If you’re looking to impress your taste buds with a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and comforting warmth, the Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe masterfully combines the smoky depth of bourbon with the juicy sweetness of peaches, creating a perfectly balanced glaze that elevates tender, flaky salmon to restaurant-quality status at home. It’s an unexpectedly delightful combination that feels both fresh and indulgent, ideal for sharing with family or friends on any special occasion or even a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe plays a crucial role, adding layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together effortlessly. From the luscious peach preserves to the punch of Dijon mustard, these essentials ensure your salmon shines with a deliciously complex profile.
- ¾ cup peach preserves: Adds natural sweetness and a luscious, sticky base for the marinade.
- ¼ cup bourbon: Infuses smoky warmth and depth to balance the sweetness of the peaches.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Provides richness and helps bring the marinade together.
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce: Introduces umami for added savory complexity.
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to brighten the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon coarse ground mustard: Gives a gentle kick and texture contrast.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Offers aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and balances the sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives a delicate background heat to keep things lively.
- 4 salmon filets, about 1½ pounds, skins on: The star of the plate, rich and tender.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: For searing the salmon beautifully.
- 2 medium peaches, pitted and thinly sliced: Fresh fruit touch that softens when roasted.
- Parsley, for garnish: Adds a burst of color and fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Start by whisking together the peach preserves, bourbon, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. This combination creates a luscious marinade that perfectly balances sweet, smoky, tangy, and spicy notes. Make sure to set aside half of this mixture for later so you can pour it over the salmon while roasting.
Step 2: Marinate the salmon
Next, place your salmon filets into a resealable plastic bag and pour in the remaining marinade, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, giving the fish time to soak up all those incredible flavors. If you have an hour, even better.
Step 3: Sear the salmon and peaches
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. On the stove, heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated salmon fillets skin side up and sear for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Then flip the fillets skin side down and add the thinly sliced peaches around the salmon. Cook everything for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the peaches soften just a bit while the salmon skin gets a tasty sear.
Step 4: Roast in the oven
Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the reserved peach marinade evenly over the salmon and peaches. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep an eye on the salmon so it cooks perfectly tender without drying out.
Step 5: Serve immediately
Once done, take the skillet out of the oven and serve your Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe right away. The sweet and smoky marinade pairs beautifully with the juicy peaches, creating a stunning dish that’s as delightful to your eyes as it is to your palate.
How to Serve Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top not only adds a lovely pop of green but brightens each bite with herbaceous freshness. If you want, a squeeze of lemon juice can add extra zing and balance out the sweetness of the peaches and bourbon glaze.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides that complement and contrast the rich, fruity flavors. Think roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light quinoa salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette. These sides keep the meal balanced and wholesome, letting the salmon shine front and center.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the salmon on a rustic wooden board with the peaches artistically arranged around each filet. Drizzle a little extra reserved marinade on the plate for a professional-looking presentation. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can give your dish an elegant restaurant feel that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from the Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, which makes the next meal just as tasty, if not more.
Freezing
While salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any unused cooked portions by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe container. For best results, consume frozen salmon within one month to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover salmon gently in a low oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit or on the stovetop in a covered skillet over low heat. This prevents overcooking and keeps the salmon moist and tender, preserving that lovely bourbon peach glaze.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of preserves in the marinade?
Fresh peaches are wonderful for adding on top during cooking, but the preserves provide a thicker, sweeter base that helps the glaze stick and caramelize around the salmon. You could try blending fresh peaches with a bit of sugar as a substitute, but the texture and consistency will be different.
Is bourbon necessary for this recipe?
The bourbon adds a unique smoky sweetness that defines the Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe. If you prefer to skip alcohol, a splash of apple juice or peach nectar can be used instead, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
How can I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should hit 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, the fish should easily flake with a fork but still appear moist and tender inside.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! The marinade can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated. This allows the flavors to deepen even more, making your Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe extra flavorful.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! You can sear the salmon and peaches in a regular skillet then transfer everything to a baking dish before adding the reserved marinade and roasting in the oven.
Final Thoughts
You won’t believe how effortlessly the Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dazzling, flavor-packed meal. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something comforting yet impressive, sweet yet savory. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite—once you do, it’ll be hard to go back to plain old salmon!
Print
Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon features succulent salmon fillets marinated in a flavorful blend of peach preserves, bourbon, and spices, then seared and finished in the oven with fresh peaches. The recipe balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, resulting in a juicy, tender fish dish perfect for an elegant yet simple dinner.
Ingredients
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
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
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine peach preserves, bourbon, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This mixture will yield about 1½ cups of marinade. Set aside half of the marinade (approximately ¾ cup) in the refrigerator for later use.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets into a resealable plastic bag and pour in the remaining half of the marinade. Seal the bag tightly and gently massage to coat the salmon evenly. Refrigerate the salmon and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the salmon after searing.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat a medium oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated salmon fillets, skin side up, into the skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes until the fillets are golden brown.
- Flip and Add Peaches: Turn the salmon fillets skin side down in the skillet. Add the thinly sliced peaches around the salmon. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the peaches to soften slightly and the salmon skin to sear and crisp.
- Add Reserved Marinade: Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the reserved peach marinade evenly over the salmon and peaches, ensuring the flavors meld during baking.
- Roast in the Oven: Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Check for doneness at 12 minutes; the salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to be fully cooked and flaky.
- Serve: Once cooked through, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the roasted salmon and peaches with fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the salmon enhances flavor but do not exceed 1 hour to prevent texture changes.
- The peach preserves provide natural sweetness; adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer salmon and peaches to a baking dish before roasting.
- Check internal salmon temperature with a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Fresh peaches can be substituted with canned peach slices if fresh are not in season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
