If you’re in the mood for a dish that brings a rich, indulgent experience to the table, this Steak with Ghostly Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce will knock your socks off. It’s a savory delight that hits all the right notes, combining the tender, juicy goodness of ribeye steak with the warmth and slight smokiness of a bourbon garlic cream sauce. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or just treating yourself, this recipe offers a little luxury without being overly complicated. Let’s dive in and see how you can whip this up like a pro!

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What Makes This Recipe Special

Elegant yet Easy: Steak can sometimes feel intimidating, but don’t let that scare you off. This recipe simplifies the process while maintaining an elevated, restaurant-quality feel.
Bourbon Magic: The bourbon not only deglazes the pan but also adds depth, sweetness, and a little bite to the creamy sauce.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you’re cooking for date night, a family celebration, or just want to spoil yourself, this dish brings something extra to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Steaks:

2 ribeye steaks: Ribeye is perfect here because of its marbling, which makes it tender and flavorful. However, you can substitute with sirloin, strip steak, or even filet mignon if you prefer.
2 tbsp olive oil: Helps create that perfect sear on the steaks, locking in moisture and flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but essential. You can’t go wrong with a good sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

For the Ghostly Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds that fragrant punch, bringing richness to the sauce.
1/2 cup bourbon: This is where the magic happens. The bourbon deglazes the pan and gives the sauce a sweet, smoky note that pairs beautifully with the garlic and cream.
1 cup heavy cream: Cream gives the sauce its velvety, rich texture, making it thick and luxurious.
Salt and pepper to taste: You’ll want to taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning to balance out the flavors.
Fresh parsley for garnish: This is optional but adds a nice pop of color and a bit of freshness to the rich sauce.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Steak with Ghostly Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Steaks

First, take the ribeye steaks out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before cooking. This allows the steaks to come to room temperature, which helps them cook more evenly. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels—this is crucial for getting that perfect sear. Then, generously season both sides with salt and pepper. The seasoning helps to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.

Step 2: Sear the Steaks

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the skillet to be hot enough that when the steaks hit the pan, they start sizzling immediately. This ensures a good crust forms on the outside of the steak, locking in those delicious juices.

Once the oil is hot, place the steaks in the skillet. Sear the steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak more well-done, you can leave it in the pan a bit longer, but keep in mind that ribeye is best enjoyed on the medium-rare side because of its marbling. Once done, transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This step is key, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, keeping it tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

While the steaks are resting, it’s time to start on that ghostly bourbon garlic cream sauce. In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits at the bottom of the pan are full of flavor), lower the heat to medium. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté them in the leftover steak drippings for about 1 minute. You don’t want the garlic to brown, just soften and release its aroma. Stir it frequently to avoid burning.

Step 4: Deglaze with Bourbon

Here comes the fun part! Carefully pour in 1/2 cup of bourbon. As you pour, be cautious if you’re using a gas stove to avoid flare-ups. Once the bourbon hits the pan, it will sizzle and bubble. Scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the skillet as the bourbon simmers. These bits are full of flavor from the steak and will enrich the sauce. Let the bourbon cook down for 2-3 minutes, reducing and concentrating the flavors.

Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce

Now, it’s time to make the sauce irresistibly creamy. Slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking continuously as it combines with the bourbon. Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. The sauce should become smooth and slightly thickened, coating the back of a spoon.

Before taking the sauce off the heat, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. The sauce should have a balance of smoky bourbon, rich cream, and a savory garlic kick.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

To serve, plate the rested steaks and generously spoon the bourbon garlic cream sauce over the top. The sauce will drizzle down the sides, coating the steak beautifully. For a final touch, garnish with fresh parsley. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also provides a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Steak

Room Temperature Steaks: Always let your steaks come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout.
Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure about doneness, a meat thermometer is your best friend. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F-135°F.
Let the Steak Rest: This is non-negotiable! Letting your steak rest for at least 10 minutes locks in all the juices, ensuring a tender bite.

Delicious Variations to Try

Mushroom Lovers’ Dream: For an extra layer of flavor, add sliced mushrooms to the skillet after cooking the garlic. Sauté until golden brown before adding the bourbon.
Spice It Up: Love a bit of heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy texture.
Herb-Infused: Swap out the parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary to give the dish an earthy, herbaceous note.

Sides That Complement This Dish

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes would pair beautifully with the rich bourbon cream sauce, soaking up all that flavor.
Sautéed Asparagus: A lighter, crisp side like asparagus balances the richness of the steak and sauce.
Buttery Dinner Rolls: Who can resist dipping a soft roll into that creamy sauce?

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them:

Store: Place the leftover steak and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the steak in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or beef broth to the sauce to prevent it from getting too thick. Avoid microwaving the steak as it can dry out.

Final Thoughts

This Steak with Ghostly Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce is the ultimate indulgence for steak lovers. The combination of tender, juicy ribeye with the rich and flavorful bourbon garlic cream sauce is sure to wow anyone you serve it to. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this dish brings a touch of luxury and comfort to your dinner table. So go ahead pour yourself a glass of wine (or bourbon!) and treat yourself to this delicious meal.