Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon Recipe

Introduction

This Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The sticky bourbon glaze adds a rich depth to the perfectly seared salmon fillets, making it an impressive yet easy dish to prepare for any weeknight or special occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, center-cut, preferably skinless
• 1 tablespoon Creole Cajun seasoning, homemade or store-bought, plus more to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup bourbon (such as Jim Beam)
• 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• Sliced scallions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season them evenly with Cajun seasoning, pressing gently to coat all sides. Set the salmon aside to rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, bourbon, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, and fresh ground black pepper until well combined. Set this glaze mixture aside.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the skillet (skin-side down if skin is on). Let them sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Add more oil if the skillet looks dry.
4. Step 4: Flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. Then lower the heat to medium-low.
5. Step 5: Pour the bourbon glaze over the salmon in the skillet. Allow the glaze to come to a gentle boil, spooning it over the fillets occasionally. Let it cook until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the glazed salmon topped with sliced scallions if desired, alongside your favorite sides such as rice and steamed broccoli. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use skin-on salmon if you prefer; just adjust searing time and place skin-side down first for crispiness.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze mixture.
• If bourbon is not available, substitute with whiskey or omit for a non-alcoholic option.
• To keep salmon moist, avoid overcooking; it should flake easily but remain tender inside.

Storage

Store leftover glazed salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the fish. The glaze maintains its flavor well even after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture and ensures better searing.

What sides pair well with bourbon glazed salmon?

This dish pairs nicely with light, simple sides like steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or fluffy rice to soak up the sticky glaze.

Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 69 reviews

This Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets coated in a sweet and savory bourbon glaze made with brown sugar, soy sauce, and maple syrup. The combination of Creole Cajun seasoning and a sticky bourbon glaze creates a flavorful dish ideal for a quick yet impressive meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, center-cut, preferably skinless
• 1 tablespoon Creole Cajun seasoning, homemade or store-bought, plus more to taste
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Brown Sugar Bourbon Glaze

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup bourbon (We use Jim Beam)
• 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Garnish

• Sliced scallions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Season salmon & rest: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season them evenly with Cajun seasoning by patting the mixture onto all surfaces. Then set the seasoned salmon aside and let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes, allowing flavors to develop.
2. Prep the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, bourbon, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, and freshly ground black pepper until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Set this glaze aside until ready to use.
3. Sear the salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Let them sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. If the skillet looks dry, add an additional tablespoon of oil as needed. Flip the salmon using a fish spatula and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
4. Build the sticky bourbon salmon: Pour the prepared bourbon glaze over the salmon in the skillet. Allow the glaze to heat to a slight boil, spooning it over the fillets occasionally. Continue cooking until the glaze thickens into a glossy, sticky consistency that coats the salmon well. Remove the skillet from heat.
5. Serve: Plate the sticky bourbon glazed salmon fillets garnished with sliced scallions if desired. Serve alongside your favorite sides such as rice and steamed broccoli. Enjoy this perfectly balanced sweet and savory dish!

Notes

• Use skinless salmon fillets for easier searing and glazing.
• Adjust the amount of olive oil during searing depending on skillet dryness.
• Allowing the salmon to rest at room temperature helps it cook evenly.
• Bourbon adds depth of flavor but can be substituted with whiskey or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: salmon, bourbon glaze, brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, seared salmon, easy dinner, sweet and savory seafood