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Flavorful Whiskey Glazed Salmon with Sticky Sweet Glaze

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A quick and easy salmon recipe featuring a sticky, sweet whiskey glaze that balances smoky warmth with bold flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets, about 6 ounces (170g) each, fresh and preferably wild-caught
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) whiskey (bourbon or rye, e.g., Maker’s Mark)
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with about 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together whiskey, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is glossy and fragrant.
  3. Heat olive oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and press gently with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling.
  4. Cook skin-side down for 4-5 minutes without moving until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  5. Flip the fillets gently and immediately pour the whiskey glaze over the salmon. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  6. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the glaze over the salmon every minute to thicken and create a sticky coating. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Check doneness: salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for medium. Cook 1-2 minutes longer if desired but avoid drying out.
  8. Remove from heat, spoon extra glaze over the salmon, garnish with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat salmon dry to ensure crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Add glaze only after flipping to prevent burning. If glaze burns, reduce heat and add a splash of water or whiskey. Let salmon rest briefly before serving to keep it juicy. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For vegan option, use firm marinated tofu and adjust cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: whiskey glazed salmon, sticky sweet glaze, easy salmon recipe, quick dinner, seafood, bourbon salmon, family dinner, weeknight meal

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