If you are craving a dish that bursts with savory, sweet, and slightly boozy flavors all at once, you absolutely need to try this Honey Bourbon Steak Tips Recipe. It’s a simple, comforting meal that takes everyday steak pieces and transforms them into tender, melt-in-your-mouth morsels bursting with a rich honey bourbon glaze. This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen, and it promises to become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation with its irresistible combination of flavors and easy slow cooker magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory in this dish. Each component plays an essential role in building the delicious depth and texture that make this Honey Bourbon Steak Tips Recipe stand out.
- 2 lbs. steak: Choose sirloin, London broil, chuck roast, or stew beef cut into bite-size pieces for tenderness and flavor.
- ¼ cup bourbon: Adds a warm, smoky, and subtly sweet kick that elevates the sauce.
- ¼ cup honey: Brings natural sweetness and a lovely sticky glaze to the steak tips.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Enhances the caramel notes and deepens the overall flavor complexity.
- ¼ cup ketchup: Provides a tangy base and a hint of tomato richness.
- ¼ cup lite soy sauce: Gives a salty umami boost without overwhelming the sauce.
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory, slightly tart nuances to balance sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses fragrant, aromatic depth.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and spice.
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar: Brightens the sauce with gentle acidity for balance.
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect glossy finish.
- ¼ cup water: Combines with cornstarch to create the thickening slurry.
- Parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vivid pop of color and flavor right at the end.
How to Make Honey Bourbon Steak Tips Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and searing the steak pieces quickly. Your goal here is not to cook them through but just to develop a nice brown crust that locks in flavor. Once seared, transfer the steak bites to your slow cooker. This step adds an essential depth of flavor that only caramelization can provide.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Bourbon Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Worcestershire sauce, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, lite soy sauce, bourbon, minced garlic, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. This combo becomes a rich, sticky marinade that will infuse every bite of steak with its beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Pour this sauce over the steak in the slow cooker, making sure every piece is bathed in flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook the steak tips on low for about 4 hours. This low-and-slow method ensures the steak becomes fork-tender, soaking up the luscious honey bourbon sauce. The result is meat that is juicy, flavorful, and simply irresistible.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Once the steak tips are tender, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook uncovered for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, clingy coating that irresistibly dresses the steak.
How to Serve Honey Bourbon Steak Tips Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled atop the finished steak tips adds a lively burst of color and a hint of fresh flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the sauce. It’s a simple touch that elevates the entire presentation and flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, which soak up every last drop of the luscious sauce. For a green side, garlic roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans add just the right amount of brightness and crunch to balance the hearty steak.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve the steak tips on warm dinner rolls or toasted baguette slices to make sliders bursting with flavor. Or, for a more plated presentation, arrange the steak bites over a bed of buttery rice pilaf and garnish with parsley and a wedge of lemon for a pop of freshness and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover steak tips and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious and convenient for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked steak tips with sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave extra space at the top, as the sauce may expand when frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover steak tips gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up to that glossy, luscious consistency you loved when first made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat for the steak tips?
Absolutely! While sirloin or London broil works wonderfully, chuck roast or stew beef are great economical options that become very tender with slow cooking. Just make sure to cut the meat into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Do I have to use bourbon, or can I substitute it?
Bourbon is key to achieving that iconic flavor in this recipe, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with additional soy sauce mixed with a little apple cider vinegar and a touch of smoked paprika for a similar depth.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer the steak tips in the sauce on the stovetop over low heat for about 2 hours or until tender, stirring occasionally. Just keep an eye on the moisture level and add a splash of water if needed to prevent burning.
How do I make the sauce thicker if I want a glaze consistency?
The cornstarch slurry is your best bet to thicken the sauce perfectly. Add the slurry near the end of cooking and stir until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the steak tips beautifully. If you want it even thicker, you can add a bit more slurry gradually.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Honey Bourbon Steak Tips Recipe is mild in terms of heat, with just a subtle kick from black pepper. If you want to add some heat, consider stirring in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or serve with spicy sides.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Bourbon Steak Tips Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day—rich, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent. With its straightforward ingredients and hands-off slow cooker magic, it’s a fantastic recipe to keep on hand for busy weeknights or casual gatherings alike. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a cherished favorite for you and everyone at your table!
