meat

FAQ

Q: Can i use this marinade on chicken?

A: Yes, this marinade works great on chicken, pork, and even beef. Just be sure to marinate for at least 2 hours for best flavor.

Q: How long should i marinate my meat?

A: You should marinate your meat for 2-4 hours, and if you have extra time, overnight works really well too.

Q: Can i substitute the bourbon with another liquor?

A: Sure, if you dont have bourbon you can use rum or even a little bit of tequila for a different flavor kick.

Q: Do i need to cook off the alcohol before grilling?

A: Not really, the alcohol tends to burn off during the grilling process, but you can simmer the marinade for a few minutes if you're worried.

Q: Can this marinade be used as a dipping sauce?

A: Yeah, you can, just be careful if you plan to serve it as a dipping sauce on the side, remember to boil it first if it had raw meat in it.

Brown Sugar Bourbon Marinade Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Bourbon: If you dont have bourbon on hand you can try using whiskey or even a dark rum which gives a similar flavor.
Dark Brown Sugar: You can replace it with white sugar mixed with a little molasses if you dont have any brown sugar available.
Balsamic Vinegar: Red wine vinegar plus a bit extra sugar can serve as a good swap though its slightly different in tang.
Dijon Mustard: Regular yellow mustard works too, it isnt exactly the same but still gives you a nice kick.

Pro Tips

1. If you got time, let the meat marinate overnight, because the longer it sits in the marinade, the deeper the flavor gets, which is pretty awesome.
2. When you’re mixing up the marinade, make sure the brown sugar dissolves completely, so it doesn’t end up gritty when you’re bitting into it.
3. Try to bring the meat up to room temp before cooking, since starting from a cold meat can make it cook unevenly, leaving you with a burnt outside but raw inside.
4. If you’re feeling fancy, you might lightly toast the dried herbs before adding them to the marinade, it can really boost the herby flavor and make the whole dish pop.