Never miss a recipe! Subscribe Here

  • About
  • Contact
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cotter Crunch

Cotter Crunch

Delicious Healthy Gluten Free Recipes

  • All Recipes
    • By Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Egg-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Grain-Free
      • Low-Carb
      • Nightshade-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • By Type
      • Breakfasts
      • Casseroles
      • Condiments
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Main Dishes
      • Sides & Salads
      • Snacks & Appetizers
      • Stews & Soups
    • By Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Blender
      • Instant Pot
      • No-Bake
      • Oven
      • Slow Cooker
      • Stovetop
    • Quick Meals
    • With Video
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • Start Here
    • Gluten-Free Eating
    • More Diet Guides
      • Autoimmune Protocol
      • Anti-Inflammatory
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
  • Cookbooks
  • Search
Home › Recipes › By Diet › Dairy-Free
★★★★★2 Comments

Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon

Avatar photo

by Lindsay Cotter Posted: November 1, 2021

Dairy-FreeEgg-FreeGluten-FreeGrain-FreeLow-CarbNightshade-Free
Jump to Recipe
maple bourbon glazed salmon pin

Delicious sweet and savory Bourbon Glazed Salmon perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This bourbon salmon recipe can be grilled, baked, or cooked in the air fryer for a nourishing meal everyone will love! Pair it with your favorite veggies, rice, quinoa, or even in tacos! 

close up image of maple bourbon glazed salmon topped with candied pecans on a cream speckled plate with side of roasted butternut squash and slightly charred edge lemon half.

The Perfect Pairings

Have you ever tried pairing bourbon with your favorite recipes? If not, you definitely should! Seriously y’all, it’s a game-changer when it comes to enhancing the flavor of foods. Whether you’re making Bourbon Chocolate Pumpkin Pie, chili, sweet potatoes, and more, there’s not much you can’t combine with bourbon for an out-of-this-world flavor. So, I figured why not try it with salmon? 

I didn’t just stop there, though! Oh no, I also added a hint of maple syrup, fresh juice, and roasted nuts for a slightly sweet warm flavor that reminds me of fall but is light enough to serve all year long. Let me introduce you to my new favorite recipe, maple bourbon-glazed salmon! Whether you’re feeding a crowd, cooking a romantic date night for two, or need something kid-friendly, this recipe has you covered! 

The Best Type of Salmon to Use 

three pieces of salmon on a wood plank

Did you know that not all salmon is created equal? Of course, no matter what type you use, all salmon is an excellent source of protein and contains healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. However, depending on where it comes from, each type of salmon has a slightly different nutrient profile and flavor. Check out this post for more details. 

However, for this maple bourbon salmon, I recommend sticking with a salmon-like Sockeye that has a slightly thinner (but sturdy) texture. It feels richer in flavor but is actually lighter in fat than Atlantic salmon. It’s also higher in omega 3 fatty acids. Unlike Atlantic salmon, Sockeye retains a flaky texture and shape while also providing a good source of healthy fats. Not to mention, it allows the notes of maple and bourbon to shine through.  

Nutrition Tip: Sockeye salmon has 4.7 grams of fat and 18 grams of protein per serving along with a variety of vitamins and nutrients. In fact, one serving of Sockeye salmon contains 80% of the daily recommended intake for vitamin B12!

How to Make Bourbon Glazed Salmon 

maple bourbon glaze in a sauce pan for topping on maple bourbon salmon

This recipe comes together in 2 parts by first preparing the glaze on the stovetop and then finishing up the salmon by broiling and baking! 

For the Glaze

  1. Combine the sweet and savory flavors for the perfect glaze. 
  2. Add the glaze ingredients except for the nuts in a saucepan on medium heat, and bring it to a boil. 
  3. Let them simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken. 
  4. Add nuts, and simmer for 5 more minutes. 
  5. Remove from heat, and let it thicken.
Pro Tip

Note: Your glaze will reach a syrup-like consistency and will reduce in amount by about ¼ the original amount.

How to Broil Salmon

two pieces of raw salmon in a skillet
two pieces of salmon marinading in a maple bourbon glaze with nuts on top

To start this bourbon salmon recipe, you’ll want to broil your fish! To do so, sprinkle it with salt and pepper, and add a light brush of glaze on top before placing it on a prepared sheet pan in the oven. 

Temperature: Preheat the broiler to 525 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Pro Tip

Baking Tip: Make sure not to use parchment paper when broiling at high temperatures! Use foil, or a greased baking pan instead. 

Location and Duration: Unlike other broiled recipes, you’ll want to place the sheet pan on the bottom rack of the oven 4 inches from the heating unit in order to prevent the glaze from burning. Then, let the salmon broil for 4 minutes. 

Finish by Baking

salmon marinading in a maple bourbon glaze

After 4 minutes in the broiler, remove the salmon from the oven, and follow the steps below to finish baking. 

  1. Brush the filets with 2 tablespoons of glaze, and place them back in the oven at 400 degrees for 6 minutes. 
  2. Remove from the oven, and top with the thickened maple bourbon glaze.

Is Bourbon Gluten Free? 

The short answer is, yes. The long answer is, well, not always. Understandably, there is some confusion as to whether or not bourbon is gluten free. The truth is that pure distilled bourbon is gluten free. Yes, even if it is made with wheat, barley, or rye! The distillation process removes all gluten from the alcohol. However, the issue occurs with varieties that have hidden flavorings or additives included after the distillation process. 

Glaze vs. Marinade: What’s the Difference? 

Often confused, glazes and marinades are not the same things! Often used on protein sources such as fish or chicken, marinades are meant to soak into the meat to add flavor. As a result, marinades often contain an acidic element such as lemon juice or vinegar to penetrate the meat and are used to submerge the protein anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours. 

Meanwhile, glazes are meant to be added on top of protein to help give them flavor without fully soaking through. Unlike marinade, glazes are most often fairly sweet and made with a syrup such as agave or maple. 

close up image of cooked salmon texture
Pro Tip

Pro-Tip: Don’t marinate your fish overnight! Unlike other protein sources, the acid in your marinade will break down the flesh of the fish making it tough.

Furthermore, flaky fish should not be marinated as long as firm fish, because it will cook faster in the marinade. For the best results, marinade small fish pieces for no more than 15-30 minutes and thick cuts of fish for no longer than 1 hour. 

How to Know when Salmon is Finished Cooking

No matter what kind of salmon is used or how you cook it, it will also have a few signs that indicate it is ready to be eaten and will be: 

  • Light pink or opaque in color
  • Flaky to the touch 
  • 145 degrees Fahrenheit when measured with a meat thermometer

Storage Options for Maple Bourbon Salmon

Whether you have leftovers from dinner or want to make extra portions for the week, this bourbon salmon recipe can be kept in either the fridge or freezer for a convenient meal. 

Fridge: Place the salmon in an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

Freezer: Store the salmon in a large freezer bag along with any additional glaze, press out as much air as possible, and keep the salmon in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

How to Serve this Bourbon Salmon Recipe

maple bourbon glazed salmon on a plate

The best part about this salmon is how versatile it can be! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it: 

  • In Pickled Baja Pineapple Fish Tacos
  • With your favorite grain such as quinoa, rice, or on top of of Paleo Pineapple Fried Rice
  • On a bed of greens, alongside your favorite veggies, or with a fun appetizer like Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes
Prep

More easy options to

Add Flavor to Your Seafood

  • Honey Chipotle Peach Salsa
  • Avocado Cranberry Salsa
  • Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce
  • 3 Spring Pesto Sauce Recipes

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
plated maple bourbon glazed salmon with roasted squash

Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon


★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 3–4 fillets 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

This Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon is made with 6 simple ingredients for a heart-healthy gluten free dinner in just 15 minutes!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • 3 Tablespoons pure bourbon whiskey (See blog about gluten free)
  • 4 Tablespoons apple juice or orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons honey mustard
  • 1 ¼ pound salmon fillets (around 16 ounces or 3-4 fillets)
  • 3 Tablespoons roasted nuts, chopped and salted
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine maple syrup, bourbon, apple juice, and mustard in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk together and bring to a boil. 
  2. Reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 10- 15 mins (stirring occasionally) until the glaze reaches a syrupy consistency and reduces by about ¼ the original amount. Meanwhile, prepare the salmon.
  3. Preheat the broiler to 525 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a baking sheet with foil or oil. Lightly sprinkle the salmon with salt and pepper, and place it on a broiler pan. Brush a small amount of glaze on top of the salmon.  Don’t worry if the glaze isn’t thick yet.
  4. Place the pan in the oven, and broil it 4 inches from the heat for 4 minutes. Remove the salmon from the oven.
  5. Brush each salmon fillet with an additional 2 Tablespoons of the glaze, and place them back in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes or until the center is no longer pink.
  6. While the salmon is baking, add nuts to the maple sauce, and simmer it an additional 5 minutes before removing it from the heat.
  7. Remove the salmon from the oven, and spoon the thickened pecan maple glaze on top before serving.

Notes

  • The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If the sauce is thin, don’t worry. It will thicken when removed from heat.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Meal
  • Method: Broil
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet with glaze
  • Calories: 255
  • Sugar: 10.6 g
  • Sodium: 155.9 mg
  • Fat: 8.7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12.3 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 25.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 57.9 mg

Keywords: gluten free, salmon, dairy free, fish, dinner, minimal ingredients

We have a new cookbook!

Allergy Friendly Recipes for Everyone Around The Table! Pre-order here

I hope you love this bourbon salmon recipe as much as I do! If you make it, let me know in the comments below! 

Cheers, 

LC

159 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Categories: Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Low-Carb, Main Dishes, Nightshade-Free, Oven, Stovetop Tags: diary free, dinner, gluten free, low carb, main course, salmon

More recipes you’ll love!

How to Make Shredded Chicken
bone-in chicken thighs with crispy skin in skillet with lemon slices and onions
Greek Herb Roasted Chicken with Charred Rosemary
woman's hand holding a vegan veggie burger
Freezable Vegan Veggie Burger Recipe {Soy Free}
5-Ingredient Coconut Flour Tortillas + Video
maple bourbon glazed salmon pin
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Have a question? Use ctrl+f or ⌘+f on your computer or the “find on page” function on your phone browser to search existing comments!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Sara turnoff

    11/01/2021 at 12:01 PM

    My kids devoured this! All three asked me to make it again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      11/02/2021 at 3:01 PM

      So glad the kiddos enjoyed!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

maple bourbon glazed salmon pin
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Reader Favorites

  • photo collage of dairy-free gluten-free anti-inflammatory meal plan recipes
    Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan {Dairy Free, Gluten-Free Recipes & Tips}
  • cinnamon bites in turquoise bowl, top protein ball has bite taken out to show inside texture.
    Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Breakfast Bites + Video
  • a bowl of curried cauliflower rice soup
    Curried Cauliflower Soup with Kale
  • Collage of 4 saucepans and skillets filled with 4 different varieties of gluten free roux.
    How to Make Gluten Free Roux for Keto Sauces + Soups
  • stack of dried orange slices on white background
    Dried Orange Slices (Oven or Dehydrator)
  • a skillet full of four balsamic roasted cranberry chicken thighs surrounded by roasted cranberries
    Balsamic Roasted Cranberry Chicken

Recipes by Diet

  • Dairy-Free
  • Egg-Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Grain-Free
  • Low-Carb
  • Nightshade-Free
  • Nut-Free
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Whole30

Recipes by Method

  • Air Fryer
  • Blender
  • Instant Pot
  • No-Bake
  • Oven
  • Slow Cooker
  • Stovetop

Recipes by Type

  • Breakfasts
  • Casseroles
  • Condiments
  • Desserts
  • Drinks
  • Main Dishes
  • Sides & Salads
  • Snacks & Apps
  • Stews & Soups

Resources & More

  • Meal Plans
  • Nutrition Guides
  • How-To
  • Quick Meals
  • Videos
  • Round Ups
  • Cookbook
  • GF Start Here
maple bourbon glazed salmon pin
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Cotter Crunch
  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Contact

© 2023 · Cotter Crunch · Disclaimer & Terms · Privacy Policy

159 shares