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    Home » Recipes » Seafood

    Bourbon Marinated Salmon - Easy Recipe!

    UPDATED Dec 5, 2019 · PUBLISHED Aug 1, 2017 BY Marjory Pilley · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Bourbon Marinated Salmon pin

    This Bourbon Marinated Salmon is so good, you will never need to order it out again! It was a favorite at our make ahead meal assembly store.

    Bourbon Marinated Salmon Recipe and zucchini on dish

    Whenever I make bourbon salmon, I'm in a good place! Here's why:

    • Forget heading out to Cheddars, Ruby Tuesday or even Publix. It rivals any salmon entree you can order at a fine restaurant so I feel a little indulgent without really splurging.
    • It's a "good for you" fish since it boasts high levels of omega-3 fatty acids (which lowers the risk of heart disease, among other benefits.) Ya-da, ya-da, ya!
    • It cooks quickly, is complemented by almost any vegetable I have on hand.
    • I plan for leftovers and flake the fish cold over salad greens and have a spectacular lunch the next day.

    We turned many customers into “salmon” lovers with this recipe (and Phyllo Wrapped Salmon) at our make ahead meal assembly store! (If you are already a seafood fan, check out Lemony Baked Basa which was very popular too.)

    How to make Bourbon Marinated Salmon

    The marinade has a bold and slightly sweet taste. Brown sugar or coconut sugar makes is sweet. But, it definitely owes its distinctive flavor to the bourbon. Please don't let the alcohol scare you away from this recipe though.

    Small bottle of Kentucky whisky on table.

    You don't have to drink hard liquor or buy a big bottle of bourbon whiskey to make this one. Just buy one teeny, tiny inexpensive bottle of bourbon, like the one shown here. It makes lots and lots and lots of marinade.

    Also, almost half the marinade is discarded and much of the alcohol in the remaining marinade burns off during cooking.

    Still looking for a substitute? Check out these alcohol substitutions by What's Cooking America.

    Sockeye salmon marinating in bourbon sauce.

    The preparation for bourbon salmon is easy. Simply combine all the ingredients together and marinate.

    Tip: If you are not a big fan of pineapple juice, simply buy a can of pineapple chunks in 100% juice. I usually pour about 2 cups from a 20-ounce can. (Use the pineapple to make salsa or Caribbean Salad with Honey Lime Dressing!)

    How long do you cook salmon?

    Not long at all and that's another fantastic reason to enjoy seafood in general and this recipe!

    In a 375 degree Fahrenheit oven, it only takes about 10-15 minutes, depending upon the thickness of the fish. A good rule of thumb is about 10 minutes per inch of thickness. The fish is done when it separates easily with a fork. I always use my trusty thermometer and cook it to a temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

    It's fantastic on the grill too!

    Bourbon Salmon and zucchini in a dish.

    This salmon goes well with almost anything. You won't be disappointed.

    I promise!

    Make Ahead and Freeze Bourbon Salmon

    If you want to make up the recipe to freeze, place the fish and marinade in a tightly sealed bag in the freezer, removing as much air as possible.

    • Customize the preparation of this bourbon salmon recipe to meet your needs. For example, portion 2-3 salmon fillets in a bag and use half of the ingredient amounts listed.
    • To make up several batches at a time, line up plastic bags that zip in canisters or bowls for easy assembly.
    • When making this recipe up to freeze, use fresh or already frozen salmon. (Don't re-freeze fish that has been previously frozen.)
    • For the best quality, cook salmon within 2-3 months of freezing.

    Bourbon Marinated Salmon was one of the very first recipes that I ever posted. I updated the pictures and tweaked the post a bit. But, I didn't change the recipe format...because you are going to want to make up batches for the freezer.

    Please rate this recipe and tag @DinnerMom on social media. We love to see what you are cooking up!

    Salmon in a Bourbon Marinade Recipe

    Bourbon Marinated Salmon

    Salmon in a bourbon glaze is a delicious way to enjoy this healthy fish. 
    4.75 from 8 votes
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    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Marinate time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 310kcal
    Author: Marjory Pilley

    Ingredients

    • 20 ounces Salmon boneless
    • ¼ cup Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar
    • ½ cup Soy Sauce
    • ½ cup Pineapple juice
    • 2 teaspoons Bourbon
    • ½ teaspoon Pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
    • ¼ cup Canola Oil preferably expeller pressed

    Instructions

    Preparation

    • Add all of the ingredients, except for the salmon, to a container or plastic bag that seals.
    • Seal the bag and gently massage to combine ingredients or gently stir with a spoon.
    • Lift the salmon fillets into the bag with the marinade. Seal tightly, removing excess air, and gently turn to coat.
    • Allow the salmon to marinate about 30 minutes. Turn fish in bag as necessary to ensure that marinade is distributed evenly over fish.
    • Remove fish from bag and discard marinade.
    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and bake skin side down for approx. 10-15 minutes (10 minutes per inch of thickness.) Fish is done when flesh is opaque and separates easily with fork. Alternatively, grill salmon over medium-high heat.

    Notes

    If you will be freezing this entrée to enjoy later, place the bag with the salmon fillets and marinade inside another plastic bag for extra protection during storage.
    Label with cooking instructions by printing a copy of the recipe/cooking directions and placing it between the bag layers.
    Freeze bags in a flat position for efficient storage and so that the fish and marinade will defrost quickly.
    Thaw fish in refrigerator for 24-36 hours, if frozen.
    Note that nutrition estimate assumes only half of the marinade will be consumed. I find that often even less is consumed.
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    Nutrition

    Serving: 4g | Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 874mg | Potassium: 754mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 1.6mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1.6mg
    Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

     

    More Seafood Recipes

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    • Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe (using Cobia!)
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Liz

      August 05, 2017 at 12:27 pm

      Looks and sounds yummy! Are those sesame seeds on the salmon in the picture?

      Reply
      • Marjory

        August 06, 2017 at 9:39 am

        Hi! Yes - In a few pictures sesame seeds are used as garnish. Chopped scallions are also a nice addition.

        Reply
    2. David

      August 06, 2017 at 5:54 pm

      5 stars
      I'm always on the lookout for good salmon recipes! This one was so easy to make. Glad I don't have to buy a big bottle of bourbon to enjoy!

      Reply
    3. joyce

      July 12, 2018 at 5:36 pm

      how did you make the vegetable on the side...looks delicious

      Reply
      • Marjory

        July 12, 2018 at 5:54 pm

        Hi! Those are zucchini that have been quartered, tossed with a little olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper. Cook them along side the salmon for a complete meal!

        Reply
    4. Justine

      May 29, 2019 at 1:11 pm

      5 stars
      I am not a salmon fan, but I really loved this!!

      Reply
      • Marjory Pilley

        May 29, 2019 at 4:27 pm

        Yay! So glad you liked it!

        Reply
      • Al

        December 23, 2021 at 7:06 pm

        5 stars
        I wasn’t a big fan of Salmon till I tried this recipe, it’s wonderful!

        Reply
        • Marjory Pilley

          December 24, 2021 at 12:02 pm

          I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

          Reply
    5. wilhelmina

      May 30, 2019 at 8:46 am

      5 stars
      Bourbon adds such a great flavor in this salmon dish! Delicious!

      Reply
    6. cody

      May 30, 2019 at 5:03 pm

      5 stars
      absolutely delicious

      Reply
    7. Annie

      November 07, 2019 at 9:12 pm

      Hi, this sounds delicious!! I’m allergic to pineapple, do you think orange juice would work? Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Marjory Pilley

        November 08, 2019 at 4:17 am

        I think that grapefruit juice or orange juice would be good substitutes. I've never tried it though. Love to know how it turns out!

        Reply
      • Marjory Pilley

        November 08, 2019 at 4:17 am

        I think that grapefruit juice or orange juice would be good substitutes. I've never tried it though. Love to know how it turns out!

        Reply
      • Marjory Pilley

        November 08, 2019 at 4:17 am

        I think that grapefruit juice or orange juice would be good substitutes. I've never tried it though. Love to know how it turns out!

        Reply
    8. Linda

      April 22, 2020 at 1:30 pm

      Do you place it on aluminum foil or in a pan for oven cooking ?
      Linda

      Reply
      • Marjory Pilley

        April 22, 2020 at 1:51 pm

        Hi! You can do it either way. I generally bake it in a glass casserole dish. But, I've also cooked it on a sheet pan along with some vegetables! Aluminum foil is optional, but definitely saves some clean-up time!

        Reply
    9. Mary Jo Joyce

      May 09, 2020 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      This is heavenly and easy to make

      Reply
      • Marjory Pilley

        May 10, 2020 at 9:58 am

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting!

        Reply
    10. Billy Hartman

      July 15, 2020 at 2:51 pm

      so good and healthy

      Reply
    11. Nqncy

      July 31, 2020 at 6:13 pm

      This is definitely the best salmon dish I have tried. Better than a restaurant

      Reply
    12. Jen C

      August 05, 2020 at 6:41 pm

      3 stars
      Not the bourbon flavor I was hoping for. To me, this was more of a terriyaki salmon. Unfortunately the soy sauce overpowered all other flavors. My kids who love the bourbon salmon from our local grocery store did not approve....they said it was tolerable. They said they didnt" like it," but said it was ok enough that they would still eat it since tbey were hungry and that was all we had to eat.(we did have salad and rice)

      Reply
    13. Janet Carol

      September 30, 2020 at 11:34 am

      5 stars
      Hi - this was wonderful!! I didn't have pineapple juice, so I used some light syrup from a can of peaches. Stirred a little bourbon into the peaches that were left & served it on the side. Also used a little less W sauce & a little more bourbon in the marinade.
      I took the remaining marinade after I poured it off the salmon. Put it in a small pan. Dissolved 1 tsp. corn starch in 1/3 cup water & stirred it into the marinade. Then heated & stirred it until it was thick. It made a nice sauce to pour over the fish.
      Got lots of compliments from our guests.

      Reply
    14. Tanya

      October 27, 2020 at 3:06 pm

      Hello, I cut down on the soy sauce to 1/4 c, substituted OJ and added more bourbon. Delish

      Reply
    15. Karen

      September 15, 2022 at 8:00 am

      So when you are preparing this to freeze, do you freeze the salmon with the marinate? Or do you marinate and then toss it and freeze. I know this question sounds stupid, but I would like to know what you think it best, Thank you.

      Reply
      • Marjory Pilley

        September 15, 2022 at 8:40 am

        Thanks so much for your question! Freeze salmon IN the marinade.

        Reply

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