Summer time is across the nook and meaning the grilling season has formally arrived (sure, even when your forecast nonetheless says “scattered showers”). And whereas we’re all for a bourbon on the rocks whereas the coals warmth up, there’s another excuse to maintain that bottle shut: It’d simply be the key ingredient your summer season cooking’s been lacking.
No, this isn’t only a summer season fever dream. Bourbon’s candy, heat, barely smoky profile pairs fantastically with all types of cooking strategies—grilling included. However it’s simply as impactful in a stovetop glaze, a sizzling skillet, or perhaps a wealthy dessert. From smoky grilled hen to syrupy French toast with warmth, these bourbon-spiked dishes come straight from the cooks who really prepare dinner with it.
Grilling With Bourbon Isn’t New—However It’s Price Repeating
Cooking with bourbon isn’t a development; it’s a time-tested trick cooks and residential cooks have been utilizing to deepen taste for many years. From a fast splash in a marinade to a wealthy glaze lacquered over charred meat, it provides heat, sweetness, and complexity that’s arduous to beat.
We’ve seen it throughout our archives—salmon slicked in bourbon teriyaki, double-char steaks, even a bacon-studded apple crisp. And this summer season, a couple of prime cooks confirmed we’re not alone.
The Chef-Accepted Secret to Large Taste
“Bourbon within the kitchen is not simply there to get you tipsy,” says Chef Dafne Mejia, runner-up from Hell’s Kitchen Season 21. “It’s the key my household makes use of for that magic taste. It unlocks a deep, advanced sweetness and heat that elevates the complete dish.”
This summer season, she’s reaching for Off Hours Bourbon for its wealthy caramel and vanilla notes, with only a whisper of spice. Her Torrejas Hondureñas recipe makes use of it to deliver a toasty richness to a savory French toast-like base, and it’s only one instance of how versatile a pour of bourbon may be.
“Bourbon provides subtle layers of taste that aren’t simply achieved by different elements,” she provides. “It’s like giving your dish a heat hug from abuelita with a aspect of boujee.”
Brine It, Brush It, Glaze It
Chef Jamie Lynch of Church & Union (and Prime Chef alum) is one other bourbon believer. His Whiskey-Brined Duck requires a four-hour soak in bourbon, thyme, and a handful of salt and peppercorns earlier than searing. The consequence? Deep, juicy, and unforgettable. The brine helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with taste that pairs fantastically with the duck’s richness.
From Bourbon to Barbecue: Recipes Price Firing Up the Grill For
We additionally turned to the legendary grill grasp himself, Steven Raichlen, for skilled steerage. Partnering with Bib & Tucker Whiskey this summer season, Raichlen reminds us that bourbon and beef are an American basic for a purpose.
“For the reason that earliest days of our nation, beef and bourbon have been maintaining each other advantageous firm,” he says.
“There’s one thing in regards to the sweetness of sipping whiskey that enhances the wealthy, meaty taste of beef. Whether or not you are going all out with a tomahawk or sticking to skirt steak, a bourbon-soy marinade takes it to an entire new stage.” Take a look at a few of his finest recipes, together with a killer Bacon Bourbon Apple Crisp.
1. Torrejas Hondureñas by Chef Dafne Mejia
A richer tackle French toast, soaked in bourbon-spiked syrup. The bread will get a double dip—first in a cinnamon-bourbon batter, then in a custard—earlier than hitting the pan.
2. Bourbon Brine Duck by Chef Jamie Lynch
Duck breast brined in thyme, bourbon, and peppercorns. Chef Jamie Lynch walks you thru making the right brine, getting a superb sear, and profiting from your meat.
3. Double Char Steak with Bourbon Marinade
The sort of recipe that’ll make you need to splurge in your subsequent lower of steak (and bottle of whiskey). The marinade is easy and foolproof, however deepened with the addition of bourbon and sesame oil.
4. Smoked Grilled Rooster With Bourbon Peach Glaze
You possibly can by no means go flawed with grilled hen, however particularly not with this one. Bourbon and and peaches are an ideal match on this glaze that’ll need to placed on every little thing this summer season.
5. Bourbon Teriyaki Salmon
Is there something higher than teriyaki and salmon? The flavors mix so properly with an added splash of bourbon to deepen the flavour.
6. Bacon Bourbon Apple Crisp
Wow your BBQ visitors with this bacon-bourbon tackle apple crisp. A fantastic excuse to get out the cast-iron and peel some apples.
7. Grilled mint peach juleps
8. Sugar Steak with Bourbon
9. Grilled Grits with Shrimp and Bourbon Espresso Glaze
10. Complete grilled hen with bourbon BBQ sauce
11. Orange & Molasses Grilled Pork Chops
How are you cooking with bourbon this summer season? Any go-to recipes you are loving?
