Bourbon & Brown Sugar Marinated Grilled Steak

A Weeknight Wonder: Bourbon & Brown Sugar Marinated Grilled Steak

As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknight dinners are often a whirlwind of juggling homework, after-school activities, and the ever-present challenge of putting a healthy and delicious meal on the table. That's why I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both quick and impressive, and this Bourbon & Brown Sugar Marinated Grilled Steak fits the bill perfectly.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The marinade, a delightful blend of soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of hot sauce, infuses the steak with incredible flavor in a remarkably short amount of time. Fifteen to twenty minutes is all it takes to transform a simple flank steak into a culinary masterpiece. And the grilling process itself? A mere five to six minutes per side for that perfect medium-rare tenderness. I can't emphasize enough how much faster this is than some other recipes I’ve tried.

I often use flank steak because it’s readily available and relatively inexpensive. It's also lean, making it a healthier option for my family. Plus, the marinade tenderizes it beautifully, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful even after grilling. The result? A succulent, flavorful steak that's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.

But the real magic happens with the reduced marinade. After grilling the steak, I simmer the leftover marinade until it thickens into a rich, syrupy glaze. This glaze is the perfect finishing touch, adding another layer of depth and flavor to the already impressive steak. I drizzle it generously over the sliced steak before serving, and the whole family goes wild! It's rich, yet not too sweet. The bourbon adds such a wonderful complexity.

This recipe isn't just about the deliciousness; it's about efficiency. While the steak marinates, I can quickly prepare sides—a simple salad, some roasted vegetables, or even some quick mashed potatoes. The entire meal comes together surprisingly fast, leaving me with more time to connect with my family, instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the marinade to your taste; a little more or less bourbon, or even a different type of mustard, can completely change the flavor profile. I've experimented with adding a touch of garlic or ginger to the marinade, and the results have always been fantastic. It’s perfect for adapting the recipe to whatever you and your family might enjoy most.

So, if you're a busy mom (or dad!), or simply someone who appreciates delicious food without the fuss, I highly recommend trying this Bourbon & Brown Sugar Marinated Grilled Steak. It's a weeknight lifesaver, a crowd-pleaser, and a recipe that effortlessly blends flavor, simplicity, and speed. It's become a staple in our home, and I know it will become one of your favorites too. I often double the recipe to have leftovers for lunch the next day, which makes my busy life even easier!

Tips for Success:

• Don't skip the resting period! Allowing the steak to rest for 5 minutes before slicing helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your steak and your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your liking.
• Get creative with your sides! This steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes, from simple salads to more elaborate vegetable preparations.
• Make it a complete meal: Consider adding a starch to the plate, such as roasted potatoes or rice, for a more satisfying dining experience.

Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Marinade: Combine soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, mustard and hot sauce in a large Ziploc bag.
• Add steak and marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
• Cook: Meanwhile, preheat grill, with settings on medium.
• Remove steak from marinade (save marinade) and grill to desired doneness – about 5-6 minutes per side for medium-rare.
• While steaks cook, place leftover marinade in a small pot on the stove and bring to a boil.
• Boil for 3 minutes until thick and syrupy.
• Allow steaks to rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly, across the grain.
• Serve with a drizzle of sauce and your favorite summer sides.