Bourbon Glazed Salmon {Quick and Easy}

Glazing is one of the yummiest ways to cook salmon, and this Bourbon Glazed Salmon is the latest, greatest way to land a healthy serving of fish on your plate.

Brushing a sauce over salmon, then finishing it in the oven (the glaze + bake method) is versatile and near foolproof.

From Balsamic Glazed Salmon to Teriyaki Salmon, the flavor profile options are wide and will keep your dinner routine exciting.

Bourbon isn’t only for sipping—it’s lightly smoky, buttery flavor makes it an excellent ingredient for cooking too! (Just ask this Bourbon Chicken.)

Bourbon gives this maple glaze pizzaz, richness, and backbone.

It balances the brown sugar and keeps it from tasting too sweet.

Tip!

For more about salmon baking times and temperatures, check out my Salmon Temperature Guide.

Fish on a baking sheet with green onions

If you are new to cooking or eating fish, this is an excellent beginner fish recipe.

It’s easy. You don’t need to marinade the salmon in advance, unlike many of the bourbon salmon recipes I found online.
It’s foolproof. The worst thing you can do is overcook salmon. If you are new, Pan Seared Salmon might be a bit advanced, so I recommend starting with a baked salmon recipe like this one or my gold-standard Baked Salmon in Foil. It’s nearly impossible to mess up!
It’s DELISH. The sticky, lightly smoky maple glaze gives this recipe serious crowd appeal.

A plate of bourbon glazed salmon and broccoli

5 Star Review

“This recipe was very easy and so tasty! My husband who really doesn’t love salmon even approved. Thank goodness because I robbed his man cave for the bourbon!”
— Gail —

How to Make Bourbon Glazed Salmon

This bourbon salmon recipe is simple enough for a quick weeknight, while also tasting elevated enough for a special occasion.

For even more tips, check out this essential guide to How to Cook Salmon.

The Ingredients

Salmon. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and potassium, salmon is incredibly healthy. It’s also extremely versatile and pairs beautifully with the flavors in this bourbon maple glaze. Even fish skeptics will enjoy salmon’s mild flavor and light, flaky texture.
Bourbon. Warm, cozy and alluring, 8 tablespoons bourbon takes this salmon from basic to mouth-watering.

Substitution Tip

No bourbon on hand? Try a similar liquor like rum or cognac.

Leftover bourbon? Use it to make Bourbon Balls.

A baking sheet with a fillet of bourbon glazed salmon

Maple Syrup + Brown Sugar. Both add delicious sweetness that balances the other flavors and helps the glaze caramelize to perfection. Don’t skip the brown sugar; it’s necessary for the glaze to thicken.

Substitution Tip

For a different twist, swap the maple syrup in this recipe for the same amount of honey (I love it in this Honey Glazed Salmon). Again, don’t omit the brown sugar, as it’s key to reaching the right consistency. Honey will thicken more quickly than maple syrup, so keep an eye on the glaze as it cooks.

Worcestershire Sauce. A little savory, a little sweet, and lightly tangy. It gives the glaze depth.
Soy Sauce. For that irresistible umami goodness and to balance the sweetness (jus as it does my Miso Salmon recipe).

Dietary Note

To make this a gluten-free salmon recipe, use tamari instead of soy sauce (be sure to double check your other ingredient labels too).

Apple Cider Vinegar. Adds much-needed acidity and brightens up the glaze.

The Directions

Bring the glaze ingredients to a boil, stirring consistently. Remove the mixture from the heat.

Glaze being brushed on a piece of salmon

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and foil. Lay the salmon skin side down on the foil. Season with salt and pepper, then brush the glaze over the top.

A fillet of salmon with a maple bourbon glaze

Drizzle any remaining glaze on the salmon.

A sheet of aluminum foil on a baking sheet

Fold the aluminum foil over the salmon to create a sealed packet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes at 375 degrees F.

Open the foil packet. Place under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes. Garnish, cut into individual salmon fillets, and DIG IN!

Tip!

If the bourbon glaze in addition to the smokiness of a grill sounds irresistible to you, make grilled bourbon glazed salmon using the same method as in this Grilled Salmon in Foil while still using this bourbon glaze on the fish instead.

Equipment Note

Here are the best ways to tell when your salmon is done:

The best way to know salmon is done is to use an instant read thermometer like this one. The FDA recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Salmon (and other fish) will continue to “cook” as it rests after removing it from the oven. I usually remove my salmon between 135 and 140 degrees F, cover the salmon with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the fish to continue to rise to 145 degrees F.

Healthy bourbon glazed salmon with green onions

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate leftover salmon in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days.
To Reheat. Very gently rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F, in a small skillet on the stove, or enjoy at room temperature.

Leftover Ideas

Use leftover bourbon glazed salmon on a salad (this Caesar Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Crispy Chickpea Croutons would be tasty!). It would also be scrumptious mixed in with scrambled eggs, pasta, or rice (Homemade Fried Rice with salmon sounds delish!).

What to Serve with Maple Bourbon Salmon

Root Vegetables. Oven Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, and Roasted Carrots both pair nicely with fish.
Green Vegetables. Try Air Fryer Broccoli, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or Sautéed Cabbage.
Salad. Green salads Spinach Strawberry Salad and grain- or legume-based salads (like Roasted Vegetable Chickpea Salad) go well with salmon.
Grains. Try quinoa or Lemon Rice. For a low carbohydrate option, use cauliflower rice.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Baking Sheet. Enjoy bourbon glazed salmon whenever a craving strikes!
Instant Read Thermometer. The best way to make sure your salmon is cooked through.
Saucepan. Perfect for preparing the glaze.

The Best Baking Sheets

These baking sheets are heavy-duty, high-quality, and perfect for all your baking and roasting needs.

Get on AMazon

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Bourbon Should I Use for Cooking?

Any mid-range bourbon you enjoy mixed into cocktails works well for cooking. A few of my go-tos are Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, and Four Roses.

Can I Make Bourbon Glazed Salmon without Bourbon?

If you prefer to make a non-alcoholic version of this glaze, you could try substituting 1/8 cup of apple cider vinegar plus 1/2 cup apple juice in place of the bourbon.

What If I Prefer Not to Bake with Foil?

My recommendation is to line your foil with parchment paper. This will keep the fish from touching the foil, but you’ll still be able to form a packet to insulate the fish as it cooks.

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