Steaks with Coca-Cola BBQ Sauce

Juicy seared steaks, blanketed with the most satiny, sweet and savory sauce. And the base of that sauce? Coca-Cola! The sweet soda partners perfectly with salty soy and tangy Dijon, and then gets totally jazzed with ketchup, Worcestershire, garlic, onion, and a pop of vinegar at the end. Super simple, but fireworks in the mouth.

I mean it - this sauce creates an explosion of flavor on the palate. And most (if not all) of the ingredients are pantry staples. Even the Coca-Cola for many folks! Don't be daunted by the ingredient list - I'm serious, these are all things you probably already have on hand. If not, go get them because you will freak out over this sauce. It's a "make a big batch" winner.

And, the timing on everything is perfect. Since you need to let the steaks come to room temperature before cooking them (like 20-30 minutes), I suggest making the BBQ sauce first. Just let that amazing sauce simmer away while you prep and cook the steaks; it gets better with age anyway.

Steaks with Coca-Cola BBQ Sauce 

1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup Coca-Cola
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon light or dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and ground black pepper
4 steaks of choice, I used boneless eye of round
Cooking spray or olive oil

To make the BBQ sauce, in a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, Coca-Cola, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Set the pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until slightly thickened, stirring frequently. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper.
Coat a stovetop grill pan or griddle (or heavy skillet) with cooking spray or olive oil and preheat to medium-high. Add the steaks to the hot pan and cook for 3 minutes per side for medium-rare meat, or longer for more fully cooked meat. Remove the steaks from the heat just BEFORE you reach your desired level of doneness because they will continue to cook.
Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the BBQ sauce over the steaks and serve.
Serves 4