Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring salmon fillets glazed with a sweet, smoky bourbon, brown sugar, and soy sauce mixture. This forgiving recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds fresh salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, melted butter, and minced garlic.
- Whisk the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Season the salmon fillets lightly with black pepper.
- Generously brush the bourbon glaze over the top of each fillet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
- Optional: Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a darker, stickier glaze, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Salmon continues to cook after being removed from the oven due to residual heat, so pull it out when slightly translucent in the center for a juicier result. If the glaze is too thin, simmer longer to reduce. For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with glaze
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Protein: 25
Keywords: salmon, bourbon, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, healthy fish, sweet glaze, quick meals, date night dinner