If you are looking to impress with a dish that perfectly balances sweet, smoky, and savory notes, look no further than this Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe. The marriage of rich bourbon-infused peach preserves with tender, flaky salmon creates a vibrant dish that bursts with flavor in every bite. It’s a perfect combination of succulent fish, a touch of natural fruit sweetness, and just the right amount of spice to keep things exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both indulgent and refreshingly fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe plays an essential role, combining simplicity and freshness to create a rainbow of flavors. From the sweetness of peach preserves to the gentle heat of red pepper flakes, each component is thoughtfully chosen to enhance the salmon’s delicate texture and bold taste.
- ¾ cup peach preserves: Adds natural sweetness and fruity depth to the marinade.
- ¼ cup bourbon: Brings warm, smoky undertones that perfectly complement the peaches.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Provides smoothness and helps the marinade coat the salmon evenly.
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami-rich layer of flavor.
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar: Balances sweetness with a touch of acidity to brighten the overall dish.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon coarse ground mustard: Offers a piquant kick and depth to the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Infuses the marinade with aromatic savoriness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for enhancing flavors and seasoning the fish perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle sharpness to balance the sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides just the right hint of heat without overpowering the dish.
- 4 salmon fillets (about 1½ pounds, skins on): The star protein that soaks up all the beautiful flavors.
- 2 medium peaches, pitted and thinly sliced: Adds fresh fruitiness and gorgeous color when cooked.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: A fresh, herbaceous garnish that brightens the finished dish.
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 mixture is the heart of your dish, offering a tantalizing blend of sweet, tangy, spicy, and smoky flavors that will elevate your salmon to something truly special.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let the salmon rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the flesh. This step is crucial to achieving that mouthwatering, infused taste that makes this Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe stand out.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
While the salmon marinates, set your oven to 375°F. Preheating ensures even cooking and that perfect balance between a tender interior and slightly caramelized exterior.
Step 4: Sear the Salmon
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil if needed. Place the salmon skin-side down and sear for 2 to 3 minutes. This initial searing locks in flavors and adds a wonderful crispy texture to the skin, providing contrast with the tender flesh inside.
Step 5: Add Peaches and Cook
Arrange the sliced peaches around the salmon in the skillet and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This softens the peaches just enough to release their sweetness while maintaining a bit of texture. Their juices will mingle with the marinade, creating a luscious sauce.
Step 6: Add Reserved Marinade
Pour the remaining half of the marinade over the salmon and peaches. This extra layer ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and hints of bourbon and spice.
Step 7: Roast in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon’s internal temperature reaches 145°F. The slow roasting allows the marinade to caramelize slightly without drying out the fish, resulting in that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the salmon just before serving. The bright green color adds visual appeal and a lively, herbaceous note that refreshes the palate and balances the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair your Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon with classic sides like roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light quinoa salad. These options provide complementary flavors and textures that let the main dish shine without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve individual fillets atop a bed of sautéed spinach or wilted greens, then drizzle with the pan juices and peach slices. Adding a wedge of lemon or a few microgreens can add an extra layer of sophistication that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon and peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, which can make for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
While fresh salmon is best, you can freeze cooked Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon in a sealed freezer container for up to 1 month. Just be sure to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover salmon in a low oven at 275°F or in a covered skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or broth can help retain moisture during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of peach preserves?
Yes, but peach preserves contribute a concentrated sweetness and syrupy texture that fresh peaches alone won’t provide. Using fresh peaches will work if you add a bit of extra sweetener, like honey or brown sugar, to mimic that richness.
Is it necessary to use bourbon in the recipe?
Bourbon adds a unique warmth and complexity, but if you prefer to omit alcohol, you can substitute with apple juice or extra apple cider vinegar with a hint of smoked paprika for that smoky depth.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How can I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The most reliable way is by using an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F. The fish should flake easily but still be moist and tender.
What can I do with leftover marinade?
Since half of the marinade is reserved and poured over during baking, any remaining marinade should be discarded unless boiled thoroughly to eliminate raw fish juices. Alternatively, you can reserve extra marinade initially if you want to make a sauce by simmering it separately until thickened.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for special occasions or simple weeknight indulgence. The harmonious blend of bourbon warmth, peach sweetness, and salmon’s natural richness makes every bite a celebration of flavor. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a meal that feels both elegant and comforting—your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including 30 minutes marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon recipe combines the rich flavors of bourbon and sweet peach preserves with fresh peaches and perfectly cooked salmon. Marinated and seared before roasting, the salmon is tender and flavorful with a hint of spice, making it a perfect elegant yet easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Marinade and Salmon
- ¾ cup peach preserves
- ¼ cup 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
- 4 salmon fillets (about 1½ pounds, skins on)
Additional
- 2 medium peaches, pitted and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, mix together peach preserves, bourbon, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Marinate Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in half of the marinade mixture, ensuring each piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the salmon.
- Sear Salmon: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 2–3 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon begins to brown.
- Add Peaches: Add the thinly sliced peaches around the salmon in the skillet and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the peaches start to soften.
- Add Reserved Marinade: Pour the remaining half of the marinade mixture over the salmon and peaches to enhance flavor during baking.
- Bake Salmon: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and is cooked through.
Notes
- Ensure salmon is fresh for best flavor and texture.
- Marinating longer than 30 minutes (up to 1 hour) can give a deeper bourbon-peach flavor but do not exceed this to avoid fish texture breaking down.
- Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron to easily sear and then bake without transferring the salmon.
- You can garnish with fresh parsley before serving for color and freshness.
- Check salmon internal temperature with a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
