Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

If you’re looking for a dish that feels special yet is simple enough for a busy weeknight, let me introduce you to my Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon. This recipe captures the essence of summer with sweet peaches and a tangy marinade that makes the salmon shine. Every bite brings a burst of flavor, and the caramelized glaze creates an irresistible finish.

This dish is perfect for family gatherings, casual dinners with friends, or even an intimate date night. It’s not just delicious; it’s also visually stunning with those vibrant peach slices nestled beside the salmon. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have dinner on the table in under an hour!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of peaches and marinade creates a sweet and savory glaze that makes the salmon irresistible.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike—who doesn’t love juicy salmon paired with sweet peaches?
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can easily marinate the salmon ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Showstopper Presentation: The vibrant colors make this dish look as good as it tastes—perfect for impressing guests!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh, wholesome ingredients is key to making this Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the 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

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon filets (about 1½ pounds, skins on)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium peaches (pitted, thinly sliced)
• Parsley (for garnish)

Variations

One of the best parts about cooking is how flexible recipes can be! Here are some fun variations you can try with this dish:

• Swap the protein: If you’re not a fan of salmon, this marinade works wonderfully with chicken breasts or tofu!
• Change up the fruit: Try using nectarines or plums instead of peaches for a different flavor profile.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Spice it up: For those who enjoy a kick, add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños to the marinade.

How to Make Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine peach preserves, bourbon, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This simple mix will create a flavorful marinade that tenderizes and enhances the salmon while adding a delightful sweetness.

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

Place your salmon fillets in a resealable plastic bag and pour in half of your delicious marinade. Seal the bag tightly and gently massage it to coat each fillet evenly. Letting them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows all those wonderful flavors to soak into the fish.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F. Starting with a hot oven ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and helps achieve that beautiful caramelization on top.

Step 4: Sear the Salmon

In an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, add oil until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Carefully lay down your marinated salmon fillets skin side up. Searing them for 2-3 minutes develops that lovely golden crust which adds depth to your dish.

Step 5: Add Peaches

Flip each fillet so they’re skin side down now. Gently add your sliced peaches around them in the skillet. Cooking them together allows their juices to mingle with those of the salmon—yum!

Step 6: Pour on More Marinade

Remove your skillet from heat and drizzle in that reserved peach marinade we set aside earlier. This step ensures every bit of flavor gets locked in as everything cooks together.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your skillet into the preheated oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; checking around 12 minutes helps ensure you don’t overcook your salmon—it should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Once cooked through, take your skillet out of the oven and serve immediately! This vibrant dish looks stunning plated up—you’ll want to savor every last bite!

Pro Tips for Making Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, especially when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve to ensure everything turns out perfectly!

• Choose Fresh Salmon: Opt for the freshest salmon you can find; it enhances the flavor and texture of the dish. Fresh salmon should have a bright color and a clean smell.
• Marinate Longer for Flavor: If time permits, marinate the salmon for longer than 1 hour. The deeper infusion of flavors from the marinade will make each bite even more delicious.
• Oven-Safe Skillet is Key: Using an oven-safe skillet allows you to sear and bake in one dish, making cleanup a breeze while keeping all those wonderful flavors together.
• Watch the Cook Time: Salmon can dry out quickly if overcooked. Keep an eye on it as it cooks—check at 12 minutes to ensure it’s just right.
• Experiment with Peaches: While ripe peaches are fantastic, feel free to experiment with other fruits like nectarines or plums for a unique twist on this dish.

How to Serve Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Presenting your Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon beautifully can elevate your meal from simple to spectacular! Here are some ideas on how to plate and enhance this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant touch and brightens up the dish visually.
• Sliced Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions provide a subtle crunch and an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their salmon, adding a refreshing citrus note.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, adding freshness and texture.
• Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Seasoned asparagus roasted until tender adds a lovely green element that contrasts well with the richness of the salmon.
• Wild Rice Pilaf: Nutty wild rice pilaf with herbs creates a hearty side that balances out the sweetness of the bourbon peach glaze.
• Sautéed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach drizzled with olive oil gives you a nutrient-packed option that’s easy to prepare and complements the dish perfectly.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your family or guests with your culinary prowess. Enjoy every delicious bite of your Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later, ensuring you have a delicious and healthy dinner ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the salmon to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftover salmon and peaches in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best results, keep the reserved marinade separate until ready to use.

Freezing

• Wrap each portion of cooked salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place salmon in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed, adding a splash of water if needed.

FAQs

Got questions? Don’t worry; I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries regarding this delightful dish.

Can I substitute bourbon in the Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use bourbon, try substituting it with apple cider or peach juice. This will still provide great flavor without any alcohol.

How do I know when my Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is done cooking?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon. If you don’t have one, check that the salmon flakes easily with a fork!

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! Just ensure to thaw your frozen salmon completely before marinating. This will help the flavors penetrate better during the marinating process.

What side dishes pair well with Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. You could also serve it alongside rice for a hearty meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon as much as I do! It’s not only an easy recipe but also brings together delightful flavors that are sure to impress. Whether it’s for a family dinner or meal prep for busy weekdays, this dish is special because it combines healthiness with indulgence. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!