Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner that will impress your family and friends, you’ve come to the right place! This Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of sweet peaches and the rich flavors of the marinade creates a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings when you want something that feels fancy without the fuss.

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a meal that’s packed with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, the beautiful colors of the salmon and peaches make it a feast for the eyes, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only about an hour from start to finish, making it perfect for those busy evenings.
• Flavorful Glaze: The bourbon peach marinade caramelizes beautifully, creating a mouthwatering glaze that elevates the dish.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet taste of peaches combined with tender salmon.
• Make-Ahead Option: Marinate the salmon in advance to save time on busy nights without sacrificing flavor.
• Healthy Meal: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish is nutritious while still being utterly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for this delightful dish! Each one plays a vital role in creating that lovely balance of flavors in our Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon.

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

For Serving

• 2 medium peaches (pitted, thinly sliced)
• Parsley (for garnish)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: If you’re not a fan of salmon, try using chicken breast or even tofu for a plant-based option!
• Add more fruit: Toss in some sliced nectarines or mangoes along with the peaches for an extra fruity twist.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. It really enhances the flavor!
• Use different herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can add a new layer of flavor that complements the sweetness of the peaches.

How to Make Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine your peach preserves, bourbon, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mixing these ingredients well creates a flavorful marinade that will infuse your salmon with deliciousness. Remember to set aside half of this mixture in the fridge—you’ll need it later!

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

Take your salmon filets and place them in a resealable plastic bag. Pour in the remaining marinade and seal the bag tightly. Gently massage it to ensure all sides are coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—this step is crucial as it allows all those amazing flavors to soak into the fish.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven is essential for roasting our salmon perfectly while caramelizing those lovely peach slices.

Step 4: Sear the Salmon

Heat some olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot enough (you’ll know because it shimmers!), carefully add your marinated salmon filets skin-side up. Searing them for about 2-3 minutes gives that beautiful golden-brown color we all love—plus it locks in moisture!

Step 5: Add Peaches

Gently flip your salmon so it’s skin-side down now. Add those gorgeous peach slices around them in the skillet. Cooking them together allows their natural juices to meld into each other—trust me; this step adds so much flavor!

Step 6: Pour on Reserved Marinade

Once you’ve let them cook for another couple of minutes until slightly softened, remove your skillet from heat. Now pour that reserved peach marinade over everything evenly—it’ll create an incredible glaze as it bakes.

Step 7: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked

Pop your skillet into that preheated oven and let it bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it after 12 minutes; you’ll want your salmon to reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures it’s perfectly cooked through while remaining tender and flaky.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once done baking, take your skillet out of the oven (it’ll be hot!). Serve this beautiful Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon immediately garnished with fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Creating the perfect Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish!

• Use fresh peaches – Fresh, ripe peaches will bring a natural sweetness and vibrant flavor that canned peaches simply can’t match. They caramelize beautifully while cooking, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
• Choose high-quality salmon – Opting for wild-caught salmon not only supports sustainable fishing practices but also provides a richer flavor and firmer texture compared to farmed varieties.
• Marinate longer for depth of flavor – If time allows, marinate the salmon for up to an hour instead of 30 minutes. This extra time helps the fish absorb more of the marinade’s flavors, resulting in a more robust taste.
• Monitor cooking time carefully – Salmon can go from perfectly cooked to overdone quickly. Keep an eye on it in the oven, checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark. The fish should flake easily but still be moist inside.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or incorporating a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle depth and warmth that complements the sweet glaze.

How to Serve Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Serving Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is not just about taste; it’s also about presentation! Here are some ideas to make your meal look as good as it tastes.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley – A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the salmon.
• Lemon wedges – Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze fresh juice over their salmon, brightening flavors even further.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery, garlic mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the sweet glaze on the salmon.
• Steamed Asparagus – Crisp-tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil complements the dish with its earthy flavor and adds a vibrant green touch to your plate.
• Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta – This light salad combines nutty quinoa with juicy cherry tomatoes and feta cheese for a refreshing side that pairs well with the main dish.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Caramelized Brussels sprouts seasoned with balsamic vinegar bring an added crunch and slightly bitter notes that balance out the sweetness of the salmon.

With these serving suggestions, your Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon will not only be delicious but also a feast for the eyes! Enjoy your meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it, making your cooking process quicker and more convenient during busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover salmon and peaches in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain texture.

Freezing

• Allow the salmon to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to use.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat salmon in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture.
• Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dish.

Can I make Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can substitute bourbon with apple juice or a mixture of peach nectar and a splash of vinegar for a similar flavor profile without using alcohol.

How do I know if my Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is cooked properly?

The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Additionally, the salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

What side dishes pair well with Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. The sweetness of the peaches complements savory sides perfectly!

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! Just ensure to thaw the salmon completely before marinating for even flavor distribution.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this flavorful Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon! The combination of sweet peaches and savory salmon creates an unforgettable dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try; I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!