Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon with Ginger-Lime Essence
Savor a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with this Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon. The luscious glaze, crafted from brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, and fresh ginger, gives the salmon a mouthwatering caramelized finish while infusing it with aromatic depth. Marinating the fillets allows the flavors to penetrate, while cooking them in a nonstick skillet ensures they remain moist and flaky. With a sprinkle of fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for a high-protein meal that’s both easy to prepare and impressive enough for a dinner party. Enjoy this dish served alongside steamed vegetables or over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brown sugar
3 tablespoons (lightly packed)
Bourbon
3 tablespoons (none)
Low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (peeled)
Lime juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Skinless salmon fillets
4 pieces (6 ounces each)
Cooking spray
as needed (for skillet)
Green onion
1/4 cup (thinly sliced)
Toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine brown sugar, bourbon, low sodium soy sauce, grated ginger, lime juice, minced garlic, and black pepper. Mix well.
2
Add the salmon fillets to the bag, ensuring they are covered in the marinade. Seal the bag tightly and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1.5 hours, turning occasionally for even flavor distribution.
3
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and coat with cooking spray. Remove salmon from the marinade, letting excess drape off. Reserve the marinade for later.
4
Place the salmon fillets in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes on one side without disturbing.
5
Carefully turn each fillet and pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork or reaches your desired level of doneness.
6
Serve one fillet on each of four plates, drizzling with approximately 2 teaspoons of the glaze from the pan. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon of sliced green onions and, if desired, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon?
It is a savory and sweet seafood dish featuring salmon fillets marinated in a blend of brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, and fresh ginger, then cooked in a skillet to achieve a caramelized glaze.
How long should I marinate the salmon?
The salmon should be marinated in the refrigerator for at least 1.5 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.
What are the main ingredients for the glaze?
The glaze consists of brown sugar, bourbon, low sodium soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, lime juice, and minced garlic.
How do I cook the salmon fillets?
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with cooking spray, cook the salmon for 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes with the reserved marinade.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but you should ensure the salmon fillets are completely thawed and patted dry before placing them in the marinade.
What should I do with the leftover marinade?
The reserved marinade is poured into the skillet after flipping the salmon to create a thickened glaze during the final stage of cooking.
What are the suggested garnishes?
The recipe recommends topping the salmon with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
How do I know when the salmon is finished cooking?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches your preferred level of doneness.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, this dish is described as a high-protein meal, especially since it uses four 6-ounce salmon fillets.
Can I substitute the brown sugar?
While the recipe calls for lightly packed brown sugar to achieve caramelization, you could experiment with honey or maple syrup, though it may alter the flavor profile.
What type of soy sauce is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the glaze.
Do I need to peel the ginger?
Yes, the recipe suggests using peeled and grated fresh ginger for the best aromatic depth.
What is the purpose of the lime juice?
Lime juice provides a 'ginger-lime essence' that adds a bright acidity to balance the sweetness of the maple and bourbon.
How much salmon does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed for four people, using four salmon fillets.
Is the salmon skin-on or skinless?
The recipe specifies using skinless salmon fillets for this particular preparation.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
A medium-high heat setting is recommended to properly sear the salmon and reduce the glaze.
How much glaze goes on each fillet?
It is recommended to drizzle approximately 2 teaspoons of the pan glaze over each fillet before serving.
Can I make this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, the recipe includes 'meal prep' as a tag, making it a great option for prepared lunches or dinners.
What are some side dish suggestions?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the extra glaze.
Should I use a specific type of bourbon?
Any standard bourbon will work for the marinade to provide that characteristic oaky sweetness.
Why should I turn the bag during marination?
Turning the zip-top bag occasionally ensures even flavor distribution across all the fillets.
Can I use bottled ginger instead of fresh?
While fresh ginger is recommended for its aromatic depth, you can use bottled ginger paste in a pinch.
Is a nonstick skillet necessary?
A nonstick skillet is recommended to ensure the salmon doesn't stick and remains moist and flaky.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
What is the total cook time?
The total active cook time in the skillet is approximately 8 minutes.
Does this recipe contain black pepper?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper in the marinade.
Are the sesame seeds required?
No, the toasted sesame seeds are listed as an optional garnish for visual appeal and extra texture.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features lean protein and fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic.
What should the texture of the salmon be?
The salmon should have a caramelized finish on the outside while remaining moist and flaky on the inside.
Can I use this glaze for other fish?
While designed for salmon, this maple bourbon glaze would also work well with other firm fish like steelhead trout.