Maple syrup, bourbon and fresh wild-caught salmon bring a taste of Canada to your table. This easy recipe for Bourbon Maple Glazed Salmon can be ready in 20 minutes.
Bourbon Maple Glazed Salmon, Whisky Maple Glazed Salmon . . . whatever you want to call it, it's delicious!
This salmon! If you like salmon as much as I do, I really hope you get a chance to make this recipe. This Bourbon Maple Glazed Salmon is so simple, but so incredibly good. It's a little sweet, a little mustardy, it has hints of lemon and dill hiding in there. Bourbon gives it some depth and, of course, a catchy name which makes you want to dive in and try it.
So I sincerely hope you do.
Wild Salmon makes a healthy meal
This week we were the lucky recipients of two large fresh wild-caught salmon fillets! My daughter-in-law and son each reeled in two salmon during one of those recent sunny days and they shared some of their catch with us.
It was a very welcome gift: Denis and I had been out boating as well that day, setting the prawn traps. After a full day, we had the grand total of TWO prawns, (which we promptly let go).
Salmon is such a powerhouse of all things that are good for you. If it's cooked properly, there's nothing quite so delicious.
I have several favourite salmon recipes here on the blog, including Citrus Glazed Baked Salmon with Sake, Paleo Pistachio-Crusted Salmon, and Creamy Lemon Salmon Piccata. This time, I decided to top the salmon with something different. I adapted a recipe from Eric Akis that I found in Bill Jones Salmon, The Cookbook.
We devoured this Bourbon Maple Glazed Salmon and have added it to our "must make this again" list.
Ingredients
- salmon fillets
- maple syrup
- bourbon (or whiskey)
- Dijon mustard
- freshly squeezed lemon juice
- dill
- lemon
How to make Bourbon Glazed Salmon
- Heat oven to 400° F.. Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towel. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat.
- When hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil.
- When the oil ripples, add the salmon, skin side up. Give the pan a little shake to evenly distribute the oil and prevent sticking.
- Sear for 2 minutes, then using tongs or a fish turner, carefully flip the salmon and sear on the other side for 2 minutes.
- Pour glaze over all.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 8 - 12 minutes, or until fish begins to flake with a fork. Time will depend on the thickness of the fillet. Spoon pan juices over top and serve.
Do you see that Bourbon maple glaze keeping all the juices safely tucked inside the salmon?
How to tell when salmon is done
It's easy to overcook salmon. Check it at 10 minutes. If it is beginning to flake when poked with a fork, but is still slightly translucent in the center of the fillet, it is probably done. Remember to let it rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. It will continue to cook a little on the counter. You can check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. It should be 145°F.
Bourbon Maple Glazed Salmon
-is an easy 3-step recipe: sear it, smother it, and bake it.
-is a delicious way to get omega-3 fatty acids in your diet
-can be adjusted to suit your taste. Want it spicier? add a little more mustard. Like it less sweet? Reduce the maple syrup and add a little more lemon.
-can be prepared ahead of time. Whisk the glaze ingredients together and refrigerate until you're ready to cook.
What to serve with Whisky Maple Glazed Salmon
I served this salmon with baby Crispy Lemon Oven-Roasted Potatoes and some lightly steamed green veggies, and I added some extra lemon slices to squeeze over it all. It's also delicious with these recipes:
- Honey-Dijon Broccoli Salad
- Baby Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
- Smoky Sweet Potato Wedges
- Grilled Lemon Garlic Potato Kabobs
Bourbon Maple Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 wild-caught salmon fillets, 4 - 5 oz. each (120- 150 gm each)
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp bourbon (or whiskey)
- 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp dried dill, or 2 tsp fresh dill
- lemon slices f for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Thoroughly pat the salmon dry. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.
- Whisk maple syrup, bourbon, mustard, lemon juice and dill and set this glaze aside.
- Heat oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. When oil begins to ripple, carefully add salmon fillets, skin side up. Sear for 2 minutes, then turn and sear on the other side for 2 - 3 minutes.
- Pour bourbon-maple glaze over the salmon. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 10 minutes or just until fish flakes slightly with a fork. Do not overcook.
- Arrange on plates or serving platter. Drizzle with pan juices, garnish with lemon slices and serve right away.
Nutrition
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Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
We love salmon as well, and we agree with partnering it with the sweetness of the maple syrup and the tanginess of the Dijon mustard. But I can just imagine how adding the bourbon might enhance all the flavors! Plus, it's a fresh caught salmon, we don't have many opportunities to have it that fresh, here in Edmonton! Beautiful!
Flavour & Savour says
Thanks Nicoletta! There's nothing quite like salmon fresh from the sea! Thanks for stopping by.
Charlotte says
This looks amazing! I love the combination of the sweet maple syrup with the smokey bourbon. I gotta give this a try next time I'm craving salmon!
Flavour & Savour says
Thanks Charlotte,
It's a nice change and oh-so-good!
Justine | JustineCelina.com says
Elaine, this looks incredible! I would never think to prepare salmon this way (I'm not a huge bourbon fan but my boyfriend loves it!) so I never think to cook with it. Pinning this for future reference -- thank you for the inspiration!
Kari - Get Inspired Everyday! says
I love how simple this is to make, plus you can't beat the maple bourbon combo!
Flavour & Savour says
Super easy! My kind of meal 🙂