Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

If you’re looking for a delightful dish that will impress your family and friends, then Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is the perfect choice! This recipe combines the rich flavors of salmon with sweet, juicy peaches, creating a meal that feels special yet is simple enough for busy weeknights. Every bite is bursting with flavor thanks to the caramelized peach marinade, making this dish a staple in my home.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare while still feeling fancy. It’s great for everything from casual dinners to more festive occasions. Plus, the vibrant colors and aromas will make your kitchen feel warm and inviting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Family-Friendly: The sweetness from the peaches balances perfectly with the savory salmon, making it appealing to both kids and adults.
• Make Ahead: Marinate the salmon in advance! It’s a great way to save time on busy evenings.
• Gourmet Flair: The elegant presentation and unique flavor combination make it feel like a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that are easy to gather. Each one plays an important role in creating that irresistible flavor profile.

For the Marinade

• ¾ cup (240 g) peach preserves
• ¼ cup (56 g) bourbon
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon coarse ground mustard
• 2 teaspoons garlic, (minced)
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon filets, (about 1½ pounds, skins on)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium peaches, (pitted, thinly sliced)
• parsley, (for garnish)

Variations

This Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few variations you can try to mix things up:

• Swap the protein: If you’re not in the mood for salmon, try this marinade on chicken breast or tofu for a different twist!
• Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds when serving for an added texture contrast.
• Change up the fruit: Instead of peaches, experiment with nectarines or apricots for a unique flavor experience.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, add more red pepper flakes or even fresh chopped chili peppers to elevate the dish.

How to Make Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine peach preserves, bourbon, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This creates a flavorful marinade that will infuse your salmon with sweetness and spice. Remember to set aside half of it for later!

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

Place your salmon fillets in a resealable plastic bag and pour in the remaining half of your marinade. Seal it up tight and give it a gentle shake to coat all sides of the fish. Letting it marinate for at least 30 minutes—up to an hour—will help deepen those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F. This step ensures that your salmon will roast evenly once it’s in there.

Step 4: Sear the Salmon

In an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, add some olive oil until it’s hot. Carefully place your marinated salmon fillets skin side up into the skillet. This searing step not only adds color but also locks in moisture—giving you that beautiful golden crust we all love.

Step 5: Flip and Add Peaches

After about 2-3 minutes of searing until golden brown, flip those fillets so they’re skin side down. Now’s the time to add those lovely sliced peaches! Cooking them alongside allows their juices to mingle with the salmon while they slightly soften—yum!

Step 6: Pour Over Remaining Marinade

Remove your skillet from heat and pour in that reserved peach marinade over both the salmon and peaches. This step brings everything together beautifully before baking.

Step 7: Roast in Oven

Transfer your skillet directly into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Check at around 12 minutes; you’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked salmon.

Step 8: Serve Up!

Once cooked through, take your skillet out of the oven and serve this gorgeous roasted peach and salmon dish immediately. Garnish with parsley for that finishing touch!

And there you have it—your Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is ready to dazzle at dinner! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Creating a stunning Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is easy with these helpful tips!

• Choose fresh salmon: Fresh salmon not only tastes better but also has a firmer texture, which holds up well during cooking. Look for bright, firm fillets with no signs of browning.
• Marinate longer for deeper flavor: While 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating the salmon for up to an hour allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the fish, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
• Monitor cooking time closely: Salmon can dry out if overcooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness—145°F indicates perfectly cooked salmon that remains moist and flaky.
• Use a cast-iron skillet: If you have one, use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and excellent searing, which will help develop that lovely caramelization on both the salmon and peaches.
• Feel free to adjust spice levels: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the red pepper flakes. Conversely, add more if you like some heat—it’s all about personal preference!

How to Serve Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon

Presenting your Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon beautifully enhances its appeal and makes the dining experience even more delightful. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious main course.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds color and a hint of freshness that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
• Lemon wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side; a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances its richness beautifully.
• Toasted nuts: A handful of toasted almonds or pecans can provide a delightful crunch and additional flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet salmon and peaches.
• Roasted asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt makes for a simple yet sophisticated side that pairs wonderfully.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes offer comfort alongside the savory elements of the dish while soaking up any extra sauce from the salmon.
• Grilled corn on the cob: Sweet grilled corn on the cob brings out summer vibes and pairs beautifully with both peaches and salmon.

With these serving suggestions, your Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon will shine at any dinner table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily store leftovers or make it ahead of time for a quick, flavorful dinner.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cooked salmon and peaches to cool to room temperature.
• Place the leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap each salmon fillet tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped salmon and peaches in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. For best quality, consume within 1 month.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave on low power in short intervals until warm.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delightful dish!

Can I use another type of fruit instead of peaches for the Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon?

Absolutely! While peaches add a lovely sweetness, you can substitute them with nectarines, apricots, or even cherries. Just adjust the cooking time based on the fruit’s firmness.

What pairs well with Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon?

This dish is fantastic when served with a side of quinoa salad, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad. The flavors of peach and salmon complement grains and greens beautifully!

How do I know when my Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon is done?

The best way to check if your salmon is cooked through is to use a food thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Can I marinate the salmon longer than one hour?

Yes! If you wish to enhance the flavors further, you can marinate the salmon for up to 4 hours. Just avoid marinating beyond that to prevent the fish from becoming too soft.

Is Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon healthy?

Yes! This recipe is rich in omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon and includes fruit for added vitamins. It’s a nutritious option that’s still packed with flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon recipe as I was when I made it! It’s such a unique blend of flavors that will surely impress your family and friends. Cooking together can create wonderful memories, so gather your loved ones and enjoy this special dish. Happy cooking!