Bourbon Pepper Steak Sauce

Wife with the Knife

This Bourbon Pepper Steak Sauce is a quick and flavourful way to take your steak or grilled meats to the next level. The rich, smoky bourbon combines perfectly with the bold pepper and aromatic spices, creating a sauce that’s both savoury and complex. Simply sauté, simmer, and season to create a delicious, restaurant-quality sauce that’s perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Condiments, Sauces

Cuisine Southern

Servings 1.5 cups

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
2 shallots (finely chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
¼ cup bourbon whiskey
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp black peppercorns (crushed, see note #1.)
Salt to taste

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
Pour in the bourbon whiskey and allow it to reduce by half, stirring occasionally.
Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Stir in the heavy cream and crushed black peppercorns. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Season the sauce with salt to taste.
Remove the sauce from heat and strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids.
Serve the Pepper Bourbon Steak Sauce atop or alongside your favorite steak or grilled meats.

Notes

Crushed Black Peppercorns: These are whole peppercorns that have been broken into smaller pieces. To achieve this, use a mortar and pestle, a pepper grinder set to a coarse grind, or place the peppercorns in a resealable plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Avoid turning them into a fine powder, as the coarser texture enhances both flavor and presentation, particularly in dishes like steak sauces.

Adjusting Consistency:

If the sauce is too thick, thin it out by adding a little more beef broth or heavy cream.
If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to reduce and thicken.

Flavor Variations: Enhance the sauce with additional ingredients, like:

Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme or rosemary).
A splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth.
A pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.

Serving Suggestions: This sauce complements grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, and crusty bread as a dipping sauce.

Storing Leftovers: Transfer any leftover sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

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Keyword Bourbon, Bourbon Sauce, Gourmet sauces, Peppercorns, Roasted Pepper Sauce, Savoury Sauce, Steak Sauce

Bourbon Pepper Steak Sauce