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Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 145 reviews

Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish featuring tender salmon fillets seared and coated with a sticky, sweet, and savory bourbon glaze infused with Creole Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, soy sauce, and maple syrup. This recipe combines smoky, spicy, and sweet elements to create a delicious glaze that perfectly complements the rich salmon.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, center-cut, 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 (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. Evenly coat all sides of the salmon with 1 tablespoon of Creole Cajun seasoning by patting it on with your hand. Set the salmon aside to rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes to help the flavors absorb and ensure even cooking.
  2. Prep the glaze: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the soy sauce, bourbon, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Set the glaze aside until ready to use.
  3. Sear the salmon: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skinless, just one side down) into the pan. Let them sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, until a deep golden crust forms. If the skillet looks dry during cooking, carefully add an additional tablespoon of oil as needed. Use a fish spatula to gently flip the salmon to the other side and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Then 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 gently come to a slight boil, spooning and basting the salmon with the glaze frequently. Continue cooking until the glaze thickens slightly and becomes glossy and sticky, coating the salmon beautifully. Then remove the skillet from the heat.
  5. Serve: Plate the sticky bourbon glazed salmon and optionally garnish with sliced scallions. Serve alongside your favorite side dishes such as steamed broccoli and rice for a complete meal. Enjoy your flavorful salmon!

Notes

  • For best results, pat salmon dry before seasoning to promote a better sear.
  • If you prefer skin-on salmon, sear skin-side down first until crispy.
  • Adjust bourbon quantity to taste; reduce if you prefer less alcohol flavor.
  • Use a fish spatula to prevent breaking the salmon fillets when flipping.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor as the glaze will thicken as it cools.
  • Pair with steamed vegetables and grains such as rice or quinoa for a balanced meal.

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon glazed salmon, bourbon salmon, Cajun salmon, seared salmon with glaze, bourbon glaze, easy salmon recipe, sticky salmon, cast iron skillet salmon

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