This Bourbon Peach Glazed Salmon is a tasty way to enjoy dinner! The sweet peach glaze mixed with a hint of bourbon makes the salmon so flavorful and fun.
Trust me, when I make this, my kitchen smells amazing! 🍑 I love serving it with rice or veggies for a fresh meal. It’s easy to prepare and always impresses my family and friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is ideal, but you can use other fish like trout or even chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time for thicker pieces.
Peach slices: Fresh peaches add great flavor, but you can swap them with frozen peaches in a pinch. Canned peaches work too, but make sure they’re well-drained to avoid extra liquid.
Bourbon: If bourbon isn’t available, whiskey works well too, or you could use apple juice for a non-alcoholic alternative.
Dijon mustard: For a milder flavor, yellow mustard is a decent substitute. You can also skip it if you’re not a mustard fan!
Brown sugar: If you need to balance the sweetness, feel free to replace it with honey or maple syrup for a different twist.
How Do I Make the Glaze Stick to the Salmon?
Getting that yummy glaze to stick is all about timing! Here are some tips to make it work:
- Start cooking the salmon with the skin-side down; this helps in holding it together while cooking.
- Brush on the glaze during the last couple of minutes of cooking—this lets it caramelize but not burn.
- Don’t worry if you have extra glaze! You can spoon some on after you take the salmon off the heat.
Taking your time with the glaze brings out the flavor and makes the dish shine!
Bourbon Peach Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh peach slices (or canned peaches, drained)
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook. You’ll have a delicious, flavorful meal ready in just about 25 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
Start by seasoning the salmon fillets lightly on both sides with salt and black pepper. This simple step really enhances the flavor. Set the seasoned fillets aside while you prepare the glaze.
2. Make the Bourbon Peach Glaze:
In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh peach slices (or canned peaches), bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend everything together until smooth. This glaze is going to add an amazing flavor to your salmon!
3. Cook the Glaze:
Pour the peach glaze into a small saucepan and place it on the stove over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer while stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly. Once it’s thickened, take it off the heat and set it aside.
4. Prepare to Cook the Salmon:
Preheat a non-stick skillet or grill pan on medium-high heat. If you like, you can lightly oil the pan to prevent sticking, though a non-stick pan usually works just fine.
5. Cook the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot pan. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes. You want the skin to get nice and crispy while the salmon cooks about halfway up the sides.
6. Flip the Salmon:
After 4-5 minutes, carefully flip the salmon over to cook the other side. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, being careful not to overcook. You want the salmon to be just cooked through and flaky!
7. Glaze the Salmon:
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the salmon generously with your bourbon peach glaze. Let it caramelize a bit—you’ll love the sweet and tangy flavors that develop during this step!
8. Serve It Up:
Remove the salmon from the pan and spoon some extra glaze over the top for extra flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your flavorful and slightly sweet Bourbon Peach Glazed Salmon! It’s bound to be a hit at your dinner table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place the salmon in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw it quickly by submerging the sealed salmon in cold water for about an hour.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Glaze?
If you prefer a less sweet glaze, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar used in the recipe. You can start with 1 tablespoon instead of 2 and adjust to taste. Alternatively, using a tart variety of peaches can also help balance the sweetness.
What Should I Serve with Bourbon Peach Glazed Salmon?
This salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! You can serve it with rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the glaze. Roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, or a fresh salad are also fantastic options!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If you have extra glaze, you can add a drizzle when reheating to bring back that fresh flavor!
