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Whiskey Onion Sauce

This Whiskey Onion Sauce is a simple sauce for your favorite steak or burger that takes it up so many notches, it is off the chart. Featuring buttery, caramelized onions infused with the smoky, rich flavors of whiskey and Worcestershire sauce, this sauce brings a bold, sweet-savory balance to your meat. The recipe uses pantry staples and a touch of your favorite whiskey to create a deeply flavored condiment that complements the rich beef perfectly. This sauce is quick to prepare and absolutely worth making.

Whiskey Onion Sauce Recipe

This recipe combines the comforting depth of caramelized onions with the rich, warming flavor of whiskey, enhanced by a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. The sauce reduces into a glossy, flavor bomb that enhances everything it touches.

Spoiler alert – I’m not even an actual fan of whiskey, but for this sauce I can totally get on board. This was perfect on top of the cheeseburger you see pictured here, and I used the rest on a steak later on that evening. If you’re looking for a way to do something a little different, this is a fantastic option.

Why You’ll Love This Sauce

  • Easy to Make: Requires minimal ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Versatile: Perfect for steaks, burgers, or even grilled vegetables.
  • Rich Flavor: A balance of sweet, savory, and smoky notes.
  • Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or whiskey intensity to your preference.
Whiskey Onion Sauce

Whiskey Onion Sauce shopping list

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Ingredients

  • Butter
  • Yellow Onion
  • Garlic
  • Worcestershire Sauce
  • Brown Sugar
  • Whiskey (your favorite)
  • Beef Broth
Whiskey Onion Sauce

How to make a simple Whiskey Onion Sauce

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

How to Make Whisky Onion Sauce

  1. Prepare the Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
  2. Cook the Onions: Add thinly sliced onions and sauté, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes until soft and golden brown.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Incorporate Liquids: Pour in Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, whiskey, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Simmer and Reduce: Let the sauce simmer until the liquid has reduced, leaving a rich, glossy coating on the onions.
Whiskey Onion Sauce

FAQs

How Should I Store This Sauce?

Allow the sauce to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Can I Reheat This Sauce?

Yes, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth (if needed) to loosen the sauce.

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Can This Be Made Ahead?

Absolutely! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it. Reheat just before serving for convenience.

What Are Some Substitutions?

  • Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian option.
  • Swap maple syrup for brown sugar for a different sweet note.
  • Experiment with other spirits like bourbon or dark rum for different flavors.
Whiskey Onion Sauce

Serve This With…

Whiskey Onion Sauce

Whisky Onion Sauce is a simple yet impactful way to upgrade your meals. Its rich, caramelized onions, accented by whiskey and a touch of sweetness, create a luxurious topping that’s versatile and impressive. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this sauce is an easy way to add a restaurant-quality flair to your table.

Eat More Steak!

We Love Onions!

Whiskey Onion Sauce
Whiskey Onion Sauce

Whisky Onion Sauce

Our incredibly flavorful Whiskey Onion Sauce is simple to throw together and tastes amazing! Slather it on top of a steak or a burger or a chicken breast. It'll be great!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: onions
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons whiskey your favorite
  • 3 tablespoons beef broth

Instructions

  • Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter.
  • Once the butter is melted, add the onions and let them cook down, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.
  • Add the garlic. Sauté for 1 minute.
  • Pour in the Worcestershire, brown sugar, whiskey, and beef broth. Let simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed into the onions and reduced into a sauce.
  • Serve on top of a medium-rare steak or your favorite cheeseburger.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 243mgPotassium: 205mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 183IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg