Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers a beautifully seared steak with deep flavor using minimal ingredients. It is quick, impressive, and highlights the natural richness of bavette steak enhanced by a simple whiskey pan sauce.
Cast Iron Bavette Steak with Whiskey: Bold Flavor, Perfect Sear, and Deep Comfort
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A bold and flavorful cast iron–seared bavette steak finished with a rich whiskey pan sauce, delivering a perfectly caramelized crust and tender, juicy interior.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bavette (flap) steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1/4 cup whiskey
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
Instructions
- Remove the bavette steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and pat dry.
- Season both sides of the steak with salt and black pepper.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot, then add olive oil.
- Sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms.
- Add butter and garlic to the skillet and baste the steak for 1 minute.
- Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest, loosely tented with foil.
- Carefully add whiskey to the hot skillet, scraping up browned bits.
- Simmer until reduced by half, then add beef broth, Dijon mustard, and thyme.
- Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Slice the steak against the grain and drizzle with whiskey sauce before serving.
Notes
- Use caution when adding whiskey to a hot pan as it may flame.
- Bavette steak is best cooked medium-rare to medium.
- Always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Bavette steak is the star of the dish. It is flavorful, tender when sliced correctly, and perfect for high-heat cooking.
Salt enhances the natural beef flavor and helps create a proper crust.
Black pepper adds subtle heat and balances the richness of the meat.
Olive oil helps achieve an even sear and prevents sticking.
Butter adds richness and forms the base of the whiskey sauce.
Garlic brings aromatic depth and complements the bold beef flavor.
Fresh thyme adds an earthy, herbal note that pairs well with steak and whiskey.
Whiskey provides warmth and complexity, lifting the pan drippings into a rich sauce.
Directions
Begin by removing the bavette steak from the refrigerator and allowing it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Pat it dry thoroughly and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot, then add olive oil. Place the steak in the skillet and sear without moving it for several minutes until a deep crust forms. Flip and cook the other side to your desired doneness. Reduce the heat slightly and add butter, garlic, and thyme to the pan, basting the steak as the butter melts. Remove the steak and let it rest. Carefully add the whiskey to the hot pan, scraping up the browned bits. Allow it to simmer briefly until slightly reduced. Slice the steak against the grain and spoon the whiskey sauce over the top before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 2 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a resting time of 30 minutes for the steak. Cooking time is 8 to 10 minutes. Total time is roughly 50 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. The whiskey sauce can be reheated separately.
Variations and Customizations
Garlic-forward version
Increase the garlic for a more pronounced savory profile.
Herb variation
Substitute thyme with rosemary for a bolder aroma.
Creamy whiskey sauce
Add a small splash of cream after reducing the whiskey.
Spice-enhanced style
Add crushed black peppercorns or chili flakes to the pan.
Alcohol-free option
Use beef broth with a splash of vinegar for depth.
FAQs
What is bavette steak?
It is a flavorful cut from the lower sirloin, similar to flank steak.
Why use cast iron?
Cast iron retains heat well and creates an excellent sear.
How do I keep the steak tender?
Do not overcook and always slice against the grain.
Does the whiskey taste strong?
No, it mellows during cooking and adds depth rather than sharpness.
Can I use another cut of steak?
Yes, flank or skirt steak are suitable alternatives.
What whiskey works best?
A smooth bourbon or blended whiskey works well.
Can I cook this on a regular skillet?
Yes, but cast iron gives the best crust.
Should I marinate the steak?
It is not necessary due to the natural flavor of bavette.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion
Cast Iron Bavette Steak with Whiskey is a bold yet approachable recipe that showcases excellent technique with minimal effort. With its deep sear, tender slices, and rich whiskey pan sauce, it is a dish that delivers confidence and comfort on the plate, making it a standout choice for steak lovers.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share