Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe

Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the mellow richness of salmon, the natural sweetness of juicy peaches, and a bold, smoky bourbon-kissed glaze that turns any night into a celebration. This recipe dazzles with layers of flavor: the luscious peach preserves create a sweet-savory base, while bourbon adds an elegant depth, all rounded out by a touch of Dijon and a punch of garlic. Every bite is succulent, aromatic, and truly memorable—an absolute showstopper for family dinners, date nights, or when you want to treat yourself to something utterly delicious. Give this Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon a try, and it just might become your new kitchen hero.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an important role, bringing delicious flavors and vibrant colors to every plate. Gather these essentials, and you’ll see just how easy it is to create a dish that’s both impressive and approachable.

• Peach preserves: This forms the heart of the glaze, adding lush sweetness and a glossy, caramelized finish.
• Bourbon: Gives a sophisticated, smoky undertone that balances the peaches and elevates the overall flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Both in the marinade and for searing, it ensures rich texture and keeps the salmon moist.
• Soy sauce: Brings just the right amount of umami to round out the sweetness.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a zing of acidity, brightening up the entire marinade.
• Dijon coarse ground mustard: Infuses a subtle tang and a little bit of bite.
• Garlic, minced: Provides bold aromatic notes that weave throughout every forkful.
• Kosher salt: Essential for drawing out the natural flavors of both fish and marinade.
• Black pepper: Gives a fragrant hint of heat and depth.
• Red pepper flakes: Lends a gentle, lingering background warmth.
• Salmon filets (skin-on): The star protein, staying juicy and flavorful as it roasts.
• Extra virgin olive oil (for searing): Ensures a crisp, golden sear on the salmon.
• Fresh peaches, thinly sliced: Roasted alongside the salmon, these become tender, jammy bursts of summer.
• Fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds freshness and a touch of vibrant green to finish the dish.

How to Make Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Step 1: Make the Flavorful Marinade

Start by whisking together the peach preserves, bourbon, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. This dreamy mixture is sweet, tangy, and wonderfully aromatic. Remember to divide: set aside half, cover, and refrigerate it for later—this reserved glaze is pure gold for finishing the dish!

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

Nestle the salmon fillets into a resealable plastic bag and pour in the other half of the marinade. Give it a gentle mix to coat every piece. Let the salmon soak up these gorgeous flavors in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour if you have time)—this is when all the magic starts to happen!

Step 3: Sear the Salmon to Perfection

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat olive oil in a medium, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the marinated salmon fillets, placing them skin side up first. Sear for two to three minutes until they’re golden on top; this step locks in the juices and creates irresistible flavor.

Step 4: Add the Peaches and Sear Again

Flip the salmon fillets so the skin side is down, then scatter those beautiful peach slices right into the skillet. Let everything cook for another couple of minutes—just enough time to soften the peaches and crisp up the salmon skin a bit.

Step 5: Pour on Reserved Marinade and Roast

Off the heat, pour the reserved bourbon peach marinade evenly over the salmon and peaches. This addition creates a sticky, flavorful glaze that melds together as it roasts. Transfer your skillet to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, checking the salmon at the 12-minute mark for that perfect flake. The salmon should be opaque and just cooked through (target an internal temp of 145°F).

Step 6: Serve and Savor

As soon as your Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is out of the oven, it’s ready to enjoy! Serve straight from the skillet, spooning plenty of those luscious peaches and juices over each fillet. Each plate is a masterpiece of sweet, smoky, and savory notes.

How to Serve Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Garnishes

Brighten each plate with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. The herbal freshness pops beautifully against the caramelized glaze, and a few extra fresh peach slices on top never hurt either. For an extra-special touch, a light grating of lemon zest or a scattering of toasted sliced almonds can add even more flair and crunch.

Side Dishes

Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon sings alongside simple, elegant sides. A tried-and-true classic? Steamed jasmine rice or wild rice pilaf to soak up all that glorious sauce. For veggies, try oven-roasted asparagus, garlicky green beans, or a crisp summer salad with arugula and feta. Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta also make this dish a cozy, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, present the salmon in the skillet for showstopping, rustic charm. For gatherings, slice the finished fillets into bite-sized pieces and serve them as chic appetizers atop crostini, garnished with peach slices and parsley. Layer over a bed of spinach or mixed greens for a nourishing main course salad—just drizzle with a bit of extra marinade as dressing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the salmon cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it just as irresistible for lunch the next day!

Freezing

To freeze Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon, place cooled portions in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. The dish will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat salmon gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the glaze. Alternatively, you can warm it in a 300°F oven until just heated through. Take care not to overcook—salmon is happiest when it’s just warmed, not dried out!

FAQs

Can I make Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon without alcohol?

Absolutely! Swap the bourbon for an equal amount of apple juice or peach nectar. You’ll still capture that rich, fruity character—just without the alcohol.

What other types of fish work with this marinade?

This bourbon peach marinade is versatile. Try it with firm fish like trout, arctic char, or even thick cuts of cod or halibut. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as leaner fish may cook a bit faster.

Do I need fresh peaches?

Fresh summer peaches deliver the best texture and brightness, but in a pinch, drained canned or thawed frozen peach slices also work. Be sure to pat them dry before adding to the skillet for optimal caramelization.

Is it safe to use the marinade after touching raw salmon?

Use only the reserved portion of marinade you set aside at the start for finishing and glazing. Never pour marinade that’s touched raw fish over the cooked dish, unless it’s boiled for food safety.

Can I grill Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon?

Yes! Grill the marinated salmon skin side down on well-oiled grates over medium heat, adding peaches during the last few minutes. Brush with reserved glaze as it finishes for beautiful caramelization and extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about bringing together bold, sweet, and savory flavors in one unforgettable dish, and Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon truly delivers. Invite your friends, light up the oven, and let this recipe surprise and delight you—one juicy, irresistible bite at a time!

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