Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon

This Brown Sugar Bourbon Salmon recipe is the perfect dish to make whenever you want a meal that is a definite winner. I’m talking about a once-a-week stunner that everyone will swoon over! Seasoned and seared salmon swimming in a luscious, full-bodied glaze that’s sweet and smoky with an umami richness, my oh myyy!

I love it when I accidentally develop a recipe that becomes an unexpected hit. A dish that I didn’t initially set out to test for the site but it ends up needing to be shared STAT, ha. That’s this glazed salmon recipe you’ve landed on…and I’m so glad you’re here. Real talk, I eat salmon at least twice a week.

It’s a quick, usually unfussy protein that ticks the box when I’m hungry. One day I had some salmon fillets that needed to be used so I threw them together with a few other ingredients on hand. The result was this super saucy, mouthwateringly delicious glazed salmon!

It’s my new personality, and I make it at least once a week…

Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon 🤩

The combination of brown sugar and bourbon is elite because you have a sweet + smoky combo that sings. But let’s pair that with other ingredients that add some contrast and depth to take it up a few more notches. It’s an easy, 1-pan skillet stunner that comes together so quickly, friends! There’s a slight umami flavor mixed in there as well and goodness gracious, y’all.

This brown sugar bourbon salmon recipe is simple yet elevated!

Ingredients Needed For This Glazed Salmon Recipe:

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

• Salmon fillets: I recommend using skinless salmon, but skin-on salmon won’t be an issue if you prefer. Additionally, I’ve only tested this recipe using atlantic salmon.
• Cajun seasoning: I use my Creole Cajun seasoning! This well-rounded spice is clutch here because of its zesty vibe with flair. Make my homemade version or use store-bought Cajun seasoning if you’d like!
• Olive oil: For searing the salmon fillets.
• Soy sauce: Adds umami flavoring which makes the glaze rich & robust.
• Bourbon: This provides a slight smokiness and depth.
• Brown sugar & maple syrup: To help balance the flavors, brown sugar and maple syrup add a delightful sweet kick to the luscious glaze.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground of course, yum.

How To Make This Recipe:

(Note: please see the recipe card directly below for the complete written instructions.)

1. Season the salmon. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. Then season the salmon fillets with Cajun seasoning, patting the seasoning on the salmon until thoroughly coated on all surfaces.
2. Prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the glaze ingredients and stir until well combined. Then set the glaze aside until we’re ready for it.
3. Sear the salmon. In a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil. When hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the skillet. Let the salmon sear, undisturbed, until deeply golden with a nice sear- about 2-3 minutes. Then use a fish spatula to flip the salmon onto the other side to continue cooking for 1-2 minutes. Then reduce the heat.
4. Build the sticky brown sugar bourbon salmon. Pour the prepared glaze over the salmon and let the mixture come up to a slight boil while spooning the glaze over the salmon every so often. Once the glaze achieves a glossy, slightly thicker texture, remove from heat.
5. Serve the glazed salmon with a garnish of sliced scallions if you’d like and with your favorite sides. Dig in and enjoy, boo! 😛

What To Serve With Your Brown Sugar Bourbon Salmon?:

We love this glazed salmon alongside some rice of choice and broccoli, it’s the perfect trio if ya ask me! The glaze soaks into the rice and it’s sensational. I’d also recommend a side salad (peep my caesar salad 👀), roasted/sautéed veggies, kimchi, avocado salad, mac & cheese, etc. Yummo!

Recipe Tips + Tricks, FAQs & More:

Here’s some extra information about this glazed salmon recipe:

• Is there a bourbon alternative? If you need a non-alcoholic substitute you can use a spiritless bourbon/whiskey alternative. These zero-proof options mimic the flavor profile of bourbon without the alcohol content.
• Soy sauce alternative? Use tamari or coconut aminos.
• Leftover brown sugar bourbon salmon: Transfer any leftover glazed salmon into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheating leftovers: You can reheat the leftovers in the microwave (or on the stovetop over low heat) until warmed through. Add a splash of water to help loosen the glaze, if needed.

This Brown Sugar Bourbon Salmon recipe is your newest obsession, y’all. I seriously can’t get enough of it, trust me. Be sure to tag @butterbeready in your BBR recipe creations, I sure love to see it when you do. Until next time! 🤟🏾

Other BBR main dishes:

• Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken
• Hibachi Steak Bowls
• Pork Tenderloin w/ Dijon Cream Sauce
• Cajun Seafood Boil
• Southern Hamburger Steaks
• Slow-Cooked BBQ Short Ribs

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Recipe by: Quin Liburd- Butter Be Ready

Photography by: Ashley McLaughlin