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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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