Chili Mango Bourbon Marinade (Print View)

Sweet mango and bourbon combine with chili for a bold, vibrant flavor ideal for steak marination.

# Components:

→ Fruit & Aromatics

01 - 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
02 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
04 - Zest and juice of 1 lime

→ Liquids

05 - 1/4 cup bourbon (60 ml)
06 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon honey
09 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

→ Spices & Seasoning

10 - 1-2 fresh red chilies, seeded and finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon chili flakes, to taste)
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - 1 teaspoon salt

# Method:

01 - In a blender or food processor, combine the diced mango, minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, lime zest and juice, bourbon, soy sauce, olive oil, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Process until a smooth consistency is achieved.
02 - Add the chopped chilies (or chili flakes), ground cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to the blender. Pulse briefly to fully integrate the spices into the marinade.
03 - Taste the marinade and adjust seasoning as preferred. Increase chili for more heat, honey for sweetness, or lime juice for added acidity.
04 - Pat steaks thoroughly dry and place them in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the steaks, ensuring they are evenly coated.
05 - Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 12 hours. Turn steaks occasionally to ensure consistent marination.
06 - Remove steaks from the marinade, gently patting off any excess. Cook using your preferred method, such as grilling, pan-searing, or broiling, until desired doneness is reached.
07 - Discard any marinade that has been in contact with raw meat. Alternatively, boil for 3-5 minutes to reduce it into a sauce for serving, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 10 minutes of prep time
  • Works with any cut of steak from ribeye to flank
  • Perfect balance of sweet mango and spicy chili
  • Creates a beautiful caramelized crust when grilled
02 -
  • Creates a beautiful caramelized crust due to the sugar content in mango and honey
  • The alcohol in bourbon helps carry flavor deeper into the meat
  • Works with any cooking method grilling, pan-searing, or broiling
  • Safe for gluten free diets when using gluten free soy sauce
03 -
  • For maximum flavor penetration, score the surface of tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak in a diamond pattern before marinating. This creates more surface area for the marinade to work its magic.
  • When grilling, save a small portion of the fresh marinade before adding raw meat, then reduce it in a small saucepan until slightly thickened to brush on during the last minute of cooking for an extra flavor boost.
  • Always let your steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

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