Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of salmon with the sweetness of peaches. The marinade creates a beautiful glaze, caramelizing as it cooks and enhancing the overall flavor profile. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dish ready in under an hour.
• Flavorful Glaze: The bourbon peach marinade adds a sweet and tangy glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the salmon.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily adaptable with different fruits or marinades for various flavor profiles.
• Healthy Option: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, this dish is not only tasty but also good for you.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant colors of the peaches and salmon make this dish visually stunning on any table.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and help ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet (oven-safe)
• Medium bowl
• Resealable plastic bag
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet (oven-safe): Allows for searing the salmon before baking, which locks in moisture and flavor.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing the marinade ingredients thoroughly.
• Resealable plastic bag: Ensures even marination by allowing all surfaces of the salmon to soak in the flavors.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• ¾ cup (240 g) peach preserves
• ¼ cup (56 g) fruit juice or broth (in place of 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)

How to Make Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine peach preserves, fruit juice or broth, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This will yield approximately 1 ½ cups of marinade. Set aside half of the mixture (about ¾ cup) and refrigerate it for later use.

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon filets in a resealable plastic bag. Pour in the remaining half of the marinade. Seal the bag tightly and shake gently to coat the salmon evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 4: Sear the Salmon

In a medium oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, add oil. Once hot, carefully place marinated salmon fillets in the skillet with skin side up. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until seared and golden brown.

Step 5: Add Peaches

Flip fillets so skin side is down. Add sliced peaches to skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until peaches soften slightly and salmon skin sears.

Step 6: Add Reserved Marinade

Remove skillet from heat. Pour reserved peach marinade evenly over salmon and peaches.

Step 7: Bake

Transfer skillet to preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 more minutes (check at 12 minutes), until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Step 8: Serve

Once cooked through, remove skillet from oven. Serve your Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon immediately with fresh parsley garnish!

How to Serve Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Serving Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon can elevate your dinner experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.

With Fresh Herbs

• Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh touch and vibrant color.
• Chives: Thinly sliced chives offer a mild onion flavor that complements the salmon.

Over a Bed of Greens

• Mixed Greens Salad: Serve the salmon on top of a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette for added freshness.
• Spinach: Wilted spinach can be a delicious base, adding both nutrients and flavor.

Accompanied by Fruits

• Grilled Peaches: Charred peaches bring out sweetness and pair beautifully with the bourbon glaze.
• Tropical Salsa: A mango or pineapple salsa can add an extra burst of flavor that balances the dish.

How to Perfect Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Perfecting Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is all about technique and timing, ensuring you achieve the ideal balance of flavors.

• Marinate Wisely: Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
• Sear Properly: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon; this helps create a beautiful crust.
• Monitor Temperature: Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked salmon.
• Add Peaches Later: Add sliced peaches after flipping the salmon to prevent them from breaking down too much during cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

The right side dishes can complement Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and balance the sweet flavors of the salmon.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta offers freshness and texture.
3. Roasted Asparagus: Crisp-tender asparagus seasoned with olive oil adds a crunchy contrast to the tender salmon.
4. Sweet Potato Wedges: Baked sweet potato wedges coated in spices pair wonderfully with the sweetness of peaches.
5. Couscous Pilaf: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs and nuts brings an aromatic element to your plate.
6. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli provides vibrant color and is a healthy side option that complements any main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon, steer clear of these common pitfalls.

• Over-marinating the salmon: Leaving the salmon in the marinade for too long can result in an overly salty taste. Aim for a marination time of 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Using unripe peaches: Unripe peaches won’t provide the sweetness and juiciness needed for this dish. Opt for ripe, fragrant peaches for best results.
• Cooking at the wrong temperature: Cooking salmon at too high a temperature can cause it to dry out. Ensure your oven is preheated to 375°F for perfectly cooked salmon.
• Neglecting internal temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should reach 145°F to ensure it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
• Skipping garnishes: Garnishing with parsley adds a fresh touch that enhances flavor and presentation. Don’t overlook this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

• Wrap portions of salmon tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and gently reheat the salmon on a baking sheet until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, checking every 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Warm the salmon gently, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon.

What can I use instead of bourbon in Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon?

You can substitute bourbon with apple juice or peach nectar for similar sweetness without alcohol.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon; just ensure it is fully thawed before marinating and cooking.

How do I know when my salmon is done?

The best way to tell if your salmon is done is by checking that its internal temperature reaches 145°F.

What sides pair well with Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon?

Serve this dish with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Can I customize the marinade?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices or add other fruits like mango or apricot to create your own twist on this recipe.

Final Thoughts

Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any dinner occasion. With options for customization, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences. Give it a try and enjoy this flavorful dish!