Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon Recipe

If you’re searching for a vibrant meal that channels the joys of summer any time of year, Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is about to become your new favorite dinner. Imagine tender, flaky salmon fillets marinated and glazed with a luscious blend of peach preserves and bourbon, then roasted to perfection with juicy slices of fresh peach. Each bite brings that magical contrast of sweet, savory, and a subtle kick of warmth from the bourbon—a combination that’ll have your guests swooning and asking for seconds! Whether it’s date night at home or a celebratory family feast, Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon delivers restaurant-worthy flavor with surprisingly simple steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is how it relies on a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that work together harmoniously. Each one plays a distinct role, from the richness of salmon to the zippy accents in the marinade—setting the stage for big flavor and beautiful presentation.

• Peach preserves: Brings luscious sweetness and sticky-glazed texture that caramelizes beautifully when roasted.
• Bourbon: Adds depth and a warming, oaky note that elevates the peaches to something truly special.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps balance the sweetness and gives the marinade a velvety body.
• Soy sauce: Offers a salty, umami-rich backbone to ground the glaze.
• Apple cider vinegar: Provides the crucial tang to cut through the richness—don’t skip it!
• Coarse ground Dijon mustard: Lends a gentle punch and earthy nuance to the marinade.
• Garlic, minced: Brings bold aromatic flavor and savory goodness to every bite.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural tastes and keeps the salmon perfectly seasoned.
• Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle spice to contrast the sweetness.
• Red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat that keeps the flavors lively without overpowering.
• Salmon filets, skin on: The star! Skin-on fillets retain moisture and develop a crave-worthy crust.
• More extra virgin olive oil: For pan-searing and ensuring juicy, golden results.
• Fresh peaches, thinly sliced: Deliver juicy pops of summer flavor and gorgeous color.
• Parsley: Freshly chopped, this finishing touch brightens the whole dish.

How to Make Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl, then combine your peach preserves, bourbon, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, coarse mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and that dash of red pepper flakes. Stir or whisk it all together until it forms a smooth, glossy marinade. The aroma will have you licking your lips already! You’ll end up with about one and a half cups—just the right amount for marinating and glazing.

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

Next, set aside half the marinade (about three-quarters of a cup) and pop it in the fridge; you’ll be using this for glazing later. Place your salmon fillets into a large resealable plastic bag, then pour in the remaining marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. Seal the bag and gently move the fish around so the flavors soak in. Let it chill out in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour—enough time for that sweet-and-savory magic to work its way into the salmon.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, arrange your marinated salmon fillets in the pan, skin side up. Sear for about two to three minutes until the tops are golden and caramelized. Flip them over with confidence—skin side down now—and get ready to build even more flavor.

Step 4: Add Peaches and Finish Searing

With the salmon skin-down, scatter your thinly sliced peaches around the fillets in the skillet. Let everything cook for another two to three minutes. The peaches will begin to soften, their juices mingling with the marinade as the salmon skin turns crispy. This step infuses the dish with gorgeous color and extra sweetness.

Step 5: Glaze and Bake

Pull your skillet off the heat and pour that reserved bourbon peach marinade you set aside earlier right over the salmon and peaches, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Carefully transfer the whole skillet to the preheated oven. Let it bake for 12 to 15 minutes, checking for doneness at 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature hits 145°F. Your kitchen will smell like a dream!

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Take the skillet out of the oven (careful, it’s hot!) and serve your Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon right away—drizzle the pan sauce over the top, making sure every filet gets a little extra peachy love. Scatter freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herby finish, and get ready for applause at the table.

How to Serve Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Garnishes

Bright, fresh garnishes make all the difference with Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon! A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and a pop of herbal freshness, but you can also try thinly sliced green onions or a few extra slices of fresh peach for glam presentation. A lemon wedge on the plate never hurts, either—it’s a zippy contrast to the sweet, boozy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish deserves accompaniments that highlight its summery vibe. Try serving it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, with roasted green beans, or next to a crisp arugula salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette. Creamy mashed potatoes or simple couscous catch the glaze beautifully, making dinner hearty and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or dinner parties, serve each filet atop a swirl of sweet corn purée or alongside grilled asparagus spears. If you want to get bold, plate the salmon over grilled peach halves for extra wow-factor! Individual skillets or cast iron pans let guests experience that fresh-from-the oven magic, with the peach glaze bubbling around each portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon holds up wonderfully! Once cooled, transfer any extra salmon and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen even more as they meld, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, simply wrap each salmon piece tightly in foil (with a bit of sauce if possible), and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results—this keeps the texture and taste as fresh as possible.

Reheating

For best flavor and moisture, reheat Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon gently. Place it in a covered baking dish and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through, about 10–12 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but use low power and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the fish from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and pat dry before marinating. This helps the flavors soak in evenly, and you’ll still get great results.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?

Yes! You can swap in apple juice or white grape juice with a splash of vanilla extract to mimic the depth and sweetness of bourbon. The dish will still be deliciously rich and fruity.

What if I can’t find peach preserves?

Apricot or mango preserves work well in a pinch, but peach is worth seeking out for its sunny flavor. You can also simmer fresh or frozen peaches with sugar to make a quick preserve at home.

Can I grill instead of roast?

Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is fantastic on the grill! Just marinate, sear skin-side down on a greased grill, and spoon glaze over as it cooks. Use a grill pan or foil to keep those pretty peaches from falling through the grate.

Does the bourbon cook out?

Yes, most of the alcohol evaporates during baking, leaving behind only its complex, nuanced flavor. If you’re concerned, you can reduce the amount slightly or use a substitute as suggested above.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a showstopper that’s both simple and spectacular, give Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon a try! It’s the kind of recipe that turns any meal into a memorable occasion, and it’s sure to become your go-to whenever you want something a little bit special. Pour a glass of wine, gather your favorite people, and let those peachy-bourbon aromas work their dinnertime magic!

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