Haunted Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Haunted Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce transforms any steak into a rich, flavorful experience. With a touch of smoky bourbon and a creamy garlic base, it’s perfect for elevating your next dinner.

A thick, juicy steak with a dark, crispy crust sits centered on a white plate, drenched in a light creamy sauce speckled with herbs. On top of the steak, several browned garlic pieces are visible, nestled in the sauce, while a bright green sprig of rosemary rests across the middle, adding fresh contrast to the rich tones. The creamy sauce pools slightly around the base of the steak, mingling with the meat juices on the white marbled texture beneath. The close-up shot highlights the texture of the charred outside of the steak and the smooth sauce glistening under soft light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin steaks (1–1¼ inch thick)
  • Salt & black pepper, generously
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • 2 tbsp butter (for sauce)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup bourbon
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1–2 drops liquid smoke (for extra “haunted” flavor)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the steaks dry and season them generously with salt and black pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over high heat and add the olive oil. Sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or cook to your desired doneness. Add the butter and fresh herbs if using, then baste the steaks for about 30 seconds. Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest covered with foil.
  3. Step 3: Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pan. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds without letting it brown.
  4. Step 4: Carefully pour in the bourbon and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until reduced by half. Stir in the beef broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and liquid smoke if using.
  5. Step 5: Allow the sauce to simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes velvety. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the sauce generously over the rested steaks. Garnish with cracked black pepper or fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to add extra aroma during basting.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper for your preferred level of heat.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with a combination of beef broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
  • Be careful not to brown the garlic or the sauce will become bitter.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. Steaks are best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated carefully.

How to Serve

A thick, juicy steak with a dark brown, charred crust sits as the base layer, showing grill marks and a tender, moist texture on the sides. On top, creamy, light beige sauce with specks of herbs and pepper flows slowly down the sides, covering parts of the meat. Scattered on the sauce are small, caramelized golden-brown cubes adding crisp texture. A fresh, bright green sprig of rosemary stands upright, placed centrally on the steak. The whole dish rests on a white plate against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of steak?

Yes, this sauce pairs well with most steak cuts like filet mignon, flank, or hanger steak. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What if I don’t have bourbon?

You can replace bourbon with brandy, whiskey, or a beef broth and apple cider vinegar mixture for a similar depth of flavor without alcohol.

Print

Haunted Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Experience the bold and smoky flavors of our Haunted Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce served over perfectly seared ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin steaks. This rich, velvety sauce combines bourbon, garlic, cream, and a hint of smoky spices for an unforgettable steakhouse-style meal that’s perfect for any special occasion or indulgent dinner.

  • Author: rami
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Steaks

  • 2 ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin steaks (1 inch thick)
  • Salt & black pepper, generously
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup bourbon
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1–2 drops liquid smoke (for extra “haunted” flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. Allow the steaks to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  2. Sear the Steaks: Heat a skillet over high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the steaks in the pan and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until your desired doneness is reached. During the last 30 seconds of searing, add 1 tablespoon of butter and the fresh thyme or rosemary, basting the steaks with the melted butter and herbs. Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest under tented foil.
  3. Make the Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent browning. Carefully pour in the bourbon, allowing it to simmer for 2–3 minutes until reduced by half. Stir in the beef broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and liquid smoke if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until it thickens and becomes velvety. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Serve: Spoon the bourbon garlic cream sauce generously over the rested steaks. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper or additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a spicier sauce, increase the cayenne pepper slightly, but be cautious as it can overpower the other flavors.
  • Adjust the amount of bourbon depending on your preference for alcohol flavor; ensure it’s fully cooked off if serving to children or those avoiding alcohol.
  • Letting the steaks rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak.
  • Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant and earthy aroma; dried herbs can be substituted if fresh are unavailable.
  • If you don’t have liquid smoke, you can omit it; the smoked paprika will still provide a subtle smoky flavor.

Keywords: bourbon sauce, garlic cream sauce, steak sauce, ribeye steak recipe, New York strip steak, sirloin steak, creamy steak sauce, garlic butter sauce, smoky sauce, steak dinner

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