Flank Steak with Bourbon Cream Sauce is a delicious and indulgent dish that features a perfectly seared flank steak paired with a rich, creamy bourbon sauce. The steak is marinated to enhance its flavor, then grilled or pan-seared to perfection. The bourbon cream sauce is made by simmering bourbon with heavy cream, shallots, garlic, and a touch of seasoning, creating a savory, slightly sweet sauce that complements the steak beautifully.
I first made Flank Steak with Bourbon Cream Sauce when I was in the mood for a steak dinner that felt a bit more special. The combination of the smoky, caramelized bourbon sauce and the tender flank steak was absolutely divine. What I love most about this recipe is how the sauce adds a layer of richness and complexity, yet it’s easy to make and doesn’t require many ingredients. The sauce clings to the steak, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad, making it a perfect dish for date nights or a weekend dinner!
Perfect for:
- Special celebrations
- Date nights
- Dinner parties
- Whiskey enthusiasts
- Lovers of rich, savory steak dishes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Flank Steak with Bourbon Cream Sauce will become your new favorite dinner:
- Flavorful and Savory: The combination of seared flank steak with the deep, smoky bourbon sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
- Tender and Juicy Steak: The flank steak is cooked to tender perfection, offering the perfect balance of chew and flavor.
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The bourbon cream sauce is silky smooth with a subtle sweetness that complements the steak.
- Perfectly Balanced Seasoning: The seasoning on the steak enhances its natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Impressive Yet Simple: This dish looks elegant on the plate, but it’s easy to prepare in just a few steps.
- Bold Bourbon Flavor: The bourbon in the sauce gives it a unique, rich depth that elevates the steak.
- Quick Cooking Time: From start to finish, this meal takes only about 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Side Pairing: This steak pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Make-Ahead Sauce: The bourbon cream sauce can be prepared ahead of time, making this meal even easier to serve.
- Great for Entertaining: Whether it’s a dinner party or a family gathering, this dish will impress your guests with its gourmet flavor.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 32g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 28g
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Bourbon Cream Sauce:
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Cracked black pepper
Ingredient Highlights
- Flank Steak: This lean cut of beef is perfect for a quick, flavorful steak dinner.
- Bourbon: Adds a smoky, rich depth to the sauce with a hint of sweetness.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety texture in the sauce.
- Fresh Thyme: Provides a fragrant, earthy note that complements the savory flavors of the steak.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Flank Steak:
- Preheat Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season Steak: Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels, then rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sear the Steak: Add the steak to the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the Steak: After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
Make the Bourbon Cream Sauce:
- Cook Garlic and Shallots: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Deglaze with Bourbon: Carefully add bourbon to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Cream and Mustard: Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Let the sauce simmer for another 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed.
Serve the Steak:
- Plate the Steak: Arrange the sliced flank steak on plates.
- Top with Sauce: Spoon the bourbon cream sauce over the steak and garnish with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Flank Steak with Bourbon Cream Sauce:
- With Mashed Potatoes: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
- Over Rice: Serve the steak and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal.
- With A Green Salad: Pair with a light salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce.
- As a Sandwich: Slice the steak thinly and serve on a toasted bun for a gourmet steak sandwich.
- With Grilled Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn adds a smoky sweetness that complements the savory steak.
- With Sautéed Spinach: The slight bitterness of spinach makes a great pairing with the rich, creamy sauce.
- On a Charcuterie Board: Add slices of the steak to a charcuterie board with cheese and crackers for a savory option.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
Additional Tips
- Let the Steak Rest: Rest the steak for a few minutes before slicing to ensure the juices stay in the meat.
- Control the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Choose a Good Bourbon: Select a bourbon with a smooth, balanced flavor for the best sauce.
- Grill the Steak: For an extra smoky flavor, grill the flank steak instead of pan-searing.
- Slice Against the Grain: Always slice flank steak against the grain for the best texture.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Bourbon Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the bourbon sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Bourbon Sauce: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for added umami.
- Honey Bourbon Sauce: Add a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness in the sauce.
- Herb Infused Sauce: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage in the bourbon sauce for unique flavors.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free for a safe option.
Special Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet: For searing the steak and creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing the flank steak against the grain.
- Wooden Spoon: To scrape up any fond (caramelized bits) from the bottom of the skillet.
- Whisk: For mixing the sauce and ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Meat Thermometer: Optional, but helpful for checking the steak’s internal temperature.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, skirt steak, rib-eye, or sirloin can be used, though cooking times may vary. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bourbon cream sauce a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. - What if I don’t have bourbon?
You can substitute bourbon with whiskey or brandy for a similar flavor. - How can I make the steak more tender?
Marinate the steak in a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic for a few hours before cooking to tenderize it. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover steak and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze this dish?
The steak can be frozen, but the sauce may change in texture upon reheating. - How do I know when the steak is cooked to my liking?
Use a meat thermometer: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and 155°F for well-done. - Can I add more bourbon to the sauce?
You can adjust the amount of bourbon, but be careful not to overpower the sauce. - Is this recipe spicy?
No, the sauce is not spicy unless you choose to add heat with chili flakes or hot sauce. - Can I skip the thyme?
Yes, you can omit the thyme or replace it with another herb like rosemary or parsley.
Conclusion
Flank Steak with Bourbon Cream Sauce is a deliciously decadent dish that combines the rich flavors of tender, grilled flank steak with a creamy, slightly sweet bourbon sauce. The flank steak is typically marinated or seasoned with salt, pepper, and a few spices, then grilled to perfection, resulting in a juicy, flavorful steak with a slightly charred crust.
The bourbon cream sauce is made by simmering bourbon, garlic, and shallots, then adding heavy cream and a touch of Dijon mustard for richness and depth. The sauce is reduced until it thickens into a creamy, velvety texture, with the bourbon imparting a subtle smokiness and sweetness that perfectly complements the savory steak.
I can’t wait to see how your Flank Steak with Bourbon Cream Sauce turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!