Summer season 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 one more reason to maintain that bottle shut: It would simply be the key ingredient your summer time cooking’s been lacking.

No, this isn’t only a summer time fever dream. Bourbon’s candy, heat, barely smoky profile pairs superbly with every kind of cooking methods—grilling included. Nevertheless it’s simply as impactful in a stovetop glaze, a scorching skillet, or perhaps a wealthy dessert. From smoky grilled rooster to syrupy French toast with warmth, these bourbon-spiked dishes come straight from the cooks who truly cook dinner with it.

Grilling With Bourbon Isn’t New—However It’s Price Repeating

Cooking with bourbon isn’t a pattern; 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 laborious 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 time, a couple of prime cooks confirmed we’re not alone.

The Chef-Accepted Secret to Huge 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 whole dish.”

This summer time, 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 convey a toasty richness to a savory French toast-like base, and it’s only one instance of how versatile a pour of bourbon will 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 High 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 end result? Deep, juicy, and unforgettable. The brine helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with taste that pairs superbly 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 knowledgeable steering. Partnering with Bib & Tucker Whiskey this summer time, Raichlen reminds us that bourbon and beef are an American traditional for a purpose.

“For the reason that earliest days of our nation, beef and bourbon have been conserving 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 a complete new stage.” Take a look at a few of his greatest 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 very good sear, and benefiting from your meat.

3. Double Char Steak with Bourbon Marinade

The sort of recipe that’ll make you need to splurge in your subsequent minimize 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 unsuitable with grilled rooster, however particularly not with this one. Bourbon and and peaches are an ideal match on this glaze that’ll need to placed on all the pieces this summer time.

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 company with this bacon-bourbon tackle apple crisp. An ideal 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. Entire grilled rooster with bourbon BBQ sauce

11. Orange & Molasses Grilled Pork Chops