Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Brown Sugar Bourbon Marinade Recipe

Brown Sugar Bourbon Marinade Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 95 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Total Time: 10 minutes (plus 1-8 hours marinating)
  • Yield: About 1 1/2 cups marinade (enough for 2-3 lbs protein) 1x
  • Category: Sauces-condiments
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Brown Sugar Bourbon Marinade blends the sweet depth of brown sugar with the bold, robust notes of bourbon, creating a flavorful, slightly caramelized finish for your meats or vegetables. Perfect for grilling season, this easy marinade infuses your favorite proteins with a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and smoky tastes, making it a crowd-pleaser for any barbecue or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until the brown sugar is largely dissolved and the liquids are fully blended.
  2. Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. If using, add crushed red pepper flakes and fresh herbs for extra depth of flavor. Continue whisking to thoroughly combine.
  3. Marinate Your Protein: Place your choice of protein—such as chicken, steak, pork chops, or portobello mushrooms—in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the protein, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor. Turn occasionally if possible.
  4. Cook as Desired: Remove the protein from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Discard used marinade. Grill, bake, or sear the meat or vegetables as desired until fully cooked, savoring the caramelized edges and rich bourbon aroma.

Notes

  • Bourbon quality matters—choose a bourbon you’d enjoy sipping for best flavor.
  • This marinade works especially well with beef, chicken, pork, and sturdy vegetables like portobello mushrooms.
  • Do not reuse leftover marinade as a sauce unless you boil it for at least 5 minutes to kill any harmful bacteria.
  • Marinate in the refrigerator, not at room temperature, to ensure food safety.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, substitute apple juice or water for the bourbon and increase the apple cider vinegar by 1 tablespoon.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 55
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 2.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0.4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/brown-sugar-bourbon-marinade-recipe/