This Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is a delightful mix of sweet and savory. It’s made with fresh salmon, juicy peaches, and a splash of bourbon that makes it special!
Honestly, who knew salmon could be this fun? The glaze caramelizes perfectly, giving it a tasty kick—we’re talking flavor fireworks! 🌟 I love serving it with rice for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are essential. You can substitute with trout or even chicken if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times, as chicken will take longer.
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches provide sweetness and tartness. If they aren’t in season, try using canned peaches in juice or nectar. Just drain them well before using!
Bourbon: While bourbon is key for flavor, you can substitute with other whiskies or even a splash of white wine or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version!
Brown Sugar: If you don’t have brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses or use honey or maple syrup, but use less—start with half the amount.
How Can I Ensure My Salmon is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon can be a bit tricky, but here are some tips:
- Start with room temperature salmon for even cooking. Let it sit out for 15 minutes before baking.
- Watch your time! Salmon generally needs about 12-15 minutes at 400°F. Check it at 12 minutes by gently flaking with a fork.
- If using skin-on salmon, place it skin side down. This keeps the fish moist. If skinless, don’t worry—just keep an eye on it.
- Remember that salmon continues to cook slightly after removing it from heat, so you can undercook it a little if you prefer it very moist.
Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme or oregano sprigs
- Fresh chopped herbs (parsley or basil)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, so you can have it ready in about 25 minutes total. The best part? Most of that time is just letting the oven do the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial so that the salmon cooks evenly and quickly! While the oven heats up, grab a small bowl and whisk together the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the sugar dissolves. This glaze is going to add so much flavor!
2. Arrange the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to assemble everything. Take a roasting pan or a baking dish and arrange those sliced peach wedges evenly on the bottom. The peaches will get all nice and juicy in the oven, providing a sweet layer beneath the salmon.
3. Add the Salmon:
Next, place your salmon fillets right on top of the peaches. It’s like a cozy little bed for the fish! Then, take some of that delicious bourbon glaze you made earlier and brush it generously over the salmon and peaches. Make sure to save some glaze for later!
4. Roast Away:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven! Let it roast for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the peaches are tender and aromatic. About halfway through (around 7 minutes in), give everything a gentle brush with the reserved glaze for that extra caramelization and flavor boost!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When everything is done roasting, take the dish out of the oven and spoon the pan juices over the salmon and peaches to keep everything nice and moist. Garnish with fresh thyme or oregano sprigs and sprinkle some chopped herbs for color and flavor. Serve this wonderful dish warm, and if you’re feeling it, pair it with a side of steamed rice or some roasted veggies. Enjoy the sweet and savory delights of this Bourban Peach Roasted Salmon!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Salmon in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight before using it. This helps the salmon cook evenly and absorb the delicious glaze better.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of white sugar) or simply use honey or maple syrup—start with half the amount of sugar since they are sweeter!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon and peaches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water or a little extra bourbon glaze to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish without Bourbon?
Absolutely! You can replace bourbon with other types of whiskey, use apple juice or cider for a non-alcoholic version, or simply use a splash of white wine or even vegetable broth for added flavor without the alcohol.
