If you’re craving a bold, mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for grilling season or any flavorful feast, the Spicy Bourbon BBQ Steak Kabobs Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe combines tender sirloin steak with vibrant bell peppers and red onions, all coated in a rich, spicy bourbon BBQ sauce that perfectly balances sweet, smoky, and fiery notes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that lends a fun, colorful twist on classic kabobs, and once you try it, these kabobs will quickly become a go-to favorite for your BBQ repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in the Spicy Bourbon BBQ Steak Kabobs Recipe plays a crucial role, from the juicy steak cubes to the lively bell peppers that add texture and color. The homemade bourbon BBQ sauce brings it all together with a perfect harmony of sweetness, spice, and deep umami flavor.
- Sirloin steak (2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose good-quality steak so you get tender, flavorful bites every time.
- Red, orange, yellow, and green bell peppers (1 each, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces): These provide beautiful color contrast and a crisp, fresh bite.
- Red onion (1 large, cut into 1-inch pieces): Adds a natural sweetness and slight crunch to balance the steak.
- Brown sugar bourbon seasoning (4 tablespoons): This seasoning brings a caramelized, smoky sweetness that’s essential for that authentic bourbon BBQ flavor.
- Whiskey (1 cup): The star of the sauce, infusing the kabobs with a distinct warmth and depth.
- Finely chopped onion (1 cup): Forms the base of the sauce to build layers of flavor.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps meld all the sauce ingredients together while keeping it smooth.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Ketchup (1 ½ cups): Adds richness and body to the sauce, plus a slight tang.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates the tomato flavor, giving the BBQ sauce depth and thickness.
- Crushed red pepper (1 tablespoon): Packs a satisfying kick of spice to keep things lively.
- Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons): Introduces a subtle acidity that brightens and balances the sauce.
- Molasses (4 tablespoons): Deepens the sauce with its robust, smoky sweetness.
- Worcestershire sauce (1/8 cup): Adds savory complexity and umami.
- Liquid smoke (½ teaspoon): Infuses a smoky aroma that enhances the BBQ experience without needing a smoker.
How to Make Spicy Bourbon BBQ Steak Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Craft the Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Begin by whisking together all the BBQ sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. This includes the whiskey, finely chopped onion, water, brown sugar, ketchup, tomato paste, crushed red pepper, balsamic vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Mixing everything together upfront helps create a balanced base full of deep, rich flavors that will coat the kabobs perfectly.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Pour your bourbon BBQ mixture into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and to let all those flavors meld together into a luxuriously thick, glossy sauce. Simmering is key to mellowing the raw whiskey sharpness while intensifying the “spicy bourbon” character everyone will love.
Step 3: Prepare the Kabobs
While the sauce simmers, get your steak cubes and colorful vegetables ready. Thread the sirloin steak, red onion pieces, and each color of bell pepper alternately onto skewers. The variety of colors isn’t just for looks—each vegetable adds its own burst of sweetness, crunch, and freshness that perfectly complements the rich steak and sauce.
Step 4: Marinate and Season
Brush the kabobs generously with the brown sugar bourbon seasoning. This seasoning forms a delicious caramelized crust when grilled, giving each bite that irresistible sweet-and-spicy edge. You can also toss the kabobs in a little bit of the warm bourbon BBQ sauce to help bind the seasoning in place.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat, then cook the kabobs for about 12 to 15 minutes total, turning every few minutes so each side gets beautifully charred. Keep basting with the remaining BBQ sauce throughout grilling for maximum flavor and juiciness. The steak should be tender, the veggies slightly charred but still crisp, and the glaze sticky and flavorful.
How to Serve Spicy Bourbon BBQ Steak Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or cilantro add a bright herbal pop that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also lends a lovely crunch and subtle nuttiness. For those who love some extra heat, a dash of sliced fresh jalapeños or a drizzle of extra hot BBQ sauce can elevate the “spicy” part of this Spicy Bourbon BBQ Steak Kabobs Recipe beautifully.
Side Dishes
To complement the bold flavors of these kabobs, consider serving them with creamy coleslaw, garlic mashed potatoes, or a classic corn on the cob brush-coated in butter. A simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast. Grilled corn and baked beans are traditional BBQ sides that never disappoint alongside the steak kabobs.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these kabobs on a wooden platter lined with fresh greens is visually stunning and gives off the perfect rustic vibe. You can also place them atop a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all the drippings and extra sauce. For a fun twist, serve the kabobs alongside small bowls of extra bourbon BBQ sauce for dipping, making it interactive and extra tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover kabobs, once cooled, should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep the BBQ sauce separate if possible to preserve the kabob’s texture and reheat more evenly.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the kabobs, it’s best to do so before grilling. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to one month. Be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.
Reheating
Reheat leftover grilled kabobs on a grill or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through—basting occasionally with extra BBQ sauce to keep them juicy. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the meat tough and the veggies soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and flavorful, you can use ribeye, flank, or even skirt steak. Just be mindful of cooking times and cutting the steak into uniform pieces for even grilling.
How spicy is this Spicy Bourbon BBQ Steak Kabobs Recipe?
The recipe delivers a nice medium heat thanks to the crushed red pepper and liquid smoke, which adds smokiness rather than heat. If you prefer milder kabobs, simply reduce the red pepper amount or omit it.
Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The bourbon BBQ sauce actually tastes even better when made ahead and allowed to rest overnight, as the flavors deepen and meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Are these kabobs suitable for outdoor grilling only?
Not at all! While grilling brings the best smoky char, you can also cook them under a broiler or on a stove-top grill pan indoors with great results. Just watch cooking times closely to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for whiskey in the sauce if I don’t have any?
If you prefer not to use whiskey, a good-quality apple cider or bourbon-flavored extract paired with a bit of apple juice can work as a substitute. The flavor won’t be identical but will keep the sauce rich and slightly sweet.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Bourbon BBQ Steak Kabobs Recipe is a true celebration of bold flavors and colorful ingredients, perfect for any BBQ, weeknight dinner, or special gathering. The combination of tender steak, crisp peppers, and that luscious homemade bourbon BBQ sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. I can’t wait for you to try these kabobs and make them your own summer staple—you’re going to love how easy and rewarding they are!
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Spicy Bourbon BBQ Steak Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spicy Bourbon BBQ Steak Kabobs feature tender sirloin steak marinated in a rich and flavorful bourbon-infused barbecue sauce. Combined with vibrant bell peppers and red onion, grilled to perfection for a smoky and spicy summer treat perfect for backyard gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Steak and Vegetables
- 2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 orange bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
BBQ Sauce
- 4 tbsp brown sugar bourbon seasoning
- 1 cup whiskey
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp crushed red pepper
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 4 tbsp molasses
- 1/8 cup Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together whiskey, finely chopped onion, water, brown sugar, ketchup, tomato paste, crushed red pepper, balsamic vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and brown sugar bourbon seasoning until smooth and well combined.
- Cook the Sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce mixture into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Cool and Store Sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. This can be made ahead of time.
- Assemble Kabobs: Thread the sirloin steak cubes, red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion pieces alternately onto skewers to create colorful kabobs.
- Grill the Kabobs: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush the kabobs generously with the prepared bourbon BBQ sauce. Grill the kabobs for about 12-15 minutes total, turning every few minutes and basting frequently with additional BBQ sauce until the steak is cooked to desired doneness and vegetables are tender with light char marks.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling kabobs to prevent burning on the grill.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper in the BBQ sauce to control the spice level.
- These kabobs can also be cooked under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan if a grill is not available.
- Leftover BBQ sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen for longer storage.
- For faster cooking, cut the steak and vegetables into smaller pieces but maintain uniform size for even cooking.
