Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon Recipe

Introduction

This Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will elevate your weeknight dinner. With a sticky bourbon glaze and a hint of Cajun spice, this dish is as impressive as it is easy to prepare.

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 (we use 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 thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, pressing the spices onto all surfaces. Set aside and let the salmon come to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
2. Step 2: Prepare the glaze by combining soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, maple syrup, and fresh ground black pepper in a small bowl. Stir well until fully mixed and set 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.
4. Step 4: Sear the salmon undisturbed, skin-side down, for 2-3 minutes until deeply golden and nicely seared. If the pan looks dry, add an additional tablespoon of oil as needed.
5. Step 5: Flip the salmon with a fish spatula and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes. Then reduce the heat to medium-low.
6. Step 6: Pour the prepared bourbon glaze over the salmon. Let it come to a gentle boil and spoon the glaze over the fillets occasionally. Cook until the glaze thickens to a glossy, sticky texture, then remove from heat.
7. Step 7: Serve the salmon garnished with sliced scallions if desired, alongside your favorite sides like rice and steamed broccoli. Enjoy your flavorful meal!

Tips & Variations

• For an extra smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika in the Cajun seasoning blend.
• If you prefer a milder glaze, reduce the amount of bourbon or substitute with apple cider or vegetable broth.
• To keep the salmon moist, avoid overcooking by checking for doneness early; the fish should flake easily but remain juicy.

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 preserve moisture and flavor. Avoid reheating too long to prevent drying out the fish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salmon with skin on for this recipe?

Yes, you can use salmon with skin on. Just place the skin-side down first and sear until crispy. The skin adds extra texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for bourbon if I don’t want alcohol?

You can substitute bourbon with apple cider, white grape juice, or vegetable broth for a similar sweetness and depth without the alcohol.

Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 88 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Delicious Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon features perfectly seared salmon fillets coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory bourbon glaze with hints of Cajun spice. This easy stovetop recipe balances rich flavors of bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and maple syrup to create an indulgent yet simple seafood dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 4 (6-ounce) center-cut salmon fillets, 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

Glaze

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

Garnish

• Sliced scallions, optional

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Instructions

1. Season salmon & rest: Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub the Cajun seasoning evenly over all surfaces of the fish, pressing gently to adhere. Set the salmon aside to rest and come to room temperature for about 20 minutes, which helps with even cooking.
2. Prep the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, bourbon, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, and fresh ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended. Set 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 until shimmering. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the surface becomes deeply golden and seared. If the pan looks dry, add additional olive oil as needed. Flip the salmon using a fish spatula and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes. Then reduce the heat to medium-low to prepare for glazing.
4. Build the sticky bourbon salmon: Pour the prepared bourbon glaze evenly over the salmon in the skillet. Allow the glaze to come to a gentle boil while spooning the sauce over the fillets periodically. Continue cooking until the glaze thickens and attains a glossy, sticky consistency, coating the salmon beautifully. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent burning.
5. Serve: Transfer the bourbon glazed salmon to plates and garnish with sliced scallions if desired. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed broccoli and rice or your choice of sides. Enjoy this flavorful, sticky-sweet salmon fresh and hot.

Notes

• Allowing salmon to rest at room temperature before cooking ensures even doneness.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for the best sear and caramelization.
• Be careful not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
• Adjust the amount of oil as needed depending on your skillet type to prevent sticking.
• Maple syrup adds a subtle rich sweetness that complements the bourbon and brown sugar.
• Serve immediately after glazing for best flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Southern

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon glazed salmon, bourbon salmon, cajun salmon recipe, seared salmon with glaze, sticky salmon, easy salmon dinner