Grilled Salmon with Jack Daniel's Glaze
Experience the delightful flavors of succulent, grilled Atlantic salmon drizzled with a sweet and savory Jack Daniel's glaze. This healthy dish combines the richness of salmon with a homemade glaze featuring roasted garlic, pineapple juice, and a splash of whiskey. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a fantastic choice for health-conscious food lovers. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to complete your meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Atlantic Salmon Fillets
4.5 lbs (Skin and bone removed)
Fat-free Butter-flavored Cooking Spray
As needed (For brushing the salmon)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Garlic
1 head (Roasted)
Olive Oil
1 tbsp (For drizzling)
Water
2/3 cup (For the glaze)
Pineapple Juice
1 cup (For the glaze)
Teriyaki Sauce
1/4 cup (For the glaze)
Soy Sauce
1 tbsp (For the glaze)
Dark Brown Sugar
1 1/3 cups (For the glaze)
Lemon Juice
3 tbsp (For the glaze)
Minced White Onions
3 tbsp (For the glaze)
Jack Daniel's Whiskey
1 tbsp (For the glaze)
Crushed Pineapple
1 tbsp (For the glaze)
Cayenne Pepper
1/4 tsp (For the glaze)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2
Prepare the roasted garlic: Cut off about 1/2 inch from the top of a whole head of garlic, trimming the roots so it can sit flat. Peel away most of the papery skin but keep the cloves intact. Place the garlic in a small casserole dish or baking pan, drizzle with olive oil, and cover with a lid or foil. Roast in the oven for 1 hour, then remove and let it cool.
3
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water, pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and dark brown sugar. Stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to simmer.
4
Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a measuring spoon, using about 2 teaspoons, and whisk it into the saucepan. Add lemon juice, minced onions, Jack Daniel's whiskey, crushed pineapple, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
5
Let the glaze simmer for 40 to 50 minutes, reducing until thick and syrupy. Be careful not to let it boil over. Once finished, cover the saucepan and set it aside.
6
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the skin and bones from the salmon fillets if necessary, and lightly coat both sides with fat-free butter-flavored cooking spray. Season with a dash of salt and pepper.
7
Place the fillets on the grill at an angle to create appealing grill marks. Grill for 2-4 minutes, then flip. After flipping, turn the fillets slightly to create criss-cross grill marks. Cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, and continue grilling until the salmon is cooked through, about 8-15 minutes total depending on thickness.
8
Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the grill and generously spoon the prepared glaze over each fillet. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Salmon with Jack Daniel's Glaze?
It is a dish featuring succulent grilled Atlantic salmon topped with a sweet and savory homemade glaze made from roasted garlic, pineapple juice, and Jack Daniel's whiskey.
What type of salmon is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 4.5 lbs of fresh Atlantic salmon fillets with the skin and bones removed for the best texture.
How do you prepare the roasted garlic for the glaze?
Cut off the top of a garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in a 325°F oven for one hour until the cloves are soft and golden.
What ingredients are in the Jack Daniel's glaze?
The glaze consists of water, pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, lemon juice, minced onions, whiskey, crushed pineapple, cayenne pepper, and roasted garlic.
How long does the glaze need to simmer?
The glaze should simmer over low heat for 40 to 50 minutes until it reduces and becomes thick and syrupy.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat before adding the salmon fillets.
How do you get perfect grill marks on the salmon?
Place the fillets at an angle on the grill for 2-4 minutes, then flip them and turn them slightly to create a criss-cross pattern.
How long does it take to cook the salmon on the grill?
The total grilling time is typically between 8 and 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, salmon is a nutrient-dense protein rich in healthy fats, and the recipe uses fat-free cooking spray and fresh ingredients.
What sides pair well with this grilled salmon?
This dish is delicious served alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
Can I substitute the Jack Daniel's whiskey?
While Jack Daniel's provides a specific flavor profile, you can substitute it with another bourbon or whiskey if necessary.
Does the glaze contain a lot of sugar?
The glaze uses 1 1/3 cups of dark brown sugar, which provides the sweetness and helps create the thick, syrupy consistency.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill?
Lightly coat both sides of the salmon fillets with fat-free butter-flavored cooking spray before placing them on the hot grill.
Is there any spice in this recipe?
A small amount of cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp) is added to the glaze to provide a very subtle kick that balances the sweetness.
What is the purpose of the pineapple juice in the glaze?
Pineapple juice adds acidity and a fruity sweetness that complements the richness of the salmon and the depth of the whiskey.
How much roasted garlic should be added to the sauce?
You should squeeze about 2 teaspoons of the softened roasted garlic cloves into the saucepan and whisk it into the mixture.
Should I season the salmon before grilling?
Yes, after applying the cooking spray, season both sides of the salmon fillets with a dash of salt and pepper.
Can I make the glaze in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and keep it covered until the salmon is ready to be served.
What does the roasted garlic add to the dish?
Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness and adds a sweet, nutty, and creamy depth to the glaze.
How do I know when the salmon is finished cooking?
The salmon is cooked through when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
What type of onions are used in the glaze?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of minced white onions for the glaze mixture.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before grilling to ensure even cooking and proper grill marks.
How do you prepare the whole head of garlic for roasting?
Cut off about 1/2 inch from the top, trim the roots to sit flat, and remove most papery skin while keeping the cloves intact.
Why do you use both teriyaki and soy sauce?
The combination of teriyaki and soy sauce provides a complex savory base and umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the brown sugar.
How much cayenne pepper is needed?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a mild heat.
Is the salmon skin-on or skin-off?
The recipe specifies that the skin and bones should be removed from the fillets before cooking.
What temperature should the oven be for the garlic?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F for the garlic roasting process.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, 4.5 lbs of salmon typically serves 6 to 9 people depending on portion sizes.
Can I use crushed pineapple from a can?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of crushed pineapple is added to the glaze for texture and extra sweetness.
When do I apply the glaze to the salmon?
The glaze should be generously spooned over the salmon fillets immediately after they are removed from the grill.