Steak with Bourbon Bacon Jam

How to Make Steak with Bourbon Bacon Jam: A Bold and Flavorful Recipe for the Ultimate Indulgence

If you’re craving a next-level steak experience, this Steak with Bourbon Bacon Jam is a game-changer. Combining a rich and smoky tomahawk steak with a sticky-sweet bourbon bacon jam, this dish delivers bold flavor and irresistible texture in every bite.

Whether you’re grilling for a special occasion or just indulging in something decadent, this recipe brings the wow factor to your plate.

In this blog post, you’ll learn how to make the ultimate bourbon bacon jam, prepare a perfectly cooked tomahawk steak, and create a restaurant-worthy dish right at home. We’ll also walk through key cooking techniques, flavor tips, and the best ways to serve and store your leftovers. Let’s get started.

Why This Recipe Works

The real star here is the bourbon bacon jam, a flavor-packed topping that perfectly complements the rich, juicy steak.

Made with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, crispy bacon, and a healthy pour of bourbon, this bacon jam recipe delivers a sweet and savory punch that enhances every bite of the tomahawk. When cooked down to a sticky glaze, the jam transforms into a delicious crust that melts over the steak.

The tomahawk, known for its dramatic presentation and intense marbling, is smoked low and slow, then reverse seared for the ideal combination of smoky flavor and perfect doneness.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Steak with Bourbon Bacon Jam

For the Tomahawk Steak

• 32 oz tomahawk steak
• 2 tbsp steak seasoning
• 1 tbsp chives, finely chopped (for garnish)

Bourbon Bacon Jam

• 1 lb chopped bacon
• 1 large onion, diced
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp Bachan’s Roasted Garlic sauce (or your favorite umami-packed soy-based sauce)
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 4 oz bourbon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions for Steak with Bourbon Bacon Jam

Step 1: Bring Your Steak to Room Temperature

Remove your 32 oz tomahawk steak from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 1 hour. This ensures even cooking and helps retain juices in the cooked steak at the end.

Step 2: Season the Steak

Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then generously apply 2 tablespoons of steak seasoning on both sides. You can also use your favorite blend that includes black pepper, garlic, and herbs.

Step 3: Start Smoking the Steak

Place the steak indirect of the heat on your smoker or grill at 225°F. Let it cook slowly for about 30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 115°F.

Pro Tip: This reverse-sear method helps maintain the juicy interior while building flavor before the final sear.

How to Make the Bourbon Bacon Jam

While the steak smokes, it’s time to whip up your bourbon bacon jam. This will take approximately 25 minutes to make – you can always make this ahead of time as well and reheat when it’s time to serve.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

Chop your 1 lb of bacon into small pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon for about 6-8 minutes, or until it’s golden and crispy.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy bacon and set it aside on paper towels to drain.

Step 5: Caramelize the Onion

Drain most of the bacon fat from the skillet, leaving behind 2 tablespoons. Add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become golden and caramelized.

Step 6: Add the Flavor

Stir in the minced garlic, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp Bachan’s Roasted Garlic, ¼ cup maple syrup, and 4 oz bourbon. Return the crispy bacon to the pan.

Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes, until the jam bubbles and thickens to a spreadable consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

The result? A sticky, glossy jam with layers of sweet, savory, and smoky flavor—the ultimate topping for steak or even a Juicy Lucy burger.

Finish the Steak

Step 7: Sear the Tomahawk

Once the steak hits an internal temperature of 115°F, transfer it to high, direct heat to get a crusty sear on both sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the heat of your grill or cast iron skillet.

Step 8: Rest the Steak

Remove the tomahawk from the heat when it reaches 127°F internal temperature for medium-rare. Tent it with foil and let it rest for 10–15 minutes to lock in all the juices.

Assemble and Serve the Steak with Bourbon Bacon jam

Once rested, generously spoon the bourbon bacon jam over the entire top of the steak, making sure it’s fully coated.

Use a sharp knife to slice the steak against the grain, serve, and dive right in to this super delicious steak!

Serving Suggestions

This steak is rich, flavorful, and best paired with:

• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
• Grilled asparagus or brussels sprouts
• Creamy Mac and Cheese
• Grilled Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Tips for Best Results

• Use quality bacon: Thick-cut bacon will give you the best texture and flavor.
• Let the jam cool slightly before topping: It thickens even more as it sits, giving a jammy consistency that doesn’t slide off the steak.
• Make the jam ahead of time: Bourbon bacon jam can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Leftovers and Storage

Have leftovers? Lucky you. Store extra steak and bacon jam separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the jam over medium-low heat before serving to bring back its glossy texture.

Use leftover jam on:

• Burgers (especially Juicy Lucys!)
• Breakfast sandwiches
• Grilled cheese
• Charcuterie boards

Final Thoughts

Steak with bourbon bacon jam is the ultimate fusion of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. From the crispy bacon and caramelized onions to the hints of brown sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon, this dish is packed with bold ingredients that make it unforgettable.

Whether you’re impressing guests or simply treating yourself, this indulgent recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Ready to take your steak game to the next level? Fire up the smoker, grab a bottle of bourbon, and let the magic happen.

More Delicious Steak Recipes to try!

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Steak Tacos with Guacamole
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