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Best Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Grilled Salmon Recipe

Brown sugar bourbon glazed grilled salmon - featured image
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This brown sugar bourbon glazed grilled salmon features a sweet and smoky caramelized crust with a buttery, flaky interior. Perfect for entertaining, it comes together in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ¼ cup bourbon (e.g., Bulleit or Maker’s Mark)
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Make the glaze first (10 minutes): In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, minced garlic, butter, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Whisk until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until glaze thickens slightly like warm maple syrup. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prep the salmon (5 minutes): Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil on both sides, then season with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  3. Preheat your grill (10 minutes): Heat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Clean grill grates well and oil them with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil.
  4. First sear (4 minutes): Place salmon fillets skin-side down on hot grill grates at a 45-degree angle. Close lid and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until skin is crispy and golden.
  5. First glaze layer (2 minutes): Generously brush tops of fillets with glaze. Close lid and cook for 2 minutes until glaze starts to bubble and caramelize.
  6. Flip and glaze again (3-4 minutes): Carefully flip fillets using a fish spatula. Brush the cooked side (now facing up) with more glaze. Close lid and cook for 2 minutes.
  7. Final glaze layer (1-2 minutes): Brush one more layer of glaze onto fillets. Close lid and cook for another 1-2 minutes until internal temperature reaches 125-130°F for medium or 135-140°F for medium-well. Glaze should be dark, sticky, and slightly charred.
  8. Rest and serve (5 minutes): Remove salmon from grill and transfer to a serving platter. Let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Don’t overcook the salmon; pull it off when about 5°F below target temperature due to carryover cooking. Glaze in layers for best caramelization. If glaze starts to blacken, reduce grill heat. Oil grill grates well to prevent sticking. Let salmon come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, brown sugar bourbon glaze, salmon recipe, easy dinner, summer grilling, seafood, bourbon salmon

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/best-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-grilled-salmon-recipe/