Can I bake this salmon instead of searing it?

Absolutely! Simply season, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes (depending on thickness). Simmer the glaze in a saucepan and brush it over the salmon before serving.

Is bourbon necessary for the glaze?

Bourbon gives the glaze its signature depth and smokiness, but if you need to omit it, apple juice or cider is a great substitute. While the flavor will be a bit different, the glaze will still taste deliciously sweet and tangy.

Can I use skin-on salmon fillets?

Yes! If your fillets have skin, sear skin-side down first until crisp, then carefully flip and proceed with the glaze. The skin also helps hold the fish together.

What vegetables go well with this salmon?

Steamed broccoli, asparagus spears, snap peas, or stir-fried veggies are excellent choices. Their fresh flavors balance the richness of the glaze and make for a complete meal in minutes.

Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon Recipe

Name: Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, center-cut, preferably skinless; 1 tablespoon Creole Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste; 1–2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh ground black pepper, to taste; Sliced scallions, for garnish (optional); 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup bourbon (such as Jim Beam); 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Description

This Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon delivers tender, perfectly cooked salmon fillets coated in a rich, sticky-sweet bourbon glaze. Balanced with umami from soy sauce, heat from Cajun seasoning, and mellowed with brown sugar and maple syrup, it’s an easy yet elegant main course ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Salmon

4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, center-cut, preferably skinless
1 tablespoon Creole Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Sliced scallions, for garnish (optional)

For the Glaze

1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup bourbon (such as Jim Beam)
2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon maple syrup

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Instructions

Season Salmon & Rest: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Generously season all sides of the salmon with Cajun seasoning, using your hands to press the seasoning in for thorough coverage. Allow the seasoned salmon to rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and seasoning absorption.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, bourbon, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of fresh ground black pepper. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is fully blended. Set aside for later use.
Sear the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if the skin is present. Sear the salmon undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is deeply golden and develops a nice sear. If the pan appears dry, drizzle in the additional olive oil as needed. Flip the salmon and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes. Then lower the heat to medium-low.
Add Glaze and Finish Cooking: Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the salmon fillets. Allow it to come to a gentle boil, then spoon the sauce over the salmon repeatedly as it thickens and becomes glossy. Once the glaze has thickened to a sticky consistency and the salmon is cooked through, remove the skillet from heat.
Serve: Plate the salmon and drizzle additional glaze over the top. Garnish with sliced scallions if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice and broccoli. Enjoy!

Notes

Letting salmon come to room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking throughout the fillet.
Use high-quality bourbon for best flavor, but any bourbon can work.
Be careful not to overcook the salmon; remove it from heat once it flakes easily with a fork.
Customize the spice level by adjusting the Cajun seasoning.
This dish is also great served over salads or grain bowls.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (approx. 6 oz with glaze)
Calories: 380
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 85mg