Bourbon Glazed Salmon is an exquisite dish that combines the richness of bourbon with the succulent flavors of salmon. The bourbon glazed salmon recipe elevates the taste of the salmon by adding a glaze made with bourbon, brown sugar, and various spices. The result is a perfectly caramelized, sweet, and savory glazed salmon that is sure to impress your guests. With its delightful combination of flavors and simple preparation, this bourbon salmon recipe is a must-try for any seafood lover.
How to Make Bourbon Glazed Salmon
This bourbon marinated salmon recipe is simple enough for a quick weeknight while also tasting elevated enough for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- Atlantic salmon fillets (~8 ounces each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Bourbon Glaze:
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the bourbon glaze by combining the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir the glaze mixture constantly until the brown sugar has dissolved completely and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove the glaze from the heat and set it aside.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin side down, and sear them for about 2 minutes until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown.
- Flip the salmon fillets carefully using a spatula and brush the tops generously with the bourbon glaze.
- Transfer the skillet or pan to the preheated oven and bake the salmon for about 10 minutes or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- While the salmon is baking, you can brush additional glaze onto the salmon fillets every 3-4 minutes to build up a sticky and flavorful glaze.
- Once the salmon fillets are cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Optional: Garnish the bourbon glazed salmon with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- Serve the bourbon glazed salmon fillets hot with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad.
Tips:
- When selecting salmon fillets, look for ones that are fresh and have a vibrant pink color. Opt for wild-caught salmon for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a milder bourbon taste, you can reduce the amount of bourbon in the glaze or replace it with apple juice or orange juice.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your desired level of spiciness.
- For an outdoor cooking option, you can grill the salmon over medium-high heat instead of using the oven. Simply follow the same steps but cook the salmon on the grill instead.
