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This Bourbon Peach Salmon is a delicious twist on your regular salmon dish! With juicy peaches and a hint of bourbon, it adds a sweet and tangy flavor that makes your taste buds dance.
Cooking salmon doesn’t get easier or tastier than this. I love how the fruit caramelizes perfectly while baking. It’s a fun way to impress friends and make weeknight dinners special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are perfect for this dish. You can substitute with trout or even chicken breast if you prefer poultry. Just adjust cook times accordingly.
- Peaches: Ripe peaches add flavor and sweetness. If they’re out of season, use canned peaches (drained) or substitute with nectarines for a similar taste.
- Bourbon: Bourbon gives a unique depth. If you don’t have it, try whiskey or even a non-alcoholic bourbon flavoring. Apple juice is a good alcohol-free substitute too.
- Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works well, but for a gluten-free version, switch to tamari. Coconut aminos also offers a similar taste with lower sodium.
- Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic bring great zest. If you’re in a hurry, use powdered versions, but fresh tastes best!
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can get it just right. Start with a medium-high heat to achieve a nice sear while keeping the inside juicy.
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances the base flavor.
- Heat olive oil until it shimmers in the skillet, indicating it’s hot enough, and then gently place the salmon in to avoid splattering.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. The fish should flake easily with a fork when it’s done.
- Let the salmon rest a minute off the heat. This helps the juices redistribute.
How to Make Bourbon Peach Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Salmon fillets: 4 (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Peaches: 2 ripe, thinly sliced
- Bourbon: 1/2 cup
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup
- Soy sauce: 1/4 cup
- Dijon mustard: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bourbon Peach Salmon dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- 1. Season the Salmon:
- Start by seasoning the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. This adds flavor to the fish which is essential for a tasty dish!
- 2. Cook the Salmon:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, gently add the salmon fillets to the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden and are cooked through. Once done, carefully remove the salmon from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- 3. Sauté the Peaches:
- In the same skillet, toss in the thinly sliced peaches. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they start to soften. The peach flavor will mix nicely with the remaining oil and flavors from the salmon!
- 4. Make the Bourbon Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, grated ginger, and apple cider vinegar until everything is nicely combined. This sauce will bring a sweet and savory taste to your dish!
- 5. Simmer the Sauce:
- Pour the bourbon mixture into the skillet with the peaches. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. The aroma will be incredible!
- 6. Combine and Heat:
- Now, return the sautéed salmon to the skillet. Spoon the sauce and peach slices over the top of the salmon. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes just to heat everything through and allow the salmon to absorb all those lovely flavors.
- 7. Garnish and Serve:
- Once done, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your Bourbon Peach Salmon with a side of rice or crisp salad for a delightful meal!
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Can I Use Another Type of Fish Instead of Salmon?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other firm-textured fish like trout or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as these fish may cook faster or slower than salmon.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Peaches?
No problem! You can substitute canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches (thawed) in the recipe. If using frozen, make sure to cook them a bit longer until heated through, as they may release extra moisture.
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How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the salmon and sauce in a skillet over low heat and warm gently, or use a microwave in short intervals to prevent overcooking.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute another type of fish?
Yes! Trout or halibut are great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the fish's thickness.
- → What if peaches are out of season?
You can use canned (drained) or thawed frozen peaches. Nectarines also work well as a substitute.
- → Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?
Yes, you can use apple juice or a non-alcoholic bourbon flavoring to achieve a similar sweet depth.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Try steamed rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad. Roasted vegetables also complement the flavors beautifully.