These Easy Bourbon Marinated Steak Tips are juicy, bold, and packed with rich, smoky-sweet flavor in every bite. The simple bourbon marinade tenderizes the steak fast, making this a perfect quick dinner that tastes like it came straight from a steakhouse.

Tender bourbon marinated steak tips cooked until juicy and caramelized
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These Easy Bourbon Marinated Steak Tips bring big, bold steakhouse flavor without the hassle.

Tender pieces of steak soak up a rich bourbon marinade that’s slightly sweet, a little smoky, and seriously addictive, making this an easy go-to for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining when you want something that tastes impressive but doesn’t take all night.

Easy bourbon marinated steak tips cooked until tender and juicy

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Big steakhouse flavor with very little prep
  • Bourbon marinade makes the steak extra tender
  • Cooks fast—perfect for busy weeknights
  • Works great on the grill or stovetop
  • Crowd-pleasing and easy to double for guests

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Easy Bourbon Marinated Steak Tips on kitchen table.
  • Steak Tips: Tender beef steak pieces, ideal for quick marinating
  • Bourbon: Adds smoky-sweet depth and rich flavor to meat
  • Soy Sauce: Provides salty umami flavor and enhances caramelization
  • Brown Sugar: Sweetens and balances the savory, smoky marinade
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for aromatic, bold flavor
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy, savory complexity to the marinade
  • Olive Oil: Helps coat steak evenly and keeps it moist
  • Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper for mild heat and seasoning
  • Onion Powder: Adds subtle, savory onion flavor to the marinade

How To Make Easy Bourbon Marinated Steak Tips

Whisking bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, Worcestershire, olive oil, black pepper, and onion powder in a bowl

Step 1: In a bowl, combine bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, black pepper, and onion powder. Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved.

Steak tips coated in bourbon marinade in a resealable bag ready to refrigerate

Step 2: Place your steak tips in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the bourbon marinade over the steak, making sure each piece is coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Marinated steak tips cooking in air fryer basket, flipping halfway through

Step 3: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Place the marinated steak tips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through, until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.

Step 5: Remove the steak tips from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables, and drizzle with any leftover pan juices if desired.

Air fryer bourbon marinated steak tips, golden-brown and juicy, served on a plate

Bourbon Marinated Steak Tips Recipe Tips

  • Use Quality Bourbon: A good bourbon adds depth without overpowering the steak.
  • Marinate Time Matters: At least 30 minutes gives flavor, but up to 2 hours maximizes tenderness.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook in a single layer for even cooking and proper searing.
  • Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer or cut into one piece to ensure desired doneness.
  • Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley or a drizzle of leftover marinade can enhance flavor and presentation.

Storing Instructions

  • Refrigerate: Store cooked steak tips in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat to preserve juiciness.

Other Cooking Methods

  • Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook marinated steak tips 3–4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
  • Stovetop Skillet: Heat a cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil, then cook the marinated steak tips 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
  • Oven Broil: Preheat the broiler and place steak tips on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil 4–6 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • Slow Cooker (for softer texture): Add marinated steak tips and a bit of the marinade to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours until tender.
Golden, juicy bourbon marinated steak tips cooked and plated, ready to serve

Easy Bourbon Marinated Steak Tips Recipe Faqs

Can I use another type of alcohol? Yes, whiskey or rum can be used, though the flavor will differ slightly from bourbon.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, replace soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

How long should I marinate the steak tips? Minimum 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours is ideal for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Can I cook frozen steak tips in the air fryer? It’s best to thaw first for even cooking; frozen tips may cook unevenly or dry out.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, but cook in batches in the air fryer to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

How should I serve leftover steak tips? Slice them for sandwiches, serve over rice, pasta, or salads, or reheat gently in a skillet or air fryer.

Air fryer bourbon marinated steak tips, golden-brown and juicy, served on a plate

Serving Suggestions

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Tender bourbon marinated steak tips cooked until juicy and caramelized

Easy Bourbon Marinated Steak Tips

3.84 from 12 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Tender, juicy bourbon marinated steak tips packed with smoky-sweet flavor. Quick, easy, and perfect for air fryer, grill, or stovetop dinners.

Ingredients 

  • 1 lb beef steak tips
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  • In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, black pepper, and onion powder until sugar is mostly dissolved.
  • Place steak tips in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the steak, ensuring all pieces are coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
  • Place steak tips in a single layer in the basket. Cook 8–10 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway, until steak reaches desired doneness.
  • Remove from the air fryer and let rest 3–5 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 24gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 927mgPotassium: 389mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 22IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 3mg

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