Brown Sugar Bourbon Marinade

This Brown Sugar Bourbon Marinade is a bold, sweet, and smoky blend perfect for grilling and roasting. It combines the warmth of bourbon, the rich sweetness of brown sugar, and tangy balsamic vinegar for a flavor-packed marinade that enhances everything from steak and chicken to pork, tofu, or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ or a weeknight dinner, this easy marinade adds a gourmet touch to any dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, caramelized flavor from brown sugar and bourbon
• Works great on meats, vegetables, or plant-based proteins
• Easy to prepare in under 5 minutes
• Ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-searing
• Made from simple pantry ingredients

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bourbon
• Brown sugar, packed
• Balsamic vinegar
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic, minced
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Olive oil
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Directions

this recipe

1. Mix the Marinade: In a bowl or jar, whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and olive oil until well combined.
2. Marinate the Protein: Place your protein (chicken, steak, pork, tofu, etc.) in a resealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over it, making sure everything is evenly coated.
3. Refrigerate: Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, ideally 6–8 hours for best flavor.
4. Cook: Grill, bake, or pan-sear as desired. Discard any used marinade or boil it for a few minutes to use as a glaze.

Servings and timing

• Yields: Enough for 1.5 to 2 pounds of protein
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Marinating Time: 2 to 8 hours
• Cook Time: Varies by protein (typically 10–30 minutes)

Variations

• No alcohol version: Use apple juice or apple cider vinegar instead of bourbon
• Sweeter option: Add a touch of maple syrup
• Spicy version: Mix in chili flakes or hot sauce
• Herby twist: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store unused marinade in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
• Reheating (if used as glaze): Boil the marinade for 3–5 minutes to reduce and use as a sauce or glaze over cooked meat or vegetables

FAQs

Can I use this marinade on vegetables?

Yes, it’s great on hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Does the alcohol cook off?

Yes, when grilled or baked, most of the alcohol evaporates during cooking.

How long should I marinate meat?

At least 2 hours, but for best flavor, marinate up to 8 hours or overnight.

Can I freeze meat in the marinade?

Yes, add the marinade and meat to a freezer bag, seal, and freeze. Thaw and cook when ready.

Is this marinade gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

What can I substitute for bourbon?

Try apple juice, non-alcoholic bourbon, or a mix of vanilla and water.

Can I use this on seafood?

Yes, but reduce marinating time to 30 minutes to avoid over-flavoring.

Should I add salt?

Soy sauce adds saltiness; taste before adding more.

Can I reuse the marinade?

Only if boiled first to kill bacteria, or save a portion before marinating to use later.

What protein works best with this marinade?

Chicken, pork, steak, tofu, and salmon all pair beautifully with these flavors.

Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Bourbon Marinade is a game-changer for adding sweet, smoky depth to your grilled or baked dishes. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to for summer cookouts or cozy oven-roasted meals. Mix up a batch today and transform your proteins into something unforgettable.

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