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Flavorful Bourbon Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe

bourbon brown sugar glazed salmon - featured image

An easy and quick salmon recipe featuring a sticky, sweet, and smoky bourbon brown sugar glaze that caramelizes perfectly for a flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets, skin-on (6 ounces / 170 grams each)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (60 ml)
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry 4 salmon fillets. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Let rest while preparing the glaze. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside. (5 minutes)
  3. Heat olive or avocado oil over medium-high heat in a skillet until hot but not smoking. (2 minutes)
  4. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot pan. Press gently with a spatula for about 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and fish is about two-thirds cooked. (4-5 minutes)
  5. Flip the salmon carefully using a fish spatula. Immediately pour the bourbon brown sugar glaze over the salmon. Reduce heat to medium-low. (1-2 minutes)
  6. Spoon the glaze over the salmon as it simmers. Cook for another 4-6 minutes, spooning occasionally, until glaze thickens into a sticky, shiny coating and salmon flakes easily. Avoid burning the glaze by reducing heat if needed. (4-6 minutes)
  7. Remove salmon from pan and let rest for 1 minute. Spoon any extra glaze over the top and serve immediately. (2 minutes)

Notes

Do not crowd the pan to ensure a good sear. Pat salmon dry before cooking for crisp skin. Use medium heat when glazing to prevent burning. Let salmon rest after cooking for tender results. Line pan with foil for easier cleanup. Glaze can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the fridge. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Optional spicy kick by adding cayenne pepper or sriracha.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, bourbon glaze, brown sugar, quick dinner, easy salmon recipe, glazed salmon, weeknight meal, seafood