King Salmon with Maple-Bourbon Glaze

DifficultyBeginner

Succulent king salmon fillets brushed with a luscious maple-bourbon glaze and roasted until tender. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, giving a glossy finish with just the right hint of warmth and spice.

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Yields6 Servings
Prep Time20 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time40 mins
For the salmon
 2 lbs king salmon fillet, skin on, cut into 6 portions
 1 tbsp olive oil
 Salt & freshly ground black pepper
For the maple-bourbon glaze
 ½ cup pure maple syrup
 3 tbsp bourbon
 2 tbsp soy sauce
 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 ½ tsp ground ginger
 ½ tsp smoked paprika
 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Make the glaze
1
  1. In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, ginger, and smoked paprika.

  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

  3. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until glaze thickens slightly.

  4. Stir in lemon juice. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Prepare the salmon
2
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

  3. Place salmon portions skin-side down, brush lightly with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Roast with glaze
3
  1. Brush salmon generously with the maple-bourbon glaze.

  2. Roast for 12–15 minutes, basting halfway through with more glaze.

  3. For a caramelized finish, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end.

  4. Salmon should flake easily with a fork but remain moist inside.

Serve
4
  1. Transfer salmon to a platter or individual plates.

  2. Drizzle with extra glaze from the pan.

  3. Garnish with fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) and lemon wedges.

Serving Suggestions
5
  • Pair with wild rice pilaf, roasted Brussels sprouts, or glazed carrots.

  • Excellent with a buttery Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or a glass of bourbon on the rocks.

  • Works beautifully as a centerpiece for a Christmas Eve seafood menu.

Tips & Variations
6
  • Make-ahead: Glaze can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated. Warm gently before using.

  • Grill option: This recipe also shines on the grill; cook skin-side down and baste with glaze throughout.

  • Extra festive: Add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.

  • Alternative fish: Use Arctic char or steelhead trout if king salmon isn’t available.

Ingredients

For the salmon
 2 lbs king salmon fillet, skin on, cut into 6 portions
 1 tbsp olive oil
 Salt & freshly ground black pepper
For the maple-bourbon glaze
 ½ cup pure maple syrup
 3 tbsp bourbon
 2 tbsp soy sauce
 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 ½ tsp ground ginger
 ½ tsp smoked paprika
 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
King Salmon with Maple-Bourbon Glaze
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