Print

Smoked Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon

smoked maple bourbon glazed salmon - featured image

A flavorful smoked salmon recipe glazed with a sweet and smoky maple bourbon sauce, perfect for an easy and impressive dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6 ounces (170 grams) each
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (2 g) smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) garlic powder
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Wood chips for smoking (optional, hickory or applewood)

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper to prepare the glaze. Set aside.
  2. Pat dry the salmon fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Preheat your grill or smoker to medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). If using a smoker, soak wood chips in water for 30 minutes before adding.
  4. Oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in olive oil and long tongs to prevent sticking.
  5. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill or smoker. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon starts to turn opaque halfway up the sides.
  6. Brush the salmon generously with the maple bourbon glaze using a basting brush. Flip the fillets carefully and brush the other side.
  7. Continue cooking for another 4-6 minutes, basting once or twice more, until the glaze is caramelized and salmon is cooked through but still moist (internal temperature about 125°F / 52°C for medium-rare).
  8. Transfer salmon to a plate and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and glaze to set.

Notes

Apply the glaze gradually in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning. Pat salmon dry before cooking for better glaze adhesion. If flare-ups occur, move salmon to a cooler part of the grill. Rest salmon after cooking to enhance moisture and flavor. Can be broiled or oven-baked if no grill or smoker is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked salmon, maple bourbon glaze, easy dinner, grilled salmon, smoky salmon, bourbon salmon, maple syrup glaze