How to Make Delicious Bourbon Glazed Salmon

Bourbon glazed salmon is a delicious and easy salmon recipe that will impress your family and guests The sweet and savory bourbon glaze gives the salmon a wonderful flavor that enhances the natural taste of the fish This article will provide a simple step-by-step guide on how to make perfect bourbon glazed salmon at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make bourbon glazed salmon, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Salmon fillets or a salmon side (skin-on is best for cooking)
• Bourbon
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Maple syrup or honey
• Worcestershire sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil or butter

Some optional ingredients that can take the glaze to the next level include Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and green onions for garnish.

Making the Bourbon Glaze

The first step is to make the bourbon glaze that will coat the salmon. Here is one simple recipe for the glaze:

• In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup bourbon, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until thickened and reduced by about half.

• Remove glaze from heat and set aside to cool and thicken more.

Preparing the Salmon

While glaze cools, prepare salmon fillets:

• Pat salmon dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

• In a skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat.

• When oil is hot, add salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes until salmon starts to brown.

• Flip fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until nearly cooked through.

Glazing and Baking the Salmon

Next, coat salmon with the glaze and finish cooking:

• Remove salmon from skillet and place on foil-lined baking sheet.

• Brush the bourbon glaze evenly over the top of the fillets.

• Bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until glaze is sticky and salmon flakes easily with a fork.

• For added caramelization, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.

• Remove from oven and garnish with chopped green onions (optional).

Serving Suggestions

Bourbon glazed salmon pairs nicely with a variety of side dishes:

• Rice or quinoa
• Roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or broccoli
• A fresh salad

Leftover salmon is also great in salads, scrambled eggs, pasta dishes, or rice bowls. Simply reheat gently before serving again.

Salmon Cooking Tips

Follow these tips for perfect salmon every time:

• Always pat salmon dry before cooking to ensure proper browning.

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness. Salmon is cooked to 145°F.

• Bake in foil packets to keep salmon moist and let carryover cooking finish cooking the centers.

• Watch carefully when broiling at the end so the glaze doesn’t burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of bourbon should I use?

Any mid-range bourbon works well. Popular choices are Maker’s Mark, Bulleit, Buffalo Trace, or Four Roses. Use whatever you would drink!

Can I make it without alcohol?

Yes! Omit the bourbon and replace with 1/8 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup apple juice. The flavor will be slightly different.

What if I don’t have maple syrup or honey?

You can use brown sugar only, but the glaze may be less thick. Add a touch more vinegar and mustard to balance the sweetness.

Should I marinate the salmon first?

Marinating is not necessary for this recipe. The quick sear and glaze method infuses lots of flavor.

Make This Easy Salmon Dinner Tonight

Bourbon glazed salmon is a simple yet impressive salmon recipe that takes your weeknight dinner up a notch. The sweet and savory bourbon glaze is so delicious and easy to make. Follow this easy recipe and enjoy restaurant-quality salmon in your own kitchen.