Whiskey-Glazed Irish Salmon
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Whiskey-Glazed Irish Salmon, where succulent salmon fillets are transformed by a luscious marinade of Irish whiskey, sweet honey, and vibrant apple cider vinegar. The addition of freshly chopped thyme and zesty lemon provides a fragrant undertone, while the honey creates a delightful glaze as it caramelizes during cooking. This dish captures the essence of Irish cuisine, marrying the distinctive peppery notes of whiskey with the fresh taste of herbs and citrus. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this recipe brings a taste of Ireland straight to your kitchen.
4
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Honey
2 tablespoons (None)
Cider vinegar
1/4 cup (None)
Irish whiskey
1/4 cup (None)
Fresh thyme
2 teaspoons (Chopped)
Lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons (Grated)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Salt
To taste (None)
Freshly ground black pepper
To taste (None)
Salmon fillets
4 (6 ounce) (None)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the honey, cider vinegar, Irish whiskey, chopped thyme, grated lemon zest, vegetable oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the marinade.
2
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
3
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
4
After marinating, remove the salmon from the marinade and place the fillets skin-side down on a wire rack set over a roasting pan. This allows the heat to circulate around the salmon for even cooking.
5
Roast the salmon in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, basting once with the reserved marinade halfway through cooking, until the salmon is golden and the white juices begin to appear, indicating it's cooked through.
6
Remove from the oven and allow to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
5
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whiskey-Glazed Irish Salmon?
Whiskey-Glazed Irish Salmon is a flavorful dish where salmon fillets are marinated in a blend of Irish whiskey, honey, and cider vinegar, then roasted until caramelized.
What are the primary ingredients for the whiskey glaze?
The glaze is made from honey, cider vinegar, Irish whiskey, chopped fresh thyme, grated lemon zest, vegetable oil, salt, and black pepper.
How long should I marinate the salmon?
You should marinate the salmon for at least 1 hour at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure the salmon cooks quickly and the glaze caramelizes properly.
How long does it take to roast the salmon?
The salmon typically takes between 10 to 12 minutes to roast in a preheated oven.
How do I know when the salmon is finished cooking?
The salmon is done when it is golden on the outside and white juices begin to appear on the surface of the fillets.
Can I use any type of whiskey for this recipe?
While Irish whiskey is recommended for an authentic taste, you can use other types of whiskey or bourbon if preferred.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy option with 200 calories per serving and a high protein content of 20g.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is portioned to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of this salmon?
There are 20 grams of protein in each serving.
What is the fat content for this dish?
One serving of Whiskey-Glazed Irish Salmon contains 10 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why is a wire rack used during roasting?
Using a wire rack set over a roasting pan allows heat to circulate around the entire fillet, ensuring even cooking and preventing the skin from becoming soggy.
Should I roast the salmon skin-side up or down?
The salmon fillets should be placed skin-side down on the roasting rack.
Do I need to baste the salmon while it is in the oven?
Yes, you should baste the salmon once with the reserved marinade halfway through the 10-12 minute cooking time.
What can I serve as a side dish with this salmon?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Can I substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme?
Yes, but use only about one-third the amount of dried thyme as it is more potent than fresh.
What is the purpose of lemon zest in the marinade?
Lemon zest provides a bright, citrusy fragrance that balances the richness of the salmon and the sweetness of the honey.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen fillets, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before adding them to the marinade.
How much salmon is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for four 6-ounce salmon fillets.
Is there a substitute for honey in the glaze?
You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweet, glazing effect.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check your whiskey and vinegar labels to ensure no cross-contamination.
How long should the salmon rest after cooking?
Allow the salmon to rest for a couple of minutes after removing it from the oven to let the juices redistribute.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, the marinade can be mixed in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
Does the alcohol in the whiskey cook off?
Most of the alcohol evaporates during the high-heat roasting process, leaving behind the distinct flavor of the whiskey.
What kind of vinegar works best?
Apple cider vinegar is recommended for its slight sweetness and vibrant acidity.
How should I store leftover salmon?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I grill this salmon instead of roasting it?
Yes, you can grill the fillets over medium-high heat, though you should monitor them closely to prevent the honey in the glaze from burning.
What makes this dish 'Irish'?
The use of Irish whiskey combined with traditional flavor profiles like honey and fresh herbs gives this dish its Irish culinary character.