Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe
This Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is an absolute showstopper that turns a classic weeknight meal into something memorable. Picture flaky, buttery salmon glazed in a sweet-and-smoky marinade, topped with tender roasted peaches and a splash of bourbon. Each bite tastes like late summer and cozy gatherings, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe for both special occasions and casual nights in. It’s destined to become your new go-to way to impress—for minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of well-chosen ingredients transforms simple salmon into an unforgettable main dish. Every element brings its own character—whether it’s the kick from bourbon, the brightness of fresh peaches, or that essential savory backbone.
- Peach preserves: The base of that sticky-sweet glaze, these preserves lend the dish its signature fruity, amber richness.
- Bourbon: Adds warmth and depth, gently mellowed by the sweetness of the peaches, without overpowering the fish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used in both the marinade and the skillet, it ensures the salmon stays moist and helps meld all the flavors.
- Soy sauce: A dose of umami that balances the sweetness, giving the sauce savory complexity.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings a touch of tang, brightening the glaze so it never feels heavy.
- Dijon coarse ground mustard: Adds gentle heat and just enough texture; opt for coarse for tasty little pops in the sauce.
- Garlic, minced: A classic aromatic that infuses the marinade with bold, mouthwatering flavor.
- Kosher salt: Enhances each ingredient and seasons the salmon perfectly throughout.
- Black pepper: A simple pinch gives a balanced hint of background warmth.
- Red pepper flakes: For just a flicker of heat that plays beautifully against the sweetness.
- Salmon filets (about 1½ pounds, skins on): Opt for firm, fresh fillets to soak up all that irresistible marinade.
- Extra virgin olive oil (for searing): Helps you get that golden-brown crust in the skillet.
- Medium peaches, pitted and thinly sliced: When roasted, these become tender and caramelized, adding bursts of juiciness to every bite.
- Parsley (for garnish): A final touch of color and freshness that makes the dish pop.
How to Make Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Bourbon Peach Marinade
First up, whisk together the peach preserves, bourbon, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, black pepper, and those pepper flakes in a medium bowl. You’ll notice the sauce has a beautiful, glossy texture and a perfume that’s simply irresistible. Once mixed, divide it in half—half goes on the salmon as a marinade, half gets reserved in your fridge to finish the dish later.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Lay your salmon fillets into a resealable plastic bag and pour in half of your freshly made marinade. Seal it up tightly and gently mix so every inch of salmon is coated. Let the fish soak up those sweet, tangy, boozy flavors in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour if you have the patience). This step is the secret to locking in flavor and ensures every bite is delicious through and through.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
When your salmon is nearly done marinating, crank your oven to 375°F. Preheating makes sure the fish cooks evenly and the glaze caramelizes just right in the final bake.
Step 4: Sear the Salmon
Pour a bit of olive oil into a medium oven-safe skillet and set it over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, place your marinated salmon carefully into the pan, skin side up. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes; you’re looking for a golden brown crust that locks in those juices and starts building big flavor.
Step 5: Add Peaches and Sear Again
Now, flip the salmon so the skin side is down. Scatter those thinly sliced peaches right into the skillet, surrounding the fish. Let everything cook for another 2 to 3 minutes—this softens and slightly caramelizes the peaches while giving the salmon skin a delicate crispness.
Step 6: Pour in Reserved Marinade
Slide the skillet off the heat and pour the chilled, reserved marinade evenly over both the salmon and the peaches. You’ll see it start to bubble and coat everything in glossy, peachy goodness. This is where Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon transitions from good to unforgettable.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the skillet into your waiting oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes (check at 12 minutes if your fillets are thinner), or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F inside. The sauce should be slightly thickened and bubbling around the edges. When you pull it out, the aroma in your kitchen will be unreal!
Step 8: Serve and Savor
Take the skillet from the oven, sprinkle with parsley, and bring it straight to the table. Spoon up those caramelized peaches with every serving, making sure to drizzle plenty of extra glaze. Now comes the best part—dig in and enjoy this glorious Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon!
How to Serve Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon
Garnishes
This dish shines with a handful of freshly chopped parsley scattered over the top, both for color and a pop of herbal freshness. If you want to add a little something extra, thinly sliced green onions, a hint more red pepper flakes, or even a few toasted sliced almonds can bring joyful contrast to the succulent, peachy flavors of your Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon.
Side Dishes
For a full meal, pair this salmon with your favorite sides that soak up the extra sauce. Think fluffy jasmine rice, garlicky mashed potatoes, or a pile of lemony couscous. Roasted or steamed green veggies—like asparagus, broccolini, or green beans—also make a crisp, colorful backdrop. Don’t forget a crusty hunk of bread to mop up every last drop of that peach-bourbon glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready twist, flake the salmon and serve it over a summer salad with arugula, pickled red onions, and candied pecans. Or, top crostini with a dollop of the warm peach mixture, a piece of salmon, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant appetizer. The beautiful colors and aromatic, sweet-savory flavors of Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon make it a conversation piece however you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the cooled salmon and peach mixture together in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more beautifully by the next day, giving you a delicious lunch or second dinner with almost no effort.
Freezing
Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon can be frozen if needed, though the texture of the peaches might soften further upon thawing. For best results, wrap the salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to one month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, warm the salmon gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning a bit of reserved sauce or a splash of water to keep things moist. Alternatively, cover loosely and heat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the fish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon?
Absolutely! Just make sure the salmon is thoroughly thawed and patted dry before marinating so the flavors absorb evenly. This recipe easily adapts to fresh or frozen fillets.
Is there a substitute for bourbon?
If you’d prefer to skip the bourbon, try apple juice or peach nectar. The end result will still be wonderfully sweet and tangy, though you’ll lose a bit of the depth and warmth the bourbon adds.
What if I can’t find peach preserves?
Apricot preserves make a great stand-in, bringing a similar fruit-forward sweetness and texture. You could also try a mix of orange marmalade with a splash of peach juice for a creative twist on Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon.
Should I remove the salmon skin before cooking?
The skin helps protect the fillet, keeping it moist while giving extra texture once seared. If you prefer your salmon skinless, that works too—just keep an eye on the cook time, as skinless fillets may cook a bit faster.
How can I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The telltale sign is when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is just opaque in the center. An instant-read thermometer should read 145°F, but you can also check by gently pressing the top—if it feels slightly springy, it’s ready!
Final Thoughts
Don’t let this Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon recipe just sit on your must-try list—give it a whirl! It’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table and make whoever you’re cooking for feel extra special. Once you taste that luscious glaze over perfectly roasted salmon, you’ll want to make it again and again. Enjoy every bite!
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Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for a special dinner. The combination of sweet peach preserves, bourbon, and savory salmon creates a delicious and unique flavor profile that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
- ¾ cup (240 g) peach preserves
- ¼ cup (56 g) bourbon
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon coarse ground mustard
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the salmon:
- 4 salmon filets, about 1½ pounds, skins on
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium peaches, pitted, thinly sliced
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Combine ingredients for marinade. Reserve half for later use.
- Marinate salmon.
- Preheat oven. Heat oil. Sear marinated salmon.
- Add sliced peaches.
- Pour in reserved marinade.
- Bake.
- Remove from oven. Serve.
In a medium bowl, combine peach preserves, bourbon, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside half of the mixture for later.
Place salmon fillets in a resealable bag with half of the marinade. Marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Sear marinated salmon fillets in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Flip salmon fillets, add peaches, and cook until slightly softened.
Remove skillet from heat and pour reserved marinade over salmon and peaches.
Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon reaches 145°F.
Serve immediately after cooking.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of bourbon to suit your taste preferences.
- Make sure to choose ripe and sweet peaches for the best flavor.
- Feel free to garnish with additional fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with peaches
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon, Peach Salmon Recipe, Bourbon Glazed Salmon
